La Mala Manarola
by the TopOfHotel team
La Mala is a 5-room boutique with open Cinque Terre sea views — its 9.4/10 is the highest score on the list
La Mala is a 5-room boutique with open Cinque Terre sea views — its 9.4/10 is the highest score on the list
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
La Mala is the smallest place on this list — 5 rooms, set on the cliff above Manarola Harbor with open sea views and nothing built in front of them. The decor is modern Mediterranean, white and blue to match the Ligurian sea, with designer furniture. Every room has a private balcony facing the open water, and the bathrooms are done to a high standard with premium toiletries. One review line that keeps coming up: the room balcony beats the terraces of the fancy restaurants people had been to.
Food and amenities
With only 5 rooms, the owner and staff can pay close attention to each guest. Breakfast is homemade and served on the balcony, in private — homemade cake, local bread, fresh drinks, and seasonal fruit. The owner also helps set up sunset boat trips, sorts out the trail walks, and books the best local restaurants for you.
Location and getting there
It sits on the cliff on the north side of Manarola Harbor, a 7-minute walk up from the train station, near Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the classic village photo spot. By train it is 3 minutes to Riomaggiore, 6 minutes to Vernazza, and 10 minutes to Monterosso — the Cinque Terre Card is the best value for unlimited hops.
Things to know before booking
This is the priciest stay on the list, from about $300 a night and over $740 in peak season. It is also very hard to book — 5 rooms go fast, so reserve 6+ months ahead for the April to October window. And it is not ideal for families with young children: the small size and quiet, couple-focused feel suit pairs far more than kids.
Our take
La Mala is the pick for honeymooners and couples who want the most exclusive stay and the kind of personal service that is hard to find. The 9.4/10 says it plainly — if you can get a room, it is the number-one choice in Cinque Terre.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A 9.4/10 score — the highest in Manarola and close to the best in all of Cinque Terre.
- A boutique with only 5 rooms, so the service stays personal and the owner looks after guests directly.
- Open sea views from the balcony with no buildings in the way.
- A homemade breakfast served on the balcony — cake, fresh drinks, and seasonal fruit.
- The owner knows Cinque Terre well and can arrange sunset boat trips and hikes.
- The highest price on the list, from about $300 a night and over $740 in peak season.
- Very hard to book — the 5 rooms fill up fast, so reserve 6+ months ahead for April to October.
- Not ideal for families with young children.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Cinque Terre
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Cinque Terre — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
See activities in Cinque TerreAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insider Tips
- Book 6+ months ahead for April to October — the 5 rooms go fast.
- Ask for breakfast on your own balcony — about the most romantic setup in Cinque Terre.
- Have the owner book a sunset Cinque Terre boat tour — better value than booking it online.