Perched high on a rocky promontory, Corniglia is the only one of the five Cinque Terre villages not directly on the sea and that’s precisely what makes it so special. Far from the bustle of its coastal neighbors, Corniglia offers a more tranquil, authentic experience for travelers seeking sweeping views, fewer crowds, and the chance to immerse themselves in Ligurian life at a slower pace.

While the other villages seem to tumble down into the sea, Corniglia rises above it, surrounded by terraced vineyards that have been carefully carved into the hillside for centuries. This elevated position gives Corniglia unmatched vistas of the Ligurian coastline, where pastel-colored villages dot the cliffs and the sea stretches endlessly into the horizon.

Corniglia is also a great base for hiking the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which links all five Cinque Terre villages. The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza is especially scenic and takes about 90 minutes, weaving through olive groves, lemon trees, and hillside vineyards. If you’re up for a challenge, head in the other direction toward Manarola for an unforgettable trek with even more sweeping views.

The Same

Getting to Corniglia requires a bit more effort and that’s part of the charm. From the train station, visitors can take a shuttle bus or climb the Lardarina, a staircase of nearly 400 steps, to reach the village center. It’s a bit of a workout, but the payoff is immediate: a peaceful village with an intimate feel and postcard-perfect views around every corner.

Once you arrive, wandering the narrow, winding streets is the best way to get your bearings. Corniglia’s ancient layout, untouched by mass tourism, invites slow exploration. Each alley opens up to quiet squares, colorful homes with green shutters, and glimpses of the vineyards and sea beyond. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to put away your map and simply follow your curiosity.

As both the DINKs and the Family explored the five picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, we found ourselves often treading the same cobblestone paths and soaking in many of the same iconic views, it’s hard not to, given how closely knit the towns are. But with a bit more time on our hands, we as the DINKs were able to dig a little deeper, discovering quieter corners, indulging in longer meals, and slipping into the slower rhythm of local life in a way that added a few extra layers to our adventure.

Getting there:

To reach the heart of the town from the train station, you have two main options. Adventurous travelers can take on the long staircase (377 steps in total) that winds its way up the hillside in a zigzag pattern. It’s a bit of a workout, but the scenic views along the way and the sense of accomplishment at the top make it worthwhile for those who don’t mind the climb.

If you prefer a more relaxed route, hop on the small shuttle bus that departs from just outside the station. The bus schedule is conveniently aligned with train arrivals, so you won’t have to wait long. It runs regularly throughout the day and offers a quick and easy ride up to the town. The ride is free if you have a Cinque Terre Card, which includes access to hiking trails and transportation throughout the region. Which is what we did since we had the pass for the train. Without the pass, the fare is just €2.50; a small price for saving your legs on the steep ascent.

Largo Taragio:

At the center of Corniglia lies Largo Taragio, the main square and a natural gathering place for both locals and visitors. Framed by old stone buildings and shaded by trees, the square offers a perfect spot to rest your legs, grab a gelato, or enjoy a coffee. Watch locals chat in the shade or see hikers pass through en route to the next village. It’s a window into daily life in Cinque Terre that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Just off the square, you’ll find a number of charming restaurants and wine bars, where the food is as satisfying as the views. Corniglia is proud of its local cuisine, and rightly so from basil-scented pesto pasta to anchovies fresh from the sea, the flavors are rich, rustic, and deeply tied to the land and water surrounding the village.

Taste of Tradition:

Corniglia is particularly renowned for its terraced vineyards, which cling dramatically to the hillside and produce the region’s signature dessert wine, Sciacchetrà.

• Sciacchetrà: Made from sun-dried grapes, this amber-colored wine is sweet, strong, and steeped in tradition. Many local wineries offer tastings, and it’s the perfect companion to biscotti or cheese after a leisurely meal.

When it comes to food, traditional Ligurian fare takes center stage. Corniglia’s restaurants serve trofie al pesto, a twisted pasta tossed in fragrant basil sauce, as well as seafood risotto, stuffed mussels, and focaccia topped with olives or tomatoes. Meals here aren’t rushed, they’re meant to be savored, ideally with a view of the sea and a cool breeze in the air.

Church of San Pietro:

No visit to Corniglia is complete without a stop at the Church of San Pietro, a 14th-century Gothic-Ligurian structure made of local stone and decorated with rose windows and intricate carvings. Perched at the village’s highest point, the church feels like a quiet sanctuary above the world.

Climb the stairs to the bell tower, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Corniglia and the surrounding vineyards. From here, the dramatic beauty of the Cinque Terre unfolds before you, with steep cliffs plunging into the sea, and rows of grapevines tracing the contours of the land. It’s a perfect spot to pause and appreciate the blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship that defines the region.

The Terrace Overlook

If you’re looking for a photo-worthy moment, make your way to the terrace overlook just beyond the village. From this clifftop perch, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea, the terraced slopes that cradle the village, and on clear days neighboring villages in the distance. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the golden light bathes the cliffs and the sea glows with warm hues.

Sit for a while on the stone benches, breathe in the salty air, and let the tranquility of the moment sink in. This terrace captures the essence of Corniglia; quiet, scenic, and effortlessly beautiful.

Summary

What sets Corniglia apart from the other villages of Cinque Terre is its pace. There are no large hotel complexes, no flashy waterfront promenades, and no cruise ship day-trippers flooding the streets. Instead, you’ll find peaceful alleyways, local artisans selling handmade goods, and the feeling that life here moves with the rhythms of the land.

Whether you’re sipping wine in a sun-drenched square, admiring the view from a clifftop terrace, or enjoying a quiet meal as the sun sets over the sea, Corniglia invites you to slow down and savor the experience.