Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a peninsula about 100 metres high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces and the fourth side descends steeply to the sea. To reach Corniglia, it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps – which on a +30C day is a real treat! At least we came here for a visit and not to stay like some other people. It is a long climb up the stairs and when you are carrying two suitcases – it is basically heart attack to waiting to happen. This village dates back to the Roman Age as testified by the name, which finds its roots in Gens Cornelia, the Roman family to whom the land belonged. The hike up the stairs is worth the spectacular views offered from the terraces perched high on the cliff. Ricotta and caramelized fig gelato is also a treat worth trying.
All looks super quaint… A thought just struck me though – imagine living there & spending the dark, gloomy winters there. These are villages I’d LOVE to visit… and interested in seeing what looked like in the off season.
We stopped at some shops here and mingled with the locals – they all seems quite happy to take our money and provide an amazing service. I think places like this are more than just tourist towns, it’s more of a way of life – they are happy there. This village is perhaps the least visited because of the hike and no direct access to the ferry, but the views are simply spectacular. Plus because it is not down below like the other 4 villages this one is less susceptible to the flooding which is what the other ones suffered in 2011 – Monterosso was the worse off, check it out on YT.
This is the Italy I want to visit! Going on my bucket list.
I have to say that majority of these villages and small towns in Italy and in France are simply stunning – I would live anywhere there and watch the world go by….drink local wine and eat fried anchovies and focaccia – so good.