Manarola is a small town situated in the province of La Spezia within the Liguria region of Northern Italy. It functions administratively as a frazione, or subdivision, of the comune of Riomaggiore. Geographically, it forms part of the famous Cinque Terre coastal area, characterized by its dramatic cliffside setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The village is recognized as one of the five primary villages that constitute this historic and scenic stretch of coastline.

The town may be the oldest among the Cinque Terre settlements, with historical evidence pointing to the thirteenth century. The cornerstone of the local church, San Lorenzo, dates from 1338, marking a significant early development in the community's history. The name Manarola likely evolved from the Latin phrase Magna rota, which became Magna roea in the local dialect, meaning large wheel and referring to a mill wheel in the town. This etymological origin highlights the historical importance of milling in the area's early development.

The village is defined by its bright and colorful houses clustered along the steep slopes above the bay. A notable landmark is the church of San Lorenzo, located at the top of the hill, accessible via a road that was once a stream with bridges similar to those in Venice. The area features an old water wheel halfway up the ascent. During World War II, residents utilized an underground tunnel near the train station for protection, which now houses an art gallery displaying oil paintings and watercolors of the Cinque Terre towns.

Manarola attracts visitors through its rich cultural traditions and stunning natural beauty. The local wine, Sciacchetrà, is renowned, with ancient Roman writings noting the high quality of regional production. A unique tradition is the Presepe di Manarola, a luminous nativity scene created by Mario Andreoli using thousands of lights on recycled materials, consecrated in 2007 as the largest in the world. The village also features a luminous Via Crucis during Easter and hosts the Festa di San Lorenzo. Tourists frequently walk the Via dell'Amore trail connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore.

The population of Manarola is recorded as 353, making it the second-smallest of the Cinque Terre towns. Its traditional economy relied on fishing and wine-making, though it has become a popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer months. Access is provided by the Manarola railway station on the Genoa–Pisa line, with connections from Pisa and Genoa. Visitors can obtain day passes for train travel between Levanto and La Spezia, facilitating exploration of the park and surrounding hiking trails in the hills and vineyards.