Cinque Terre -
Corniglia
By: Tom Ogg
The Trail to
Corniglia
The trail to Corniglia
continues past Manarola and becomes much more
challenging. Since it takes approximately an hour to an
hour and one half to transit the trail, I would suggest
it only for those that are fit and want the experience
of taking the hike. While the first leg of the trail to
Manarola was paved and flat, this section of the trail
deteriorates into a dirt trail with ruts and steep
portions.
The Trail to Corniglia
While the first part of
the trail is still paved through the tunnels, you can
see that it is becoming more rugged topography.
Corniglia From the
Trail at a Distance
Once you have rounded the
last turn on the trail, Corniglia can be seen on top of
the hill in front of you. Don't worry, you will not have
to climb the hundreds of stairs to get to it.
Bus Shuttle to
Corniglia
Once you arrive at
the Corniglia train station you will see the green
shuttle bus that will take you up into Corniglia. There
is a stairway cut into the cliffs that Corniglia sits on
top of, but one would have to be nuts to climb them.
The Corniglia Train Station
If you have taken the
train to Corniglia (advised) simply exit the train
station and climb the stairs to the shuttle. This is
also where you will catch the train tot he next village.
Corniglia Street
Corniglia is the only
village that is not right on the ocean. It is located on
top of a mountain and has no direct access to the ocean.
Corniglia's Church
There is a small village
square where the church resides and a few shops and
restaurants.
One of Corniglia's
Markets
Inside the Market
While Corniglia is quaint
in its own right, if I had only enough time to vist some
of the villages, this would be the one that I would pass
on.
Another Corniglia
Street
Wandering around the
streets of Corniglia is fascinating and interesting.
One of Corniglia's
Restaurants
Corniglia is a wonderful
place to enjoy lunch and / or a bottle of wine. The
local wines are wonderful and very inexpensive. Once you
are done visiting Corniglia you can take the shuttle bus
back down to the train station and continue on your way.
Also, the walk back down to the train station is
enjoyable and not at all difficult if you have just
missed the shuttle. The trail to the next village leaves
Corniglia and climbs to the surrounding vineyards and
appears to be quite challenging. I would strongly
recommend that you take the train.
