A Village Off-The-Beaten-Path Shows The Serene Side Of Italy's Crowded Cinque Terre

The colorful towns and sun-drenched shores of Italy's Cinque Terre have made it a beloved destination for Golden Age Hollywood stars, politicians, and visitors of all kinds as well as one of the most popular places for snapping incredible travel photos in the world. Yet, with popularity comes lots of people, high prices, and often a loss of authenticity. Against all odds, one of Cinque Terre's five villages has managed to hold onto what made visitors originally fall in love with the area. 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, Corniglia is nestled in the heart of Cinque Terre with lush vineyards, citrus orchards, colorful houses, and some of the best gelato you'll ever taste. Four things set this tiny village apart from its more popular neighbors: the quiet, affordable prices, friendlier locals, and reduced crowds. Considering most visitors only come for the day, the morning and afternoons are peaceful and you can truly experience "The Slow Life." Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your terrace or watch the moonrise over the sea with only the sounds of the breeze and shoes tapping along the cobbled streets. 

You might wonder, "Why do so many visitors skip Corniglia?" There's one main reason: you must climb almost 400 steps to reach the town from the train station. For the sake of transparency, this staircase will get your glutes burning and isn't your friend on a hot summer's day. However, a shuttle bus runs between the station and town every 10 or 15 minutes.  

As the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia is known for its central piazza filled with locals, tiny churches, and collection of homey inns. However, it's also a great jumping-off point for experiencing Cinque Terre through wine. Book a tour of Cantina Capellini vineyard and learn about Vermentino Nero grapes — a dark red fruit the estate has cultivated for over seven generations. For the adventurous, hike from Corniglia to the vineyard and enjoy a farm-fresh meal and wine tasting as your reward. 

Corniglia is also an ideal place to hike along the beautiful Italian coast on this popular trail, which traverses the entire length of Cinque Terre. By starting in Corniglia, you can avoid the steep accent from Vernazza and take the train when you finish. The path winds through terraced olive orchards, vineyards, and local farms, while offering unbeatable views of the sea. Before starting your hike, make sure to pack plenty of water and be prepared for strong sun.

If you don't want to hike, you can still enjoy amazing Mediterranean views at Terza Terra. Situated at the end of a tiny street, this eatery boasts sea views without a single building blocking the way and a menu with light bites, coffee, beer, and wine. However, for authentic Ligurian-style dishes, head to Osteria a Cantina de Mananan.

Due to its location between 300 and 700 feet above sea level, Corniglia doesn't have direct beach access and the closest beaches are pebbly and hard to reach. However, there's an efficient and scenic way to visit the beaches and famous fishing villages across Cinque Terre. Without a doubt, Fegina in Monterosso al Mar is the best beach in the area, featuring aquamarine, swimmable waters, rows of striped umbrellas, and compact sand (no pebbles).

Our top recommendation for Corniglia is to spend the night (or two or three) instead of visiting as a daytripper. This allows you to enjoy the village's serene atmosphere with the fewest visitors and to experience the little things that make local life beautiful. Choose il Magàn Cinque Terre for a calm stay, sea views from the balcony, and rates starting from $105. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, May is the best time to visit Corniglia. The weather is sunny and warm (expect temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) — perfect for hiking or exploring the countryside. The water can be a little cool this time of year, so June through August are best for beach lovers. Also, don't miss the Lemon Festival, a celebration in neighboring Monterosso al Mare that occurs in the middle of May and honors the tart fruit synonymous with Cinque Terre.