Corniglia: The Complete Guide

For a peaceful stay, Corniglia’s small guesthouses and B&Bs offer stunning views of the Ligurian coast. It is the quietest of the Cinque Terre villages, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

A 2-day stay allows time to explore the village, hike to nearby Manarola and Vernazza, and enjoy the breathtaking coastline. A 3 to 4-day stay is great for visiting all five Cinque Terre villages and enjoying boat trips along the coast.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Corniglia. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Throughout the year, Corniglia and Cinque Terre offer a range of unique experiences, making it a destination suitable for year-round visits. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to plan your visit:

Spring (March to May): During spring, the area enjoys mild and pleasant temperatures, with nature coming to life as flowers bloom. Hiking trails become accessible, and the sea offers a calm environment for swimming. This season allows you to explore the charming villages before the summer crowds descend.

Summer (June to August): The summer months bring extended sunny days, providing the perfect backdrop for swimming and beach relaxation. However, this is also the peak tourist season, characterized by substantial crowds, particularly in July and August. To escape the heat and the masses, consider scheduling your visits for early mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a splendid time to discover Corniglia. It offers mild temperatures, reduced rainfall, and a vibrant local vineyard scene with full harvests. This is an opportunity to savour new wines and take part in local festivals. Hiking trails of Cinque Terre remain open, although daylight hours gradually decrease.

Winter (December to February): The winter season is the most tranquil period in Corniglia. The villages exude a peaceful ambiance, and accommodation prices are at their lowest. However, temperatures can be quite chilly. This season is ideal for those seeking a serene experience, even though some hiking trails may be closed for maintenance.

Corniglia caters to various preferences and activities throughout the year, whether you’re looking for warm beach days, serene hiking adventures, or cultural festivals.

Flying to Corniglia: For air travel, the closest airports are in Pisa (about 110 km) and Genoa (practically the same distance). Travelers can take the train or rent a car from these airports. Another option is Milan Malpensa, approximately 300 km away, accessible by car through the Malpensa SS336 highway, A4, west ring road, A1, and A15 to La Spezia. Train travellers can use bus services or the Malpensa Express train to reach the central station.

Driving to Corniglia: Corniglia is centrally situated in the Cinque Terre, nestled between Manarola and Vernazza. Unlike Riomaggiore and Manarola, the road to Corniglia narrows in its final stretch, making the car less optimal for transportation. The town features only a small car park known as the Corniglia car park.  For travellers coming from central, eastern, and southern Italy, take the La Spezia-Santo Stefano Magra exit on the A12-A15. Keep left and follow the SS370 to La Spezia, approximately 10 km away. Proceed through Via Carducci, then turn left onto Viale Italia, which turns sharply right in front of the arsenal, becoming Viale Amendola. At the traffic light, turn left, following signs for the Cinque Terre. Now on Via Fieschi, pass the La Spezia football stadium, and at the traffic lights, continue uphill along the Via delle Cinque Terre, a 25 km route leading to Corniglia.

For those arriving from western and northern Italy, exit in Carrodano-Levanto on the A12, approximately 35 km from Corniglia, reachable in about an hour. From the toll booth, turn left towards Levanto and the Cinque Terre at the intersection with the SP566dir. Ascend initially, then descend through Montale and Casella, reaching a roundabout before Levanto. Follow signs for Monterosso, climbing tortuously through Legnaro and Chiesa Nuova. Before descending to Monterosso, turn left uphill towards Vernazza, passing Soviore sanctuary and taking the SP38 until the SP51 where the Corniglia sign appears at 12.5 km. Pass through Drignana, Case Fornacchi, San Bernardino, and finally, Corniglia.

Taking to Train to Corniglia: Corniglia is also accessible by train, with the station located just over a kilometer from the town. A shuttle connects the station to the village, or visitors can take the paved road or the renowned Lardarina staircase. The Genoa-La Spezia line serves the station, with ticket prices at 5 euros in 2023 and 2.5 euros for children.