Corniglia – Cinque Terre's Smallest Village
What Corniglia lacks in instant visual appeal, it makes up for with character and personality. Perched high on a cliff, with no harbor, it attracts fewer crowds and seduces you to embrace a slower pace.
If the other Cinque Terre villages attract eager sightseers, beach lovers, photographers, and seafood lovers, Corniglia is for those who want to experience authentic, unspoilt Cinque Terre and a timeless charm. Oh, and I should also mention the sweeping sea vistas and incredible hiking trails!
Excited about visiting Cinque Terre but don't have time to do all the planning? Our ready-to-go itineraries are a great way to see the main highlights and experience great food, views, and cultural activities. They are easy to buy online and download immediately to your device.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Getting to Corniglia
Your day will start with a climb!
Corniglia sits about 100 meters above sea level, and while the Cinque Terre train stops at the base of the hill, the village itself is reached by:
- The famous Lardarina staircase. A 382-step staircase that rewards you with views over the terraced hills and coastline.
- Or a small shuttle bus from the train station to the village square, (especially helpful on hot days or with luggage)
By the way, if you're visiting Cinque Terre by train and plan on seeing at least 2 villages, then you'll find the Cinque Terre Card is better value than buying individual train tickets.
There’s no ferry dock here, and although the tour boats will cruise past for photos, they don't stop at Corniglia.
However, you can arrive at Corniglia using the Sentiero Verde hiking path from Vernazza (a beautiful coastal path cutting through the vineyards) or the higher trails (502-586-587) from Manarola.
Visiting Cinque Terre can be a little daunting for first-timers. But it's easy when you know how. That's why you may like our other content:
If you're doing a short visit, then it's easy to miss the highlights. That’s why you’ll love our step-by-step premade itineraries (available as a PDF download).
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
A Little Bit of History
Corniglia’s story goes back to Roman times, and its name likely comes from Gens Cornelia, a prominent Roman family who once owned this land. Unlike the other villages, Corniglia was always more agricultural than maritime, and its people were farmers, not fishermen.
That legacy continues today in the terraced vineyards and olive groves that surround the village. The layout of the town, with its narrow central lane and tightly clustered houses, reflects a time when defense against Saracen invasion mattered more than glamour.
Things to Do in Corniglia
Explore the Village
The heart of Corniglia is along Via Fieschi, the village’s central street. It stretches from Piazza Ciapara (Via Stazione) to a panoramic terrace, and everything in between feels like you're walking through another era.
You’ll find:
- Local shops selling ceramics, pesto, and lemon soap
- Family-run wine bars, casual cafes, and gelato shops
- Passageways that open onto hidden gardens and tiny courtyards
- A patchwork of colorful buildings and history at your fingertips
- Largo Taragio – a peaceful piazza where you can soak in the atmosphere
It’s compact and wonderfully unhurried.
Visit the Church of San Pietro
Built in 1334, the Church of San Pietro is a Gothic-Ligurian treasure. Made from green and white stone, it features:
- A beautiful rose window carved from Carrara marble
- An interior with pointed arches and early frescoes
- A peaceful piazza
Enjoy the Views
Sitting above the sea, you can understand why visitors love coming here for the panoramic views.
Two of my favorite spots for photos are:
- The panoramic terrace at the end of Via Fieschi, overlooking the entire coastline, from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. From here, you can also peer over the edge down to where swimmers and sunbathers have claimed the local boat ramp as a make-shift beach.
- The vineyard trail just beyond the village, as you head towards Vernazza on the Sentiero Verde trail, you can take great photos back towards the village. The colorful houses set into the hill are captured best from this angle.
Like the sound of Corniglia? For more things to do and see, whilst in Corniglia, you may like our Cinque Terre itineraries.
Enjoy two thoughtfully planned days and see all 5 villages.
This complete Cinque Terre itinerary covers all the must-see and do things to create unforgettable memories.
Hike to Vernazza
The hike from Corniglia to Vernazza has some of the best views of all the Cinque Terre trails. There are some steep sections, but overall, it's a pleasant hike that isn't too demanding. The trail winds through the vineyards, olive groves, and lemon orchards, and as you descend into Vernazza, you can get fed and watered at one of the hillside bars.
Not a hiker? You can enjoy the UNESCO park, local culture, and towns in other ways:
Where to Eat and Drink in Corniglia
Small doesn’t mean less. Corniglia has a surprising number of excellent eateries.
Some local favorites:
A Cantina de Mananan – Utterly charming, and a favorite amongst tourists. With a chalkboard menu of Ligurian classics and house wine
Pan e Vin – A laid-back bar with a few small tables in the laneway. Open from early for a coffee fix, until late for a glass of local white and a bruschetta platter
Bar Terza Terra – Clifftop views, aperitivi, and a place to linger
A' Càneva – Eclipsed by the Church of San Pietro this tiny laneway cafe serves colorful salads and bruschetta topped with delicious fresh ingredients.
Ristorante La Posada – At the top of the Lardarina, expect typical dishes, homestyle food and service. Go there for the shaded garden terrace and unbeatable views. Also, a good spot to get lunch before heading back down the Lardarina to the train station.
And yes, there’s gelato here too. Look out for Alberto's Gelato (small gelaterie on Via Fieschi) serving basil and lemon sorbet – a local fusion of two favorite regional foods.
Why Stay Awhile?
Corniglia is a great base for anyone looking for tranquility amongst the chaos. It's also a popular starting point for hikers.
There are no hotels in Corniglia, but you will find lots of B&Bs and holiday apartments with welcoming hosts. Places like:
Locanda Il Carugio: A “home-away-from-home” feel, which includes a delicious breakfast.
AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere: Your hosts take great pride in getting you settled, and the rooms are comfortable.
Insider Tip: Arriving by train with luggage? Some hosts will pick you up from the train station. Otherwise, the local shuttle bus (included in the Cinque Terre Card) is useful when you have luggage.
If the hill is a worry, then consider staying in Monterosso. It's mostly flat and, being the largest town, has plenty of accommodation.
Corniglia – Classic Cinque Terre
Corniglia is an understated pleasure. It doesn’t try to impress, and it's not the Cinque Terre we see on Instagram, but it is the authentic Cinque Terre – from before the fame and influencers.
Of course, villages like Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Manarola can't be missed. They're unique and beautiful and far from ordinary. But Corniglia should also be on your list to reset and enjoy its timeless charm.
Need help planning your Cinque Terre getaway? Check out our other Cinque Terre blog posts.
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FAQ
Is Corniglia worth visiting?
Yes. Corniglia offers a quieter, more intimate experience than the other Cinque Terre villages, with stunning views, rich history, and fewer crowds.
How do I get to Corniglia?
Corniglia is reachable by train, followed by either a shuttle bus or a 382-step climb via the Lardarina staircase. There is no ferry access.
What is Corniglia known for?
Corniglia is part of the 5 famous towns in Cinque Terre. It is known for its hillside location, Roman roots, panoramic sea views, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s also famous for its wine terraces and quiet charm.
Is Corniglia good for families?
Corniglia is not great for families with young children. The stairs and laneways are a challenge for little ones or strollers. Vernazza and Manarola are a better option and have main streets that are paved and don't involve stairs. But the best choice for young families is Monterosso, which is mainly flat and has a sandy beach.
Nearby, there are also the towns of Levanto and La Spezia. Both are very family-friendly.
Can you swim in Corniglia?
Not directly in the village. But if you take the path that runs parallel to Via Fieschi, you can descend the stairs to a boat ramp. It's not a sandy beach, but in calm waters, it is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers.
