Follow this part of the trail
8 articles
There is no single annual 'Cinque Terre wine festival' in Manarola, but the village is the heart of the region's wine culture. Taste Cinque Terre DOC whites and Sciacchetrà, meet winemakers at Cantina 5 Terre or Cantina Marinella, and plan your visit around the grape harvest.
Plan your visit around Manarola's authentic village celebrations, from the San Lorenzo procession on August 10 to the Festa dell'Assunta on August 15, and learn how to respectfully witness these traditions.
The Presepe di Manarola is a spectacular illuminated Nativity scene spread across the hillside. To capture its full beauty, you need to know the best viewpoints. From the convenient main square to the elevated trail with its three viewing areas, this guide explains each spot, the steps involved, and the safety considerations for visiting after dark.
Discover the magic of Manarola's illuminated nativity scene. Learn how this hillside art installation came to be, when to see it glow, and where to stand for the best view.
The Presepe di Manarola is a hillside nativity scene that lights up the terraced vineyards above Manarola each winter. Discover its typical season, daily lighting hours, best viewpoints, and practical tips for visiting this beloved Cinque Terre tradition.
Every Christmas, the hillside above Manarola glows with thousands of lights in the Presepe di Manarola, one of the world's largest nativity scenes. Its story begins in 1961 with a promise made by a retired railwayman named Mario Andreoli, whose handmade figures and dedication have turned a family vineyard into a symbol of community faith. Learn the history and meaning of this beloved Cinque Terre tradition before you visit.
Every August 10, the village of Manarola honors its patron saint, San Lorenzo, with processions and a blessing of the sea. This guide helps travelers understand the traditions, the legendary falling stars, and how to plan a respectful visit to the Cinque Terre during this intimate religious feast.
Sciacchetrà is a rare, amber passito wine made from partially dried grapes grown on the steep terraces of Cinque Terre. In Manarola, you can taste it at charming cantinas like Cantina Buranco and Nessun Dorma, often after a short vineyard walk. The harvest runs from September to October, making autumn the ideal time for a visit.
