Discover the serene beauty of Corniglia, a peaceful village nestled in the stunning landscapes of Cinque Terre. Join us as we explore its tranquil charm in our comprehensive guide to this idyllic coastal retreat.

The Cinque Terre, known as the "Five Lands", beckons travelers with its quintessential Italian charm. Nestled along the Ligurian coast, these picturesque villages have earned international acclaim for their pastel-hued houses, crystal-clear waters, and verdant cliffs. Despite their fame, Corniglia stands out for its commitment to preserving the slow-paced, authentic way of life, untouched by mass tourism.

In this guide, we delve into Corniglia, one of the jewels of Cinque Terre. From its narrow streets and charming squares to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, we uncover the best experiences this idyllic village has to offer. Join us as we craft a curated walking tour, revealing the hidden gems and must-see attractions that await in Corniglia's tranquil streets.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Laid-Back Town of the Cinque Terre. Unlike its bustling sisters, Corniglia is a quiet village that is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil and peaceful getaway. Perched on top of a rocky hill with no direct access to the sea and no swimming point, fewer tourists tend to visit this village, which allows for a more authentic and secluded experience. The smallest village of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia has managed to preserve its charm and authenticity due to its isolated location. It is a place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Italian countryside.

Despite its small size, Corniglia still offers plenty of things to see and do. The village is home to a number of charming cafés and gelaterias where you can enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. You can also explore the narrow, winding streets of the old town and discover the unique architecture and history of the village. In Corniglia, time seems to stand still and the pace of life is much slower than in the other Cinque Terre villages. It is the perfect spot for those who want to relax and recharge in a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, away from the crowds and noise of the other villages.

HISTORY

Corniglia’s origins date back to Roman times, and its name likely comes from the Roman family “Cornelius,” who may have once owned land in the area. Unlike the other Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia is built on a high cliff about 100 meters above the sea, which provided natural protection from pirate attacks during the Middle Ages. Because of this elevated position, Corniglia was considered the safest village along the coast.

Throughout the medieval period, Corniglia remained a small but strategic settlement. Its location made it less focused on fishing and more on agriculture, especially the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves. The village developed slowly compared to its neighbors but maintained a steady presence as part of the Cinque Terre’s network of coastal communities.

THE VILLAGE

Via Fieschi inevitably leads to the main square of the village: Largo Taragio. This is the central square of the village, with little cafés and restaurants where it is pleasant to take a short break in the shade, which is good, especially in the summer heat! On this square, you'll notice the Church of San Pietro which was built in the 14th century in Gothic style, with some Baroque elements.

At the edge of town, the atmosphere changes completely. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the colorful village, the clear blue sea, and the rugged coastline stretching out beyond. It’s the perfect place to pause, relax, and savor the dolce far niente — the sweet pleasure of doing nothing. This peaceful spot invites you to slow down and fully embrace the unhurried rhythm of life in Cinque Terre.

HIKING FROM CORNIGLIA

As previously mentioned, the five villages of the Cinque Terre are connected by hiking trails (marked with red and white paint), also known as the "Blue Trail" (Sentierro Azzurro), which have been used for centuries. In order to have access to these hiking trails, you need to either have the Cinque Terre Train Card (16 EUR per day per person; more information here) or buy the Cinque Terre Trekking Card  (7.50 EUR per day per person; more information here).

The hike from Corniglia to Vernazza is the wildest and the greenest section of the coast. It is very rewarding but also very steep! This itinerary is very popular with Cinque Terre tourists. If you decide to take this path, you are guaranteed picturesque views! You will pass through olive groves, vineyards and Mediterranean scrub. There is also a panoramic view of the famous village and its medieval tower from the trail near Vernazza. The hike is 3.2 km long and lasts approximately one hour and a half.

Travel Essentials

GETTING THERE

Located in the middle of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia may be reached from larger cities of the Italian Riviera, and more generally from all the major cities of Italy. Like the other villages of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is more easily accessible by rail. Unlike the other villages, the train station is located at the bottom of very long and steep stairs (385 steps); it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the village on foot, however, if you are not up for a little exercise, there is the possibility of going up with a shuttle bus (2.50 EUR or free if you have the Cinque Terre card). This may be one of the reason why the village is usually less crowded than its neighbors. Below you will find some information on how to get there by train:

• From Pisa: a stop in La Spezia is necessary, the trip lasts around an hour and a half and costs 12 EUR.
• From La Spezia: direct train line to the Cinque Terre; the trip lasts around 13 minutes and costs 4 EUR.
• From Genoa: direct train line to Corniglia; the trip lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs 10 EUR.
• From Sestri Levante: direct train line to Corniglia; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and costs 6 EUR.

The Cinque Terre Train Card is the card you need! This card costs 16 EUR per day per person and includes unlimited train rides in the Cinque Terre area AND access to all the hiking trails (more information here).

While it is possible to reach Corniglia by car, it is important to note that cars are not allowed in the village. Due to this restriction, traveling by car may not be the best option to reach these remote villages. In addition, the limited number of parking spots available can be a disadvantage for travelers coming by car, and the cost of parking is relatively high (about 2.50 EUR per hour and 25 EUR per day). However, for adventurous travelers who still decide to come to the Cinque Terre by car, below are some distances and approximate travel times from nearby cities: 114 km and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Pisa, 94 km and approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Genoa, 34 km and approximately 45 minutes from La Spezia, and 45 km and approximately 55 minutes from Sestri Levante.

EATING THERE

- Osteria A Cantina de Mananan: A charming and rustic spot with just a few tables. Try the lasagna al pesto or stuffed mussels. Make sure to call ahead, as it fills up quickly.

- Pan e Vin: This cozy wine bar and eatery offers local wines and tasty snacks like bruschetta, cheese boards, and focaccia with anchovies. Great for a relaxed evening drink.

- Alberto Gelateria: This gelateria is known for its homemade ice creams, which are considered by many to be the best in the Cinque Terre. In addition to traditional flavors, they offer unique flavors such as Miele di Corniglia, which is made from local honey.

FINAL THOUGHTS

And now it's your turn to let us know what your impressions about Corniglia were. Which of the five villages is your favorite? We look forward to reading your comments.

Tags: Italy