Exploring the Enchanting Trails of Cinque Terre with Friends

Conquering Corniglia: A Village in the Sky

Today was all about challenging myself and soaking in the unique atmosphere of Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village not directly on the sea. It’s perched high on a hill, and getting there was quite the adventure! Plus, a little retail therapy in Manarola Boutique to cap off the day.

The day began, as most do here, with a delightful breakfast at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre in Manarola. Maximilian had read about their pastries, and he was eager to try them. He wasn't wrong! I opted for a simple cappuccino and a cornetto, a type of Italian croissant, while he went for a slice of focaccia. Fueled up, we set off to tackle Corniglia.

The train dropped us off at the station, and there it was: the infamous Scalinata Lardarina. I knew about the 382 steps, but seeing them stretching upwards was still a bit daunting. Clara would have loved this challenge, but she's back in Dresden with Maximilian's parents.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the ones you least expect to climb.

I took a deep breath and started climbing. The steps are old and worn, but the views are absolutely worth it. Each step offered a slightly different perspective of the coastline, with Manarola shrinking into the distance. I stopped frequently, not just to catch my breath, but to snap photos and simply admire the view. It's incredible how the landscape transforms as you ascend.

Finally, I reached the top, legs burning but spirits soaring. Corniglia is a different world. It feels more rustic and less touristy than the other villages. The narrow streets wind through the town, lined with colorful houses and small shops. I wandered aimlessly, soaking in the atmosphere.

I popped into the Church of San Pietro, a small but beautiful church with stunning views from its panoramic terrace. I also visited the Oratory of the Disciplined of Saint Catherine, another religious site worth seeing. It was a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.

For lunch, I found myself at A Cantina da Mananan. It felt like stepping into a wine cellar. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with stone walls and wooden beams. I ordered the seafood pasta, a local specialty, and it was absolutely delicious. The seafood was fresh, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. I savored every bite, accompanied by a glass of local white wine.

After lunch, I decided to explore the village further. I stumbled upon a small shop selling local crafts and ended up buying a hand-painted ceramic bowl. It's the perfect souvenir to remind me of my time in Corniglia.

I considered hiking some of the trails around Corniglia, but my legs were still feeling the effects of the Scalinata Lardarina. Instead, I decided to take the shuttle bus back down to the train station.

Back in Manarola, I couldn't resist a visit to Manarola Boutique. I had heard about their selection of local crafts and jewelry. I was looking for a small gift for my friend back in Dresden, and I found the perfect necklace. It was a simple silver chain with a small charm shaped like a Cinque Terre house.

Before dinner, I enjoyed a glass of local wine at a small bar overlooking the harbor. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the village. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Corniglia.

Dinner tonight was at Da Aristide in Manarola. It's a family-run restaurant known for its traditional Ligurian cuisine. I ordered the pesto lasagna, another local specialty, and it was incredible. The pesto was fresh and flavorful, and the lasagna was perfectly cooked. I felt like I was eating a home-cooked meal.

As I sit here writing this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. We're planning to hike to Punta Mesco and visit the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco. I've heard the views are spectacular, and I'm excited to explore more of the Cinque Terre coastline. We'll grab breakfast at Bar Stazione eredi Soldani Eliseo before hitting the trails and plan to have lunch at Ristorante Luca Vernazza after our hike. If we're not too tired, we might even check out Terza Terra, a local bar, in the evening.

I’m also hoping I won’t forget my sunglasses tomorrow, unlike today. It was quite bright and I could have used them. Perhaps a quick stop at a shop in the morning is in order. Good thing I packed my hiking boots, though!

Corniglia might be the hardest village to reach, but it's definitely worth the effort. It's a hidden gem with a unique atmosphere and stunning views. If you're planning a trip to Cinque Terre, don't miss it!

And now, it's time for bed. Good night from Cinque Terre!

The owners of Manarola Boutique, Davide and Erica, started the shop as a way to connect Cinque Terre with travelers across the globe. The boutique offers local products from each village, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso - which make up the famous five lands. They want guests to feel they are bringing the Cinque Terre home with them. The mission is simple: share this little piece of paradise with the world. I’m glad I could support their mission today.

The train station in Corniglia isn't exactly next to the village. To get there, you've got to tackle the Scalinata Lardarina, or catch a bus that goes back and forth between the station and the town. Even though it's not right on the sea like the other Cinque Terre spots, Corniglia has got these awesome pastel houses looking out over the water from up high. You can wander through the main street, which is just for people, and see vineyards all around where they make local wine. You can try this wine with some anchovies at one of Corniglia's cafes, or get some gelato near the war memorial in the town square. There are also these tiny churches along the old streets, like the 14th-century San Pietro, filled with paintings. Another cool place is the Oratory of the Disciplined of Saint Catherine, which has an amazing view from its terrace.

I'm finding that many restaurants here like to show off their flair with antipasti ai frutti di mare platters. Seafood here is heaven!

Focaccia, the tasty pillowy bread, also originates here in Liguria. Locals say the best focaccia is made between the Cinque Terre and Genoa. It's simply flatbread with olive oil and salt.


Discover the charm of Corniglia, a cliffside village in Cinque Terre, Italy, known for stunning views, local cuisine, and rich history.


Experience the stunning Scalinata Lardarina in Corniglia, where breathtaking views and charming Italian culture await you.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre in Vernazza—where every dish tells a story and every view captivates.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at A Cantina da Mananan in beautiful Corniglia - your perfect culinary escape in Cinque Terre.


Experience the essence of Manarola at Manarola Boutique, your go-to place for unique ceramics, jewelry, souvenirs, and local wines.


Experience exquisite seafood dining at Da Aristide in Manarola – where every dish tells a story of Italy's rich culinary heritage.