Manarola, known as Manaea in the local dialect, is a small town located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It is a frazione of the municipality of Riomaggiore and is renowned as one of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists. Despite being the second-smallest town in the area, it has a population of 353.

The village’s name may have originated from a large wheel, which is believed to be the source of its name. Manarola is considered to be the oldest among the Cinque Terre towns, with the church of San Lorenzo dating back to 1338. The local dialect spoken in Manarola, called Manarolese, differs slightly from the dialects spoken in the surrounding region. The name “Manarola” likely evolved from the Latin term “Magna rota,” which means “large wheel.” In the Manarolese dialect, it transformed into “Magna roea,” referring to the mill wheel in the town.

Fishing and wine-making have been the primary industries in Manarola throughout its history. The region is particularly famous for its local wine, Sciacchetrà, which has garnered praise even in ancient Roman writings for its exceptional quality. In recent years, Manarola and the neighboring towns have become popular tourist destinations, especially during the summer months. The area offers various tourist attractions, including the renowned walking trail known as Via dell’Amore (“Love’s Trail”) connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore, as well as hiking trails in the hills and vineyards surrounding the town. Manarola is one of the five villages comprising the Cinque Terre. The houses in Manarola are known for their vibrant and colorful appearances. Notably, Antonio Discovolo (1874–1956) immortalized Manarola in his paintings.