Manarola to Corniglia

We're thinking of lunch in Corneglia and decide to hike there from the next town down the coast, Manarola.  We hop on the train to Manarola and start up the hill, basically straight up to Volastra, with a slight flat stretch between the two main sections of up.  The views of the coast, with Monterosso in the distance, are spectacular as are the scenes of the vineyards in the distance.

 Manarola

 Path up

 Views up the coast and over the vineyards

We pass through the small town of Volastra, where the climb up ends and the path proceeds along the coastal ridgeline through the vineyards, with great views of the sea, becoming increasingly more spectacular as we proceed.  We stop in Volastra for a quick peak into Nostra Signora della Salute, a beautiful chapel.

 Passing through Volastra

 Nostra Signora della Salute

 Through the vineyards

Soon we leave the grapes behind and travel through a forest, up and down, with views of the Mediterranean appearing periodically.

 Through the forest

 Rewarding views

We descend into Corniglia, enter the town, and pick a restaurant on a terrace overlooking the sea (with Monterosso in the distance).  Our reward:  mozzarella and tomato bruschetta, anchovy focaccia sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce, and (of course) local white wine.

 Entering Corniglia

 Lunch on the terrace

Our meal

Then, we hop on the train back to Monterosso (the train station is 365 steps down from the town).

Train station, down from town