Manarola is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cinque Terre, and it offers a wealth of memorable tours and experiences that go beyond just admiring the views. Whether you’re interested in learning how to make authentic pesto, sampling local wines in a sensory experience, or capturing your visit with a professional photoshoot, there’s something here for everyone. We especially love the Authentic Pesto Cooking Class for its hands-on approach and genuine connection to local culinary traditions, as well as the Sensorial Wine Tasting, which turns tasting into a multi-sensory journey. These experiences give visitors a closer look at what makes Manarola special — from its food to its wine — all with the guidance of local experts.
If you’re wondering which experience suits your style, our list below covers a range of interests and budgets. From culinary classes to vineyard walks and professional photos, each offers a unique way to learn about this charming seaside village.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a selection of the best tours and experiences in Manarola. We cover a cooking class that teaches you how to prepare authentic Italian pesto, a sensory wine tasting in a historic cellar, a vineyard tour with wine tasting led by a sommelier, and a professional photoshoot to capture your memories. Each offers a different way to experience the region — whether through taste, sight, or learning. For more details, check out these experiences: Authentic Pesto Cooking Class, Sensorial Wine Tasting, Wine Experience and Tour, and Photoshoot with a Local Photographer.
1. Authentic Pesto cooking class in Manarola at Cinque Terre
Starting with our favorite, this pesto cooking class offers a genuine taste of local culinary traditions. Led by a chef who grows all the ingredients herself, you’ll learn how to grind fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil using a mortar and pestle — a traditional technique that pre-dates modern blenders. The class lasts about an hour and includes tasting your pesto spread on homemade focaccia with a glass of crisp white wine.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to take the recipe home and replicate it in your own kitchen. The instructor shares stories about the history of pesto, making it more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a cultural exchange. The intimate setting, often in a cozy kitchen, makes it feel like cooking with friends rather than a formal class. Reviewers praise the experience as “like learning from a family member” and highlight the delicious pesto, the charming host, and the chance to connect with locals.
Bottom Line: If you love authentic Italian food and want a hands-on activity that leaves you with a new skill, this pesto class is a top choice. It’s perfect for budding home chefs or anyone eager to bring a piece of Italy home.
2. Sensorial wine tasting in Manarola, Cinque Terre
For around $86.64, this sensorial wine tasting offers a different perspective on regional wines. Set in a historic and beautifully preserved wine cellar, the experience involves more than just drinking wine — it engages all your senses. The tasting combines smell, sight, and taste in a darkened room with atmospheric music, heightening your appreciation of each sip.
Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, you sample three half-glass pours of Cinque Terre white wine, complemented by snacks. The darkness and music create an immersive environment that helps you focus on the wine’s aroma, texture, and flavor. Reviewers note the deep knowledge of the staff and mention how this experience provides insight into the land and the unique qualities of Cinque Terre wines.
Bottom Line: If you’re a wine lover seeking a memorable, sensory-rich experience, this wine tasting in a historic cellar is an excellent choice. It combines education, atmosphere, and local flavor in a compact session.
3. Cinque Terre-Manarola: Wine Experience and Tour in Vineyard
At number three, this vineyard walk and wine tasting offers a chance to explore the vineyards themselves. Led by a local sommelier, you’ll learn about the history of Cinque Terre wine production while wandering through the terraced vineyards that cling to the cliffs. This 1.5-hour tour typically starts with a walk through the vineyard, discussing grape varieties and cultivation methods, then transitions into a tasting of regional wines.
This experience is ideal for those interested in agriculture and winemaking as well as tasting. The highlight is the chance to see the landscape up close and understand how the unique terrain influences the flavors of the wine. The guide’s expertise makes this not just a tasting, but a mini-lesson on the region’s viticulture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to connect with the land and learn about local winemaking practices, this tour combines education with stunning views.
4. Cinque Terre: Photoshoot with a Local Photographer
Finally, for those wanting a lasting memory, the photoshoot experience offers a 30-minute session in one of the Cinque Terre villages with a professional photographer. The photographer knows the best scenic spots and will guide you to capture beautiful images amid the colorful houses, narrow streets, and seaside vistas.
This experience is ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers who want high-quality professional photos without the hassle of figuring out where to pose. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your surroundings while the photographer takes care of the perfect shot. The reviews highlight how this is a fun way to remember your trip in style, especially for those who don’t want to worry about taking selfies or managing a camera.
Bottom Line: If you want stunning keepsakes and a stress-free photoshoot, this is a great way to document your visit and enjoy the scenery without lifting a finger.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When deciding which experience best suits your trip, consider your interests, budget, and time. The pesto cooking class is perfect for food lovers eager to learn a new skill and enjoy a cozy, authentic atmosphere. If your focus is on wine and local flavors, the sensorial tasting or vineyard tour offer deeper insights into Cinque Terre’s wine heritage, with the latter providing a scenic walk through the vineyards. For capturing memories, the photoshoot is a fun, low-effort way to get professional pictures in a stunning setting.
Budget-wise, the pesto class offers a hands-on experience at around $96, while the wine tasting experiences, priced between $86 and the unspecified vineyard tour, offer more of a taste of regional tradition. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Manarola offers a rich mix of culinary, wine, and photographic experiences that can enrich your visit beyond just sightseeing. For those who want to learn how to make authentic pesto, the Pesto Cooking Class is ideal. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the sensorial tasting or the vineyard tour, both offering an authentic taste of local flavors. And if memorable photos are your goal, the Photoshoot with a Local Photographer provides beautiful keepsakes.
Each experience highlights a different facet of Manarola — from its food to its landscapes. Consider your interests and time constraints, and book early to ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic adventures. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to take home more than just photos — you’ll have stories and skills to cherish.