Hotels near Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village of the five that does not touch the sea. It sits on a promontory 100 metres above the water, and reaching it from the train station means either climbing the Lardarina, a brick stairway of 382 steps arranged in 33 flights, or taking the green shuttle bus for 2.50 EUR one way (free with a Cinque Terre Card). Because access is harder, Corniglia is noticeably quieter than its neighbours - the main square, Largo Taragio, is small enough that you will hear the church bells and the espresso machines competing for attention. Try the local gelato at Alberto Gelateria on Via Fieschi, especially the basil flavour, which draws queues down the street. From the terrace at Belvedere di Santa Maria, you get an unobstructed 180-degree view of the coast.

Pro Tip: Skip the stairs on arrival, take the bus up, then walk down the Lardarina after your visit. It is much kinder on the knees.