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7 Things You MUST DO in Corniglia, Cinque Terre

The best things to do in Corniglia, Cinque Terre:

the best things to do in Corniglia, Cinque Terre
Corniglia, Cinque Terre, Italy

Corniglia is the smallest village of the Cinque Terre, a region of 5 colourful villages on the Italian Riviera.

Not only is it the smallest, but it’s also the only village that sits on the cliffs high above the ocean.

Despite this, Corniglia is well worth a visit on your 3 day Cinque Terre itinerary. Here are the best things to do in Corniglia…

1. Piazza Largo Taragio

Piazza Largo Taragio is the main square in Corniglia village dotted with restaurants and cafés.

The terraces of the restaurants and bars provide a perfect spot to sit down and take in the charm of the village with a cold drink in hand.

The best café in the square is Caffè Matteo, offering great cappuccino and croissants.

The piazza is also home to the monument of the fallen soldiers of World War 1, and behind that you’ll find the Oratory.

This small church is free to enter and provides a snapshot of 18th century life in the Liguria region of Italy. There’s also a panoramic terrace at the back of the Oratory overlooking the sea.

2. Visit the Famous Ittiturismo Corniglia

So this might be one of the most unique things to do in the Cinque Terre.

Ittiturismo roughly translates to fishing-related tourism and this incredible spot was visited by Stanley Tucci on his ‘Searching for Italy’ tv show.

The ittiturismo is located just above the town of Corniglia, and you’ll actually be going to a family home rather than a restaurant.

Every day, Guido (the father) goes fishing and brings back a fresh catch. Then, his son Pietro (head chef) cooks up a delicious multi course meal where the fish is the star of the show.

The food is served on the terrace overlooking the ocean, with beautiful Italian wine and amazing desserts too!

3. Hike the Blue Trail Between Vernazza and Corniglia

Emily, why are you telling me to do an activity that starts in another village?!

Hear me out…

As I’ve mentioned, Corniglia is perched high on the cliffs above the ocean… and the train station.

If you arrive in Corniglia by train, you have to walk up hundreds of stairs to get to the village (there is a shuttle bus, but you have to wait a while for it and the queues get big).

corniglia steps to train station
The Corniglia stairs via gonzalezrosenfeld on Instagram

So, if you want to avoid this, I would recommend hiking the section of the world-renowned Blue Trail between Vernazza and Corniglia.

The Blue Trail path brings you out at the top of the village, which means you only have to walk down the steps to the train station when you leave and go to the next village.

So what’s the Blue Trail?

The Blue Trail is a well-known hiking path in Cinque Terre, connecting the five picturesque villages of the UNESCO national park. Spanning approximately 12 kilometres, the trail offers a moderate challenge, with some sections requiring an entrance fee.

In my opinion, the best part of the Blue Trail to hike is the section between Vernazza and Corniglia. The views along this stretch are breathtaking, and there’s a charming little café about halfway along the hike that serves delicious homemade lemonade.

To start, head to the centre of Vernazza. You’ll find signs for the ‘Blue Trail’ about halfway down Via Visconti. While the trail is marked on Google Maps, it’s straightforward enough that getting lost isn’t much of a concern.

As you hike the Blue Trail from Vernazza, you’ll first ascend above the village to reach the ‘Top of Vernazza Viewpoint’. Be sure to pause here for a photo, as the panoramic views are stunning.

Just after this viewpoint, you’ll come across a small hut where you’ll be charged around €8 per person for a full day of access to the Blue Trail (multi-day passes are also available here).

The section between Vernazza and Corniglia offers some of the most amazing views, so take your time to enjoy the scenery. And don’t forget to stop for the homemade lemonade along the way—it’s a refreshing treat you won’t want to miss!

Once you arrive in Corniglia, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the colourful houses perched on the cliff. And no stairs in sight!

4. Eat at Corniglia’s Best Cafés and Restaurants

Corniglia may be small, but it has some fantastic eateries.

Best Breakfast Spot in Corniglia

Bar Pan e Vin is the best place for breakfast and brunch in Corniglia.

The cute little café serves a traditional European breakfast of pastries, fruit boards and meat/ cheese platters with bread.

The coffee is good, and they open from 7am for the early birds!

Best Place for Lunch in Corniglia

For lunch with a view in Corniglia, you can’t beat Marina di Corniglia Bar. The outdoor terrace café overlooks the ocean and specialises in huge focaccia sandwiches and salads.

Alternatively, Andrea’s also has incredible reviews.

The mortadella (Italian sausage) paninis are a top hit.

Best Restaurant for Evening Meal in Corniglia

The best restaurant in Corniglia is Osteria A Cantina da Mananan.

This traditional Italian establishment only opens in the evenings and offers authentic Ligurian cuisine to hungry customers.

Their specialities include anchovies and burrata to start, followed by seafood spaghetti or ravioli with a walnut sauce.

They serve amazing rabbit if you’re feeling adventurous, and the semifreddo for dessert is to die for.

5. Swim at Marina di Corniglia

marina di corniglia - swimming spot
Marina di Corniglia beach via barpanevin on Instagram

To cool off in Corniglia, the only option is Marina di Corniglia, a peaceful spot tucked away below the village.

You won’t find any sun loungers to rent here, but the Marina gives you access to the aquamarine water of the Ligurian sea and there is space to sunbathe on the flat stone jetty.

You can reach it by descending a staircase that starts at Largo Taragio, the main square in the centre of the village, right in front of the Oratory of Santa Caterina.

6. Do a Wine Tasting

wine tasting overlooking the ocean
Wine tasting in Corniglia via barpanevin on Instagram

Did you know that Cinque Terre is a wine growing region?

As you explore the area, you’ll probably come across some terraced vineyards that have been carefully built into the steep cliffside to grow vines.

There are two great places to do some wine tasting in Corniglia.

The first is Terra Rossa Wine Bar, a lovely spot with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean.

Here you can try Ligurian wines paired with delicious local dishes.

The second wine tasting spot is Bar Pan e Vin, where you can try three Cinque Terre wines, cheese, salami, focaccia and olives for €16 per person.

7. Discover Chiesa Di San Pietro

The Chiesa di San Pietro in Corniglia is a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture, dating back to the 14th century.

Situated at the top of the village, the church is dedicated to Saint Peter and is known for its striking façade, featuring a rose window made of Carrara marble.

Inside, you’ll find a serene atmosphere with intricate details, including a baroque altar and several works of religious art.

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Corniglia. Don’t miss my guides to Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Manarola too!