Corniglia, the most charming of Italy’s Cinque Terre villages, is a quaint little gem with narrow walkways, closely packed medieval buildings, ancient churches, colorful shops, and a handful of cafes and delis. This pleasant old-world village, while not directly on the harbor and offering somewhat less grand sea views than its neighboring villages, is a cozy little community perched atop a hillside.
Getting to Corniglia
Upon arriving at the train station, visitors have a few options for reaching the village:
- Climb the Lardarina, a set of 33 flights of brick stairs (approximately 380 zig-zagging steps)
- Follow the long, winding road up to the village on foot
- Take a ride with the local bus taxi for €2 per person, one-way
Unless you have an abundance of energy and no luggage, it’s recommended to spend a few euros on a bus ride. It’s less challenging and much quicker, especially when time and energy are limited.
Location and Size
Corniglia, likely named after a Roman family who once owned the land, is the most centrally located of the ‘five lands,’ situated midway between Monterosso and Vernazza on one side and Manarola and Riomaggiore on the other. It is also the smallest of the villages and has no main beachfront.
Points of Interest
As you walk through this hillside hamlet, you’ll likely come across a few points of interest:
The Church of St Peter
This 14th-century church, constructed on the site of an 11th-century place of worship, was commissioned by the noble Fieschi family. It features a Baroque interior and an exterior that reflects Ligurian Gothic architecture. The church’s large rose window, dating back to around 1351, is made of Carrara marble.
Oratory of the Disciplinati of Saint Catherine
Located in Largo Taragio, Corniglia’s main square, this 18th-century building served as the meeting hall for the Confraternity of St Catherine.
Santa Maria Belvedere
At the end of Via Fieschi, the main road through Corniglia, lies Santa Maria Belvedere, the former site of the church of Santa Maria. This lookout point offers a fabulous view of the Ligurian Sea and is a great spot for a picnic.
Food and Refreshments
While we don’t have any specific restaurant recommendations due to our limited time in Corniglia, we did come across a great little deli/grocery that offers wonderful options for picnicking or a quick snack on the go. Their selection includes:
- Fresh fruit
- Reasonably priced sandwiches
- Olives
- Deli meats
- Cheeses
- Pesto
- Pastas
This is also where we found refreshing, ice-cold bottled water.
Exploring Corniglia on Foot
The best way to experience Corniglia’s charm is by wandering through its narrow streets and alleyways. Take your time to appreciate the colorful buildings, ancient architecture, and local shops. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the views of the surrounding hillsides and the Ligurian Sea.
Hidden Gems
Keep an eye out for hidden gems as you explore the village. You might stumble upon a small chapel, a quaint little shop, or a cozy cafe tucked away in a side street. These unexpected discoveries add to the magic of Corniglia.
Interacting with Locals
Engage with the friendly locals whenever possible. They can offer valuable insights into the village’s history, culture, and daily life. You might even get some insider tips on the best places to eat or the most scenic spots to visit.
Corniglia’s Unique Atmosphere
Compared to the other Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia has a more laid-back and intimate atmosphere. Its location atop a hillside, away from the main beachfront, contributes to its quiet and peaceful ambiance. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic experience of the Cinque Terre.
Ideal for Slow Travel
Corniglia’s size and atmosphere make it perfect for slow travel. Take your time to soak up the village’s charm, enjoy a leisurely meal, or simply sit and watch the world go by. This approach allows you to truly appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this unique destination.
A Photographer’s Dream
With its picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and stunning views, Corniglia is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture the village’s beauty through your lens.
Corniglia as a Base for Exploring the Cinque Terre
Corniglia’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the other Cinque Terre villages. With regular train connections to Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, you can easily visit each village and experience their unique charm.
Hiking Trails
The Cinque Terre is famous for its scenic hiking trails that connect the villages. From Corniglia, you can embark on hikes to the neighboring villages, taking in the breathtaking views of the coastline and terraced hillsides along the way.
Boat Tours
Another way to explore the Cinque Terre is by boat. While Corniglia itself doesn’t have a main harbor, you can easily reach the other villages by train and then join a boat tour from there. This allows you to admire the colorful villages and stunning coastline from a different perspective.
Recap
Corniglia, with its old-world charm, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning views, is a must-visit destination in the Cinque Terre. Its central location, quaint streets, and local delights make it the perfect place to learn about the authentic beauty of this iconic Italian region. Whether you’re exploring on foot, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking up the ambiance, Corniglia is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
