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Traveling to Cinque Terre and planning to visit Corniglia? Find out all the info you need in this guide, with all the best things to do in Corniglia, where to stay, and more.

Corniglia stands out as the most discreet village of the Cinque Terre, as it’s not easily accessible to travelers. In fact, Corniglia is perched high up and is the only village without direct access to the sea. But this remote location only adds to its charm.

Why my wife Nes, we had the chance to visit it and feel its authenticity, and I’m glad to share our experience and my photos with you.

Without further due, let me explain why you should climb 382 steps to reach it!

 

Where is Corniglia?

Corniglia is part of the Cinque Terre and is located in the North West of Italy, between Genoa and Pisa in the Liguria region. It’s the center village of the Cinque Terre, located between Vernazza and Manarola.

 

map of corniglia cinque terre italy

 

Corniglia is a must-see village in any good Cinque Terre itinerary. As you stroll through the village, you will discover some interesting heritage treasures while enjoying the local lifestyle and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean coast.

 

Is Corniglia Worth Visiting? 

Honestly, Corniglia is not my favorite village out of the 5. But I really appreciated visiting it because it offers something different compared to the others. So yes, Corniglia is definitely worth visiting! 

Like the other villages, Corniglia has a cute little historic center with picturesque architecture worth strolling. But for me, what makes it a must is the outstanding views it offers. Sure, you’ll need to climb the stairs or ride the mini-bus, but no other village offers such views.

For wine lovers, you can’t miss Corniglia as the town produces its own white wine in a unique setting. And of course, you can taste it! 

If you’re not convinced yet, then you should keep reading!

 

What to do in Corniglia

When we arrived at the train station, we spent a few minutes enjoying the view. The tracks are right next to the sea! If you look to your left when facing the sea, you’ll even see Manarola in the distance.
 

Unlike the other villages of the Cinque Terre, the train doesn’t drop you off directly into the village. Because the village is built on a cliff, you have to climb to reach it.

 

1. Climb the Lardarina

corniglia cinque terre
 
It starts with a 5 minutes walk along the train tracks, to reach the stairs called the Lardarina. The stairs are made of 382 steps, and they are pretty steep, going up the cliff in switchbacks.

I have to be honest, but seeing the stairs from a distance makes you question if you truly want to go to Corniglia!

We decided to climb them anyway, and we were right to do so. We were rewarded with superb views over the bay of Cinque Terre and reached the picturesque village.

 

2. Discover the village

corniglia cinque terre italy full village
 
When you reach the top of the Lardarina, a short 5 minutes walk will take you to the center of the village, where you’ll have a nice view of all the colored houses. There, you can enter the village and explore the quaint streets.

There are a few sights not to miss in the village, like the San Pietro Church. Built in the 14th century, this church is typical of the Ligurian Gothic style. And although its facade is sober, the interior is richly decorated with paintings, marble, and sculptures that are well worth a look.

 

3. Chase the sea views

 
If you go all the way to the end of the village, you’ll reach a nice viewpoint, with a view over the sea. You’ll also reach the very long flight of stairs to go down to the sea if you feel like it.

To get the best view of the village itself, you’ll need to keep going on the main road (Via Stazione), heading north.

Right in front of the CECIO Ristorante Camere, you’ll find stairs, heading down into the fields. Take the stairs, and to your left, you’ll have the best view!

 

4. Check out the vineyards of Corniglia

 
The promontory supporting Corniglia is surrounded by terraced vineyards on nearly every side. In case you didn’t know, the entire region has a rich wine-growing tradition, dating back to Roman times!

These lovely vineyards only add to the beauty and unique charm of the area. It’s possible to taste the white wine produced here called the Vernaccia di Corniglia.

 

5. Go on a hike

corniglia cinque terre from above
 
To fully appreciate the charm of Corniglia and the Cinque Terre, there’s nothing better than hiking! The region offers a plethora of trails, often hugging the cliffs, immersing you completely in its breathtaking landscapes.

It’s precisely when you visit Corniglia that you’ll have the chance to enjoy them to the full. Corniglia’s central position makes it the hub for a dense network of hiking trails connecting to the neighboring villages. The most famous of them is the popular Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) which links all the villages together.

Just make sure to wear proper walking shoes. The trails aren’t particularly difficult, but they’re quite hilly, and the path is rocky sometimes.

 

6. Enjoy the beach 

While the village isn’t directly on the sea, this doesn’t mean there are no beaches in Corniglia!

In fact, you can go for a swim by walking down to the base of the cliff, where you’ll find a small pebble beach, the Spiaggione di Corniglia.

It may not be the biggest beach in Cinque Terre, but it’s a hidden gem with almost no tourists. So depending on the season you visit Cinque Terre, it can be a good idea to hike to the beach for a peaceful swim.

Want to bathe in Cinque Terre? Choose your spot through this guide of the best Cinque Terre beaches.  

 

corniglia with access to the sea

 

How to Get to Corniglia

To get to Corniglia and the Cinque Terre, the best choice is to fly to either Genoa, Florence, or Pisa.

Which city to fly to depends on where you can get the cheapest flight! Personally, I found a very cheap flight to Pisa (30€ round trip from Paris) so I flew to Pisa.

Once you’re in Italy, simply take the train to reach the village. The train system in Italy is very developed, and tickets are cheap!

A train ticket from Pisa to Corniglia costs between 10€ and 20€ in 2024. Of course, like everywhere else, the earlier you book the cheaper! The whole journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, with a connection in the town of La Spezia. 

If you’re already in the Cinque Terre, getting from one village to the other is easy. Just go to the train station, buy a ticket there (2.40€ in 2024), and hop on the train. It takes around 3 minutes to go from one village to the next.

Book your train tickets here: Trenitalia

 

corniglia cinque terre from above
 

Tips for Visiting Corniglia

To help you make the most out of your trip to Corniglia, you can find below a few tips:

  • Wear proper shoes because hiking in Cinque Terre, especially all the steps of Corniglia can be challenging
  • If you don’t feel like climbing the 382 steps, you can take a shuttle from the train station for 1.50€ (included in the Cinque Terre Card)
  • To get the best view of the village itself, go down the stairs in front of the CECIO Ristorante Camere

 

Where to Stay in Corniglia

Ready to make Corniglia your home base for your stay in the Cinque Terre? Here are the best accommodations in Corniglia according to your travel style: 

✅ Best Hotel – Residenza Solferino: This beautiful property is located close to the beach and provides big rooms, large enough to fit families, and nice amenities in a clean and neat decor. 

⭐️ Luxury Pick – Luxury Penthouse Sea View: This holiday villa is simply outstanding! Of course, everything is comfy and beautifully decorated with great facilities. But what makes it exceptional is the breathtaking sea view it offers from its terrace. 

Not satisfied with this selection? Then check out this full guide of the best hotels in Corniglia to get even more options. 

 

🔍 Read More: 

Planning a trip to the Cinque Terre? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of Italy to help you plan your trip: 

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to Corniglia and the Cinque Terre! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.