Corniglia

Corniglia is the smallest and quietest of the Cinque Terre villages. It is located 100 meters above sea level, on top of a small promontory. Houses are a bit different here, smaller and wider, similar to the houses of the villages inland.

I love the tiny Largo Taragio square in front of the oratory, it is very pleasant to relax at Bar Matteo in the shade of the trees and sunshades. Try the bruschetta (toast with chopped tomatoes mixed with garlic and basil) and the lemonade made from freshly picked lemons. Another nice little bar is "Pan e Vin" on Via Fieschi, run by a very friendly couple, Cristiana and Stefano. Stop by for coffee, a glass of wine or a sandwich. For delicious local produce in a relaxing atmosphere go to Km 0, just a few steps from Largo Taragio. If you are looking for something sweet, try the icecream at the Gelateria of Alberto. Best icecream in the Cinque Terre!

If you are staying in Corniglia in an apartment with balcony, you can also buy nice local food in the little shops and have breakfast or dinner on your balcony while enjoying the seaview. There are more shops in Corniglia, my favourite is the "Alimentari Lisa" on the big square, right near the bus stop. Lisa is a very nice and friendly lady, and her prices are the best in Corniglia, so get your pesto, cheese and bottle of wine there.

The history of the village goes back to Roman times. According to the legend, Corniglia was founded by a wine producer, who named the village after his mother, Cornelia.

Corniglia doesn't have a harbour, so boats don't stop here. You can reach the village by car, train or foot. The railway station of Corniglia lies at sea level, there are different ways to get up to the center of the village. The most exciting version is climbing the Lardarina stairway with 382 steps. Once you get to the top, you will surely need that refreshing lemonade!

You can also walk up to the center along the winding paved road, I think it is easier. Walking from the station towards Corniglia, you will see a sign: stairs to the left, road to the right. Of course, there is also an easy option: the local electric buses regularly run between the station and the center, until late at night.

After catching your breath at the top of the steps, start walking to the left and you will get to a square. From here, just follow the "Centro" sign to the left into the small street (Via Fieschi) and you will find yourself on the main square of Corniglia (Largo Taragio). You can find a small fountain on the wall under the oratory; make sure you refill your bottles here. Kids play soccer behind the oratory, the gate is painted on the back of the building. This is the cutest soccer field I've ever seen, with az amazing view of the sea and Manarola. Continue walking down Via Fieschi to the panorama terrace from where you can admire the entire Cinque Terre coast. A bar opened on this terrace, Bar Terza Terra, so you can enjoy an aperitivo while watching the sunset.

It's worth walking up to the cemetery as well, as it is quite different than in other countries, with a breathtaking panorama. The small bench hidden behind the cemetery is probably the quietest spot of the village, perfect for some romantic moments.

Because of its location many believe that Corniglia does not have a beach. Well, they are wrong, there are actually three places for swimming around here. I prefer the hidden little bay behind and below the village. You can reach it following the Marina sign. No surprise, more steps are coming! This marina is never too crowded, the water is beautiful and clean, but it is also deep, so for good swimmers only. As you are walking down the steps, you'll find the Marina di Corniglia bar. Great for drinks at sunset and more quiet than the other bars in the center.

Cultural sights

Church of San Pietro

The 14th-century church is one of the most interesting monuments of the Ligurian Gothic style. The rose window on the facade is made of white Carrara marble and it has Corniglia's ancient symbol, a deer, in the middle. Make sure you walk inside as well, you will see a 12th-century christening font and a polyptych.

Oratory of the Disciplinati of Santa Caterina

The 18th-century monument stands above the Largo Taragio square. You can enjoy a beautiful view from behind the oratory.

Where to stay in Corniglia?

I usually recommend staying in apartments or private rooms and enjoy life like locals. You will find several nice apartments and rooms in Corniglia, rented by wonderful local families. To read more about accommodation in Corniglia and to check out a few apartment options, please click on the link below.

Corniglia - Rooms, apartments and all you need to know about accommodation booking in Corniglia.

What to do in Corniglia?

Just relax, take a walk, sit on the piazza and enjoy the local vibe of the friendliest and most authentic village of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy quiet mornings and evenings, go for a swim in the marina, have a sunset aperitivo with seaview. Visit the other Cinque Terre villages by train, or you can also hike to Vernazza or Manarola. There are some great tours you can do starting directly from Corniglia:

Private tours from Corniglia

Otherwise, starting from other Cinque Terre villages, you can choose from a wide range of sustainable and authentic tours.

Corniglia - FAQs

Where is Corniglia located?

Corniglia is the third village of the Cinque Terre, located in the middle of the five villages, on the Ligurian coast between Genoa and La Spezia, in Italy.

Is Corniglia part of the Cinque Terre?

Yes, Corniglia is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is also a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is Corniglia worth visiting?

Yes. It's a stunning village on top of a hill, and as it is located in the center of the Cinque Terre, you can enjoy a great panorama of the coastline in both directions. It is also the most authentic and quietest of the five villages.

Best for:

families with children who can swim,
couples looking for a romantic and quiet stay,
travelers looking for the most authentic and friendliest village,
people who enjoy hiking,
travelers who prefer a hidden bay to a crowded beach,
travelers who look for family-run apartments,
people who look for affordable accommodation.

How to get to Corniglia?

By train

Trains are the best and most reliable way to get to Corniglia. The railway station can be found down by the sea, so you need to walk up to the village located at 100 meters above sea level. Only regional trains stop in Corniglia. Trains in the Cinque Terre travel through tunnels, so you don't get a view.

By car

You can drive to Corniglia if you don't mind narrow and winding roads. The drive is scenic. You can find several parking spots along the road, and a larger parking area a few hundred meters before getting to the village. Look out for parking spots with white lines, they are free. Otherwise parking costs 20 EUR/day. Several apartment owners offer a free parking space in Corniglia.

By ferry

Corniglia is on top of the hill, it does not have a harbour, so you cannot arrive by ferry. Because of this, lot of travelers skip Corniglia.

How do you get to Corniglia from the train station?

You can walk up on the famous Lardarina staircase with 382 steps. You can also walk up along the road, which is easier. Many travelers avoid Corniglia because of this walk up to the village, although it's about the same as walking from the sea to the higher part of the village in Manarola. You can also take the small shuttle bus that runs between the railway station and the village center all day long.

How many steps are there on the Lardarina staircase?

The Lardarina staircase has 382 steps. It's the famous stairway that climbs from Corniglia's train station up to the village, with fantastic views. Just take it slow, stop for photos, and you won't have any problems. You can also skip the stairway by walking up along the road or by taking the small shuttle bus that runs between the railway station and the village center all day long.

Is there a shuttle bus from the station to the village?

Yes, there is a small shuttle bus that runs between the railway station and the village center all day long. You can buy the ticket on the bus, but it is cheaper if you buy it at the station. You can use the shuttle for free with the Cinque Terre card.

When is the best time to visit Corniglia?

March: quieter month, great for hiking,
April-May: busy periods, season starting at Easter, good for hiking, fresh green nature with wild flowers,
June-August: hot weather, best for swimming and summer holiday, not recommended for hiking, crowded,
September: great for hiking and swimming as well, still crowded,
October: quieter month, great for hiking and swimming,
November to February: very quiet, great for visiting the villages without crowds, risk of rainy and cold weather, lower prices, limited services, several bars, restaurants and tours also available in winter.

Does Corniglia have beaches?

No, Corniglia doesn't have a proper beach, but it has the "marina", a small bay below the village, where you can enjoy swimming and jumping off the rocks. The water is deep, so for good swimmers only. It is more hidden and you need to go down steps to the marina, but this way it offers a quieter swimming experience than the other Cinque Terre villages.

Is Corniglia the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access?

Yes, Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access. However, it has a beautiful bay for swimming below the village. It also offers great seaview from several points of the village.

Is Corniglia less crowded than the other Cinque Terre towns?

Yes, Corniglia is the quietest Cinque Terre village. There is no ferry stop and many travelers skip Corniglia because of the walk up to the village. It still gets busy during the day, but pleasantly quiet in the morning and from late afternoon. It is the most authentic village with a great local vibe.

What is Corniglia best known for?

Corniglia is the hilltop village of the Cinque Terre. It offers stunning panoramas of the entire Cinque Terre coastline. With its narrow alleyways, pastel houses and small piazzas it is really charming. Corniglia is surrounded by green cultivated terraces and vineyards.

What are the best viewpoints in Corniglia?

There are several great viewpoints in Corniglia:

the panorama terrace at the end of Via Fieschi,
the cemetery,
the small square behind the oratory,
the street below Cecio restaurant,
the small square in front of the Church of San Pietro.

Where can you watch the sunset in Corniglia?

To watch the sunset in Corniglia, go to the panorama terrace at the end of Via Fieschi or walk down the stairs towards the marina and enjoy a sunset aperitivo at the Marina di Corniglia bar.

Are there hiking trails starting from Corniglia?

You can do different hikes starting from Corniglia. You can hike to Vernazza on the famous coastal Blue path (Sentiero Azzurro). This is usually very busy and you need to have the Cinque Terre card. The Blue path between Corniglia and Manarola is closed in 2026 and will probably be closed until 2028. There is an alternative path higher up, via Volastra, across the terraced vineyards. It is stunning, a popular hike and you do not need the Cinque Terre card here. Most hiking trails are open year-round, but closures can occur due to bad weather or maintenance.

Do you need the Cinque Terre card to hike from Corniglia?

Yes, you need the Cinque Terre card to hike from Corniglia to Vernazza on the coastal Blue path (Sentiero Azzurro). The higher trail to Manarola via Volastra is free, you do not need the Cinque Terre card.

Are there boat tours from Corniglia?

No, Corniglia doesn't have a harbour, so ferries do not stop here. If you would like to join a boat tour, first you need to take the train to another village and board the boat there.

What are the best bars or wine spots in Corniglia?

Bar Matteo on the piazza for a great local vibe, Marina di Corniglia for a sunset aperitivo, Bar Pan e Vin for a glass of wine and small bites. Although Corniglia is the quietest village, you can still find some bars open late at night.

What food is Corniglia famous for?

Just like the other villages of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is famous for fresh seafood, anchovies, pesto, focaccia, lemons and local Cinque Terre wines.

Are there good restaurants in Corniglia?

Yes, Corniglia offers several family-run restaurants, trattorias, bars, cafés and icecream shops.

What is Corniglia like in the evening?

While Corniglia is quieter than the other Cinque Terre villages, it still has several bars and restaurants open until late at night. With inhabitants sitting in the piazza and kids running around, Corniglia has a great local vibe.

Is Corniglia suitable for families or seniors?

While the village is on top of the hill, you can take the shuttle bus from the railway station. Or you can arrive by car. Then the village itself is mainly flat, so families with small children and seniors can also enjoy it.

Is Corniglia suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

While the village is on top of the hill, you can take the shuttle bus from the railway station. Or you can arrive by car. Then the village itself is mainly flat, so travelers with limited mobility can also enjoy it. Please note there are steps from the railway station to the bus stop.

Is Corniglia suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, Corniglia is safe and suitable for solo travelers. If you'd like to meet other likeminded travelers, I recommend booking some of the fun small group tours in the Cinque Terre.

Is Corniglia safe?

Yes, just like the other Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia is very safe.

Is Corniglia the smallest Cinque Terre village?

Yes, both for area and population, Corniglia is the smallest Cinque Terre village.

How far is Corniglia from the other Cinque Terre villages?

Traveling by train it is very close to the other Cinque Terre villages. 5 minutes from Vernazza and 3 minutes from Manarola.

How long should you stay in Corniglia?

Most travelers spend a few hours in Corniglia, but staying overnight allows time for hiking, swimming, tours and enjoying local food and wine. I recommend a stay of at least 3 nights in Corniglia to fully enjoy the area.

Is Corniglia a good day trip from Florence or Milan?

Yes, you can do it, but it's a very long and tiring day. I recommend spending at least 3 nights in the Cinque Terre to fully enjoy the area and have enough time for hiking, beaches, gastronomy and tours.