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When it comes to the UNESCO World Heritage destination of the Cinque Terre, it’s very hard to choose a favourite from the five villages. Each has its own charm, and no matter what you’re looking to include on your visit you’ll find it somewhere. If a little bit and peace of quiet is on your agenda, however, there’s no doubt that Corniglia in the Cinque Terre is as close as you’re going to get. Regarded as the quietest of all the villages in the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is perched 100m above the coastline surrounded by green vineyards and punctuated by colourful pastel houses. It has no direct access to the sea, which is why it receives the least footfall, but that definitely doesn’t mean you should skip it! On the contrary; having fewer tourists means the village has kept a lot of its authentic local way of life and it seems almost suspended in time, in another part of history. A Little Bit of History Speaking of history, evidence of a settlement existing back in Roman times has been found in sleepy Corniglia, in the Cinque Terre, which makes a walk through its streets even more poignant. The town was later ruled by the Earls of Lavagna and you’ll soon discover the importance of this family if you do your research or enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. Things to Do Although it’s got a reputation for peace, there’s still loads to do here. - Hiking You can’t visit the Ligurian coast without doing a little hiking. With cars banned in most places, the best way to enjoy the landscape is on foot. From here, you can walk along the gorgeous coastal trail to Manarola. - Wine Tasting Just like you can’t avoid hiking, you can’t visit the Cinque Village of Corniglia without tasting the local wine. The vineyards are literally everywhere so why not have a glass (or two)? There are several bars and wine shops that will offer tastings, so just have a wander and see what takes your fancy. - Try the Local Food One of the best things about this village is that all the restaurants are local family-owned, so there really is no bad food here. Whether you want a fresh pastry with your coffee or some fresh seafood for dinner, it’s always just a stone’s throw away. Places to See - Saint Mary’s Terrace Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera because you’re about to see the view to beat all views. Follow the Via Fieschi to take in the incredible panoramic views of the villages along the Ligurian coast and, of course, the beautiful blue ocean backdrop. - Church of St. Peter Dating back to the fourteenth-century, this is a great spot for those who love a bit of architecture. With Baroque and Gothic elements, as well as local Ligurian influences, this is a beautiful building to visit if you’re looking to get a taste of history and architecture. So there you have it: Corniglia, Cinque Terre’s most peaceful village, has so much to offer and you’re not going to want to miss any of it. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy. We can also help with advice on things like the best way to explore Corniglia, Cinque Terre and much more so you can plan your visit to the Italian Riviera. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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