Corniglia

Corniglia is located in the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park on a small cape, 100 meters above the sea. It is the smallest of the five villages and also the least accessible.

You have to climb the Lardarina staircase, 382 stairs, to reach the village or you can take the shuttle bus up from the train station. Once you are up in the village, it is relatively flat.

The village is surrounded by vineyards and stone terraces. Because of its size and relative inaccessibility, fewer tourists stay here, so there is more of a local feel. There are bars and restaurants here, but no real nightlife. Corniglia is definitely a place for hikers and nature lovers. The terrace and the bar La Terza Terra, at the end of the main street, is definitely one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Cinque Terre.

To access the wonderful sunbathing and swimming spot in Corniglia, you will have to walk down to the rocky beach for about 10 minutes (steep stairs). Follow the signs ‘Al Mare’.

Where to stay in Corniglia

For those who are looking for a quiet place to stay in Cinque Terre, this is the right place. There are a few high-quality hotels, with amazing sea views and free private parking: Hotels in Corniglia. There are also some really nice Airbnbs and Guest Houses with great location near the hiking paths. We have selected the best alternatives for you: Bed & Breakfasts in Corniglia.

If you are looking for an apartment with high standards and sea views click here: Apartments in Corniglia.

Hiking from Corniglia to Vernazza

Corniglia is connected to the other villages of the Cinque Terre by well kept footpaths. We recommend the relatively easy path from Corniglia to Vernazza, which boasts spectacular gardens and sea views. Take a break halfway at Prevo, 208 metres above sea level, and the bar "Il Gabbiano" with fantastic sea views. Length: 1 hour 30 minutes to walk. For this trail you will need the Cinque Terre Trekking Card which costs €7.50 per day.

The trail from Corniglia to Manarola is one of the most spectacular scenic trails in the National Park. This one is rather difficult and is not for the unfit or the faint hearted. The first part of the hiking trail has a very steep climb and then continues through a beautiful forest and through mountain hugging terraced vineyards. This hiking trail, unlike the Blue trail, is completely free.

How to get to Corniglia

By plane: Milan Malpensa Airport and Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei are the most convenient entry points for onward travel to the Cinque Terre. From Pisa Airport you can in just 5 minutes reach Pisa Centrale station with the People Mover. From Pisa Centrale you can take a direct Intercity or a regional train to La Spezia and change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to Corniglia. From Milano Centrale station there are Intercity trains directly to Levanto and Monterosso. You will have to change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to reach Corniglia.

By train: The most comfortable way to get to Corniglia is by train. The five Cinque Terre villages are on the Genoa - La Spezia - Pisa line and the trains are running frequently from Milan, Genoa and Pisa. Monterosso is the only one of the Cinque Terre villages that is served by long distance Intercity trains. If you arrive from the north, Milan or Genoa, you can take an IC train directly to Levanto or Monterosso. From there you have local trains, Cinque Terre Express, that provide links to Corniglia. If you arrive from the south, take an Intercity train directly to La Spezia and change for a local train to Corniglia. When you arrive by train there is a shuttle bus which will take you up to the village.

By car from Genoa: Take the highway A12 toward Livorno, exit at Brugnato, and follow the signs toward Borghetto Vara and Pignone. Turn left toward Cinque Terre and follow the scenic road until you reach Corniglia.

By car from Parma, Florence or Rome: Follow highway A15, exit at La Spezia. Follow the signs toward Cinque Terre until you reach Corniglia. Arriving by car can be time consuming but the view from the road is stunning. The roads are winding through vineyards and olive groves high above the sea, so it is a really scenic drive. You can stop at several viewpoints to enjoy the amazing panorama.

Parking in Corniglia

If you plan to arrive to Corniglia by car, we suggest you to reserve a hotel with free private parking. There are a limited number of public parking spaces in the village. There is only one parking lot 500 meters from the entance of the village with appr. 60 parking places. Parking fee: 2.50 euros/hour, 20 euros/24 hours, 35 euros/2 days, 50 euros/3 days, 65 euros/4 days, 80 euros/5 days, 100 euros/6 days and 120 euros/7 days.