Welcome to Corniglia
Corniglia is the 'quiet' middle village that sits atop a 100m-high rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards. It is the only Cinque Terre settlement with no direct sea access, although steep steps lead down to a rocky cove. Narrow alleys and colourfully painted four-storey houses characterise the ancient core, a timeless streetscape that was namechecked in Boccaccio's Decameron. To reach the village proper from the railway station you must first tackle the Lardarina, a 377-step brick stairway, or jump on a shuttle bus (one-way €2.50, free with the Cinque Terre card).
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Corniglia activities
Florence to Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip with Boat Ride
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Cinque Terre Trails, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaThese ancient trails are rough but manageable. Be prepared for the hiking – although the path is open to everyone, remember that the ground can be slippery, uneven, and in places steep and narrow. The charm of the area is that it is natural and unspoiled, do not expect hand rails or safety rails when steps are steep or when the path is close to the cliff edge. Because of the nature of the hike, we are unable to accept small children or anyone with walking difficulties.Duration: 8 hoursStop At: Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaAt Riomaggiore, centuries ago, the distinctive tall, colourful houses known as Genovese tower houses arranged in rows connected by alleys, arches and steps provided a defense against pirates. House colours are regulated by the comune. You can't just paint them any colour you like!Houses have two entrances, one at the front and one at the rear on the higher road, so that when they were attacked by pirates, the people could escape.At the end of the eighteen hundreds the railway came along the coast and Riomaggiore, along with the other towns of the cinque terrre came out of their historic isolation, even though a road wouldn't reach them until the 1970's.Language, lingua ligure, the villages were so cut off even from each other that they spoke different dialects of the same language.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Borgo Storico di Manarola, Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaBuilt in the valley of the torrente Groppo, until 1950 the stream which runs through the town was completely uncovered and 11 stone bridges allowed the people to cross from one side to the other. Over the next thirty years the stream was gradually covered over.The ancient village was destroyed by Saracen pirates (in 849) and the surviving people fled in land to live. When the seas were made safe again in the 11th century, people came back to settle here under the protection of the Republic of Genova.By the 1200's cultivation of vines was not only established but the wine they produced was sought after. The church of San Lorenzo was begun in 1338. The patron saint is celebrated on the 10th of August with a procession through the streets carrying a statue of him.The castle which protected the town from pirates is now a private home, you can see the garden from the panoramic walk, it is on the rock immediately above the port.Manarola is now famous for its Christmas nativity scene which is the biggest in the world. Figures outlined in thousands of lights cover the hillside. Also an Easter scene is made.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Borgo Storico di Corniglia, Corniglia, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaThe middle town of the five, Corniglia is the smallest town and sits at 90 metres above sea level.The name derives from the huge spur of rock on which the village sits. Population of about only 200.San Pietro church from the fourteenth century on the site of an eleventh century chapel. San Pietro's day is 29th June and as part of the celebrations, there is a procession through the streets. A special savoury tart is prepared with rice, eggs and cheese and is shared among the people who take part in the procession.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Vernazza, Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVernazza is unique in the Cinque Terre because of the small port that was built allowing ships to land in the protected bay. It was already a fortified village and efficient maritime base in the earliest records available from the eleventh century. Today there are traces of the military defences built by the Genovese in the thirteenth century such as traces of the old walls, ramparts and the look out tower.Duration: 1 hour
Private Tour: Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Borgo Storico di Manarola, Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVisit the village Duration: 1 hourStop At: Vernazza, Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVisit of the village, free time for lunchDuration: 2 hoursStop At: Borgo Storico di Corniglia, Corniglia, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVisit of the VillageDuration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cinque Terre Full-Day Sailing Tour from La Spezia
Make your way to La Spezia port in the late morning. Meet your expert skipper and step aboard a sailboat for your 7-hour Cinque Terre sailing adventure.Drift away from the port along the Gulf of La Spezia, also called the Gulf of Poets for all the famous poets who came to northern Italy’s Liguria region, such as Lord Byron. Pass the villages of Portovenere and Lerici and the islands of Palmaria and Tino.Then veer west along the famous coastline of Cinque Terre, the ‘Five Lands' — a rugged portion of the Italian Riviera comprised of five postcard–worthy villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Admire the craggy coast and terraced hillsides dotted with colorful villages, all part of Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cinque Terre towns are mostly inaccessible by car, but you’ll get a breathtaking panorama of all the highlights from the best vantage point: the water. In front of Vernazza or a similar scenic spot, pause to enjoy a light lunch spread of local specialties, such as focaccia bread with anchovies and olives, paired with Italian wine (See Itinerary for sample menu ). Continue sailing along the Cinque Terre coast, stopping again to take a dip and swim in a protected marine area. Sit back and relax on your way back to La Spezia, or take the reins and learn how to sail with the help of your skipper. Your day trip concludes when you arrive back at La Spezia port in the early evening.
Cinque Terre Kayaking Trip from Monterosso
Morning Option (5 hours):Pack your own lunch snacks (own expense) and travel independently to the start point in Monterosso for your 5-hour kayaking tour. On arrival, get a safety briefing from an experienced kayak guide, put on your provided lifejacket, and run through instructions for paddling your craft. Once you’re ready, hop into your single or double kayak and set off with your guide on the crystal waters. While the route can sometimes be challenging, the trip is aimed at all levels of experience, whether you’re a first-time or seasoned kayaker. Admire the views from the sea and paddle into the Cinque Terre Protected Marine Area as you work your way around the spectacular cliffs. As you paddle along at a leisurely pace, soak up the awe-inspiring scenery, and watch for dolphins and seabirds — cormorants and gannets are frequent visitors to this stretch of coast. Round the cliffs, and drink in the gorgeous views of the terraced hills and coastal village of Vernazza. Then, continue to Guvano beach, an idyllic bay clasped between two headlands. Pull up on the pebbles and enjoy some well-deserved down time. Refuel with any snacks or drinks you’ve brought with you, top up your tan or take a dip in the turquoise seas. Afterward, return to your kayak and paddle on to another Cinque Terre gem, the pastel-colored port town of Corniglia. Then, if you and the rest of your group wish, head further south to the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore before circling back to Monterosso. Otherwise, take a look around the immediate area in your kayak or enjoy more time ashore before making your way back to Monterosso, where your tour ends. Sunset Option (2.5 hours): On board of your kayak, depart from Monterosso and enjoy the sunset, when the sea is less crowded and everything is quieter. Paddle towards Vernazza to discover its cliffs and caves, swim in the crystalline water, and stop at a waterfall spring. Then experience a real aperitivo in a quiet cove accessible only by sea with local organic wine and focaccia from Liguria. Your tour will conclude at your original departure point. Half day option (winter tour - 3,5 hours):During the less crowded season, paddle safely with a local guide coasting amazing cliffs from Monterosso to Vernazza and Corniglia. The surprising mild temperatures between autumn and spring and the incredible variety of colors are the key to a unique experience: visit the Cinque Terre from a different perspective. A lunch break in Vernazza will be the best solution to relax facing the sea and explore this little village.
Best of Cinque Terre Day Trip with Typical Lunch
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Borgo Storico di Manarola, Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVisit of the Cinque Terre village of Manarola Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaRiomaggiore, one of the five Cinque Terre VillageDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaMonterosso, which is renowned for its beautiful beach and small craftsmen’s shopsDuration: 2 hoursStop At: Vernazza, Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaVernazza one of the prettiest of the Cinque Terre Villages, where you will have free time to sit in one of the cheerful bars and cafés. Duration: 1 hour
Livorno Port to Cinque Terre, Pisa Small-Group Shore Excursion
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaSightseeing of Riomaggiore.Stop in Riomaggiore to take the local ferry for going to ManarolaDuration: 45 minutesStop At: Borgo Storico di Manarola, Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaStrolling around ManarolaDuration: 1 hourStop At: Vernazza, Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaStrolling around VernazzaDuration: 1 hourStop At: Spiaggia di Fegina, Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, LiguriaSightseeing of Monterosso and pick up from Fegina ( Monterosso al Mare) ... Here you will enjoy the beauties of the hystorical centre and the beauty of the san beach!!! Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Province of Pisa, TuscanyStop in front of the famous Leaning Tower of PisaDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Knights’ Square, Pisa, Province of Pisa, TuscanyStop in front of the famous Scuola Normale!!Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Port of Livorno 2000We will drive back to the shipDuration: 45 minutes