Once you are in Manarola, be sure to take the time to hike through the Manarola vineyards; it will be an experience to remember. Just head to the top of town where the church is located and find the wooden railing that is only 20 yards or so below the church. This is the starting point for a beautiful walk through the vineyards at the top of the city.
You’ll experience the beauty of gorgeous lemon trees and wild red valerian (a relative of the herb we use to make the drug Valium!). And don’t forget to take the time to smell the heavenly scent of rosemary as you make your way down the road.
Notice the wonderful fine workmanship of the region’s famous dry stone walls that underpin the beautifully crafted vineyards found throughout.
At this point, notice that the road turns into an S. This is where a river once ran through the city. Today, that old and ancient riverbed has been covered and turned into a road. But long ago, it provided a place to collect water, wash clothes, and chat with neighbors.
The Manarola Vineyard trail ends at a T-intersection. Turning right you reach the trail that leads to another of the Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia. If you decide to turn left on the T, you will begin the descent back to the main part of Manarola.
If you choose to return to the city, on the way you will have the opportunity to make a short detour and visit the local cemetery. Why do you ask? By sight! It is the best view of the sea and you will be glad you did. May we all rest in peace in such a beautiful area! The cemetery is located in Punto Bonfiglio, where you will find a park and a bar to rest and have a small snack.
A little more about the church: Today, it serves as a religious and community gathering place, but in older times, the bell tower was used as a post to guard possible pirate raids. Legend has it that on stormy nights the bell could be heard ringing. However, no one ever knew who was ringing the bell. But that’s not even the biggest mystery. The huge silver bell disappeared and no one has been able to figure that out and give an answer as to how it happened.
There is so much to do in Cinque Terre, whether you like to hike, taste new wines, or delve into the amazing fresh fish recipes that each Cinque Terre town has to offer, it will be a pleasurable experience you can never forget, but what Whatever you decide to do, make sure to always respect the locals. It is their home and they have invited the world to see and experience it.