14 Gravity-Defying Cities Perched on Cliffs and Mountainsides

9. Manarola, Italy: A Cinque Terre Gem

Manarola is one of the five villages that make up Italy's famed Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning coastal beauty and its colorful, cliffside villages. Manarola is the oldest of the five villages, with its origins dating back to Roman times. The village is a maze of narrow streets and brightly colored houses that seem to cling precariously to the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Manarola is renowned for its wine, particularly the sweet Sciacchetrà, which has been produced here for centuries. Visitors can explore the village's historic church, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Salute, or take a hike along the Via dell'Amore, a scenic path offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Manarola is a place where the beauty of the natural world and the charm of Italian culture come together in perfect harmony.