Family Adventure in the Scenic Cinque Terre

Stairway to Serenity: Discovering Corniglia

Today, our Cinque Terre adventure took us to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the sea. It promised a unique charm, a different perspective, and, as we soon discovered, a serious workout. Nestled high above the coastline, Corniglia called to us with its promise of authenticity and breathtaking views. Leaving the familiar embrace of Monterosso, we were ready to trade sandy shores for vineyard vistas and the invigorating challenge that lay ahead.


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

Our day began, as most good days do, with a hearty breakfast at La Taverna di Monterosso. Fueled up with strong Italian coffee and delicious pastries, we were ready to tackle whatever Corniglia had in store for us. The plan was simple: immerse ourselves in the village's unique atmosphere, sample the local cuisine, and, of course, conquer the infamous Scalinata Lardarina.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at La Taverna di Monterosso – where every dish tells a story from the heart of Cinque Terre.

The train journey itself was a treat, a brief interlude offering glimpses of the rugged coastline and the other colorful villages clinging to the cliffs. Sophie, ever the curious one, peppered us with questions about the history and geography of the region, while Jean-Pierre, my ever-reliable husband, navigated the train schedules with his usual calm efficiency.

Arriving at the Corniglia train station, we were immediately confronted with the reality of reaching the village: the Scalinata Lardarina. Almost four hundred steps snaking their way up the cliff face. It looked daunting, to say the least. I took a deep breath, adjusted my camera bag, and reminded myself that the views from the top would be worth every step.


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

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are those that require a little extra effort.

The climb was indeed challenging. Sophie, bless her heart, started strong but soon needed a few encouraging words (and maybe a piggyback ride for a short stretch). Jean-Pierre, ever the supportive husband, kept us motivated with his steady pace and cheerful encouragement. I, meanwhile, tried to distract myself by focusing on the stunning scenery unfolding with each step. The azure Ligurian Sea stretched out before us, dotted with fishing boats and framed by the rugged coastline. Manarola, our destination for tomorrow, peeked out in the distance, a tantalizing glimpse of what was to come. I made sure to capture some photos of the views and the landscape.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the top. And oh, the view! Corniglia unfolded before us, a cluster of pastel-colored houses perched on the cliff, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of the sea and the earth. The sense of accomplishment was immense, a shared victory that brought us even closer as a family.

Corniglia itself is a gem, a place that feels untouched by the tourist hordes that descend upon the other Cinque Terre villages. We wandered through its narrow, winding streets, soaking in the authentic Italian atmosphere. The pace of life here is slower, more relaxed. Locals chatted in doorways, children played in the squares, and the aroma of home-cooked meals wafted from the windows.

For lunch, we stumbled upon A Cantina da Mananan, a charming little osteria tucked away on a quiet side street. The cozy ambiance, with its stone walls and rustic decor, immediately appealed to us. The menu featured Ligurian specialties, and we eagerly dove in. I opted for the trofie al pesto, a local pasta dish with the region's famous pesto sauce. Jean-Pierre chose the grilled octopus, while Sophie, predictably, went for the ravioli. The food was simple, honest, and incredibly delicious, a testament to the quality of the local ingredients. The service was friendly and attentive, making us feel like welcomed guests rather than just tourists.


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

After lunch, we explored more of Corniglia's hidden corners. We visited the Church of San Pietro, a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture. We strolled along the Via Fieschi, taking in the panoramic views from the Santa Maria Belvedere. We even indulged in a gelato at a local gelateria, savoring the sweet, creamy treat as we watched the sun begin its descent towards the horizon.

Before leaving Corniglia, we couldn't resist a bit of souvenir shopping. We stopped by a small shop selling local crafts and delicacies, picking up a bottle of Cinque Terre wine and some handmade ceramics to remind us of our visit. It was tempting to visit Manarola Boutique, but we decided to save it for another day, perhaps when we visit Manarola tomorrow.


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

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the train station, our legs tired but our hearts full. The descent down the Scalinata Lardarina was much easier than the ascent, and we arrived at the station just in time to catch our train back to Monterosso.

Back at Hotel Souvenir, we freshened up and headed out for dinner at Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola. The restaurant was a little gem, perched on the hillside with stunning views of the sea. We shared a seafood platter, savoring the fresh flavors of the Ligurian coast. Sophie, exhausted from our day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms before dessert arrived. Jean-Pierre and I lingered over a glass of local wine, reminiscing about our adventures in Corniglia and looking forward to what tomorrow would bring.


Discover authentic Italian flavors and stunning coastal views at Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola, a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Tomorrow, we're off to Manarola, another of the Cinque Terre's enchanting villages. We plan to explore the picturesque harbor, wander through the colorful streets, and perhaps even take a boat trip along the coast. And, of course, we'll be sure to sample the local cuisine and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming village. I am particularly excited to see the Via dell'Amore. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of adventure in this beautiful corner of Italy.

Our day in Corniglia was a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are those that require a little extra effort. The climb up the Scalinata Lardarina was challenging, but the views from the top, the authentic atmosphere of the village, and the delicious local cuisine made it all worthwhile. It was a day of shared experiences, of family bonding, and of discovering the hidden gems of Cinque Terre. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that our Italian adventure was only just beginning.