Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

Corniglia: A Village in the Sky

Today was all about conquering heights, both literally and figuratively, in the enchanting village of Corniglia. Unlike the other Cinque Terre towns, Corniglia sits perched high atop a hill, offering a unique perspective and a rewarding challenge for those willing to make the climb. It was a day filled with stunning views, delicious food, and the kind of charming discoveries that make traveling with family so special.


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 do, with a hearty breakfast. We ventured out to A Cantina da Mananan, a cozy spot known for its traditional Ligurian fare. The restaurant was indeed very particular and welcoming. I opted for a simple yet satisfying focaccia with pesto, while Maximilian enjoyed a cappuccino. Astrid, of course, chose a pastry that was as colorful as the houses lining the Cinque Terre coastline. It's funny, even though we are in Italy, I do miss my traditional Icelandic Skyr in the mornings, but the Italian coffee is something else!


Experience authentic Italian flavors at A Cantina da Mananan in beautiful Corniglia - your perfect culinary escape in Cinque Terre.
With our bellies full, we set off to explore Corniglia, the only village in Cinque Terre without direct access to the sea. This meant one thing: climbing! And Corniglia offers a particularly memorable climb: the Scalinata Lardarina.


Experience the stunning Scalinata Lardarina in Corniglia, where breathtaking views and charming Italian culture await you.
The Scalinata Lardarina, a brick staircase with no less than 377 steps, connects the train station to the village. As we started our ascent, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Astrid, ever the energetic one, skipped ahead, while Maximilian and I took a more measured pace. I must admit, I was grateful for the small benches along the way, perfect for catching our breath and taking in the ever-expanding views. It reminded me a bit of hiking back home in Iceland, although the landscape was quite different!

The climb might be challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are worth every single step.

Reaching the top of the Scalinata Lardarina felt like a true accomplishment. We were rewarded with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding terraced vineyards. Corniglia itself is a gem, with its narrow, winding streets and colorful houses. We strolled along Via Fieschi, the heart of the village, lined with shops and restaurants. We explored the historic center of Corniglia. The village's ancient core is characterized by narrow alleys and typical Ligurian colorful houses. The terrace of Santa Maria offered a peaceful spot to soak in the scenery. The blue path from Corniglia to Manarola or Vernazza, is a must for those who want to hike. I made a mental note to consider hiking the Blue Trail to Vernazza tomorrow, if time allows.

After our climb and exploration, it was time for lunch. We decided on Trattoria dal Billy, a restaurant known for its seafood and breathtaking views. Although technically located in Manarola, it was well worth the short trip. Maximilian raved about the lobster tagliatelle, while I savored the fresh tuna tartare. Astrid, predictably, opted for pasta with a simple tomato sauce, but even she admitted that the seafood dishes looked tempting.


Discover authentic Italian flavors and stunning coastal views at Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola, a must-visit destination for food lovers.
In the afternoon, while Maximilian and Astrid relaxed, I ventured off on my own to do a little shopping. I stumbled upon Retrovita 5 Terre, a vintage clothing store in Monterosso al Mare. As a librarian, I appreciate the stories behind old things, and this store was full of them! I ended up buying a beautiful vintage scarf, a perfect memento of our trip. I was particularly drawn to their collection of Levi's jeans, a classic piece of Americana with a global appeal.


Explore unique vintage clothing at Retrovita 5 Terre, nestled in the charming coastal village of Monterosso al Mare.
For dinner, we chose Veciu Muin, a restaurant in Riomaggiore known for its pizza and local cuisine. We enjoyed the cozze, pasta al pesto and calamari. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring the heights and hidden gems of Corniglia.


Experience authentic Italian pizza and fresh seafood at Veciu Muin in scenic Riomaggiore – where every meal is a taste of coastal paradise.
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the Cinque Terre, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This trip with my family has been everything I hoped for and more. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Riomaggiore and, hopefully, walk the Via dell'Amore. I'm looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in this beautiful corner of Italy.

Even though it is September, the weather has been rather lovely. I was expecting it to be a little colder, but I am happy that I was wrong! I was able to wear my summer clothes without freezing.

I was also able to purchase a few souvenirs today. I got a beautiful handmade ceramic plate from a local artisan. It is painted with the colors of the Cinque Terre, and it will be a wonderful reminder of our trip. I also got a bottle of local wine. I am looking forward to trying it when we get home.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to travel with my family. It is something that I will cherish forever. I am already looking forward to our next adventure! Perhaps we will explore more of Italy, or maybe we will venture to a new country altogether. The possibilities are endless!

I have also been trying to learn some Italian phrases. It is difficult, but I am making progress. I can now say Buongiorno, Grazie, and Prego. I am hoping to learn more phrases before we leave. It would be nice to be able to communicate with the locals in their own language.

We also saw that the harvest starts around the middle of September. It is so fascinating to see how the locals work the land and grow their crops. We even saw some people picking grapes in the vineyards.

I am so glad that we decided to come to Cinque Terre. It is a truly magical place, and I am so grateful to be able to experience it with my family. I know that we will never forget this trip. I am already looking forward to coming back someday!