Cinque Terre Towns: Corniglia Italy
- Laura
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
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With more grit than gloss, Corniglia sits on a rocky headland overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Corniglia is linked to the Cinque Terre towns of Vernazza and Manarola by the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). Read our Corniglia Italy guide to learn where to stay, eat, and play in this clifftop hideaway.
Full of courtyards, alleys, crumbling walls, and phenomenal views, Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre towns that is not a port. The village is perched 100 meters above the sea. To reach Corniglia, most visitors will climb the “Lardarina,” a winding 382-step staircase that links the train station to the village (or take a shuttle bus).
Although still popular with tourists, Corniglia’s location makes it a bit quieter and less crowded than its sister Cinque Terre towns. Hikers, photographers, and those who enjoy a quieter pace, will likely connect with Corniglia. The village is tiny, but fascinating to wander. Use our Corniglia Italy guide to organize your time.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
WHERE IS CORNIGLIA ITALY
The Cinque Terre National Park (Five Lands) includes the towns of: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The villages are connected by rail service, hiking trails, and roads. Located in northwest Italy, the Cinque Terre towns are a UNESCO protected region in the Italian Riviera.
ABOUT CORNIGLIA – CINQUE TERRE
Corniglia originated as a Roman settlement in the 11th century. The village’s name is from the Roman vineyard of “Cornelio.” Today, although tourism drives its economy, Corniglia’s agricultural base remains strong. The town is surrounded by terraced gardens that support wine and olive oil production.
WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE – CORNIGLIA ITALY HOTELS
While visiting the Cinque Terre towns, we recommend at least one overnight stay. Experiencing the region in the early morning and late afternoon – before and after the crush of mid-day crowds – allows you to experience the area in a more natural and authentic state.
Corniglia would be a great choice if you prefer a low key setting. There are some terrific restaurants and small guest houses from which to choose. Corniglia does not have any large resorts or a bustling nightlife. Check out these Corniglia Italy hotels:
Ostello di Corniglia - affordable hostel accommodations
B&B Casa Vacabze Uk Gatto - two room apartment
Cecio 5 Terre Rooms - hotel with courtyard dining
HOW TO GET TO CINQUE TERRE & CORNIGLIA
It takes a bit of planning to get to the Cinque Terre towns. Most visitors will launch into the villages through the transportation hubs of neighboring La Spezia (to the south) or Levanto (in the north). Travel to the region:
By Airplane: Fly into Milano, Genova, or Pisa. Then, take the train to La Spezia. Click here to explore flights to destinations in northern Italy.
By Rail Service: Buy a ticket to La Spezia Centrale Station (or Levanto) from anywhere in Italy. Next, board the local Cinque Terre train to the Corniglia. At the Corniglia train station there is a Welcome Center where you can pick up maps and purchase Cinque Terre Cards. Click this link to explore train tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
From the train station, take the Lardarina staircase to town. Or, if you have luggage, pay to take the local shuttle bus. Once you reach town, the terrain is relatively flat, but there are still many stairs to navigate. Arrange for porter services if mobility is an issue.
By Car: From La Spezia or Levanto follow the road signs to Le Cinque Terre - Corniglia. Be aware: The roads are windy and narrow, and only local traffic is allowed in the villages. Just outside the entrance to the village, there is one for-pay parking lot with about 60 spaces.
Although you can drive to Corniglia, we recommend you do not. Rather, park your rental car at the train station in La Spezia or Levento and take the local train to Corniglia. Click here to explore car rentals in Italy.
GETTING AROUND MANAROLA & THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
Corniglia is a small, walkable village. The best way to navigate its narrow alleys and many stairs is by foot. Stone walkways can be crumbly; wear sturdy footwear. Corniglia is directly linked to the villages of Vernazza and Manarola via the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) in the Cinque Terre National Park trail system.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
If coordinating train time tables and ferry schedules is not your cup of tea, consider taking an organized tour to Corniglia, and the other Cinque Terre towns. Guided tours with included transportation depart from many northern Italian cities. Here are some tours to Cinque Terre National Park:
THINGS TO DO IN CINQUE TERRE ON YOUR CORNIGLIA STAY
Hike a section of the Cinque Terre National Park’s famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro). We suggest a trek from: Corniglia to Vernazza: 2.1 miles, 1.5 hours, moderately challenging or Corniglia to Manarola: 1.7 miles 1 hours, moderately challenging. Or, try this hiking tour: Cinque Terre Trek & Tour.
Visit each of the five villages. Try these Cinque Terre tours: Walking Tour with Food & Wine Tastings or Cinque Terre Private Guided Walking Tour
Glide across the Ligurian Sea by ferry, zodiac, or catamaran. Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre boat tours: Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour, Cinque Terre by Sea with Local Wine, Cinque Terre Boat Tour Experience
Experience the terraced vineyards and sample the local wine. Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre wine tours: Manarola Wine Tasting with Maria, BarCa Winery Trekking, Wine Tasting, & Pesto, or Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Lie out on the beach in Monterosso. Enjoy this beach excursion: Boat Tour with Swim Stops at Secluded Beaches
Sunbathe on the rocks and watch the cliff jumpers in Manarola.
Enjoy the sunset at La Posada in Corniglia. Or, enjoy another sunset tour: Sunset Cinque Terre Boat Tour; Sunset Cruise with Aperitif from Monterosso
Discover the chapels and sanctuaries of the Cinque Terre towns. In Corniglia visit the Chiesa di San Pietro and the Oratory of Santa Caterina churches.
Try a kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving outing. Here is a sample of water sport tours: Paddleboarding at Sunrise or Sunset; Cinque Terre Kayak Tour with Snorkeling; and Marine Biology & Snorkeling Tour
Climb to Doria Castle in Vernazza for amazing sea views
CORNIGLIA ITALY RESTAURANTS
These are the restaurants in Corniglia we think you will enjoy:
Ristorante La Posada- seafood, pastas, salads, steaks; beautiful views in garden setting
A Cantina da Mananan – traditional, homestyle cooking with classic Italian dishes
Terza Terra – cocktails, cheese, salami, salads: outdoor seating with phenomenal views
Tratorria La Lanterna – Seafood, meat, salads, pasta; outdoor seating in historic courtyard
CORNIGLIA - CINQUE TERRE MAP
CINQUE TERRE WEATHER
Corniglia, and the other Cinque Terre towns, experience mild Mediterranean winters (50s ‘F) and hot summers (80s ‘F). The rainiest months are October, March, and April. From November to February (winter) is when many businesses and hiking trails close for refurbishment.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE – CORNIGLIA
The transition months of May, June, and September are the best months to visit Corniglia, and the other Cinque Terre towns. During these months, the weather is warm, hiking trails are open, and crowds are not at peak level.
TIP: To avoid peak crowds, refrain from visiting in July and August or during weekends, holidays, and major events. Check the Cinque Terre events calendar before deciding on your travel dates.
Enjoy the angular alleys and lovely views in Corniglia, Laura and Randy
For more information on an Italy itinerary to the Cinque Terre towns read our travel blog posts on:
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