Corniglia
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 31 October 2023
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The smallest of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre is Corniglia. Not only is it the smallest, but it's also quite unique among the five as it's not directly on the sea, rather above it.
The village centre has a few shops and a lively piazza with various outdoor dining options. Corniglia is a particular favourite with hikers with trails heading in every direction and there's also a train station on the same Levanto-La Spezia line as the other villages. |
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The Cinque Terre's quietest village
Corniglia is certainly the quietest of the five Cinque Terre; it has a population of around 200 and even during the height of the tourist season, it has a relaxed, tranquil air.
Whereas the other four villages have a centrally-located train station, Corniglia's is just out of town and requires a walk up some steep steps to reach the main village. The walk can be avoided by taking the bus that's usually timed to coincide with the arrival of trains but the buses are very small and don't always have enough seats for all of the passengers on a busy day.
Whereas the other four villages have a centrally-located train station, Corniglia's is just out of town and requires a walk up some steep steps to reach the main village. The walk can be avoided by taking the bus that's usually timed to coincide with the arrival of trains but the buses are very small and don't always have enough seats for all of the passengers on a busy day.
Sightseeing Corniglia
Nevertheless, Corniglia remains an integral part of the area, as much for its diversity from the other villages, as for its own unique character. There are two main areas of the village; the buses stop at Via Stazione above which is the Chiesa di San Pietro with its attractive square in front of it. Across from Via Stazione on the other side of the road is the busier part of the village which culminates at Largo Taragio. The tiny square is hemmed in on all sides by taller buildings including another church. During the summer, this is one of the most vibrant areas of the village where restaurants and their umbrellas provide shade along with the trees.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) is the most popular hiking route that connects all five of the Cinque Terre and Corniglia is an important part of that. Depending on which direction you're heading (north-west or south-east), it's often seen as a convenient spot for lunch as it's roughly half-way along the trail. Even if you don't wish to walk the whole trail, it's worth taking a walk to the west of the village as the scenery here is quite exceptional; an intricate web of vineyards form a natural amphitheatre down to the deep blue stage of the sea.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) is the most popular hiking route that connects all five of the Cinque Terre and Corniglia is an important part of that. Depending on which direction you're heading (north-west or south-east), it's often seen as a convenient spot for lunch as it's roughly half-way along the trail. Even if you don't wish to walk the whole trail, it's worth taking a walk to the west of the village as the scenery here is quite exceptional; an intricate web of vineyards form a natural amphitheatre down to the deep blue stage of the sea.
Corniglia - frazione di Vernazza
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Comune: Vernazza
Province: La Spezia Region: Liguria Highlights: hiking trails Close by: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare Recommended hotel: Stella della Marina (7 km) |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Year: 1997
Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Year: 1997
