Hiking Corniglia to Manarola, with Lunch in Riomaggiore

We plan a few local hikes between the Cinque Terre towns, starting with an old favorite:  Corniglia to Manarola.  Corniglia is the central and third village of the five Cinque Terre towns and is the only one not located directly on the water, but instead perched on a 100-meter rocky promontory, surrounded by steep, terraced vineyards.

We take the short train ride from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia (2 stops, 8 minutes) and walk along the tracks, across from the sea, to the stairs leading up to the village (382 steps).

Arriving from the train station

A short alleyway brings us to the begining of the trail and up we head.

Trail description

Heading up

Looking back at Corniglia

Up the coast toward Monterosso

Down the coast toward Manarola (our destination)

Continuing up

Soon we reach the top and follow the trail along the ridge overlooking the sea.

Views of the sea from the ridge

As we round a corner, we enter vineyards and travel through the spring grapes just appearing on the vines.

Crossing fields of young grapes

Manarola getting closer; Corniglia, farther

Many (about 1,200) steps lead down to Manarola from Volastra on the other side of the path through the vineyards and we descend into the village, where we catch the first train to Riomaggiore, the next stop south.

Descending to Manarola, with great views

Entering Manarola

On our walk through Manarola to the train station, we poke our heads into a small church, Chiesa di San Lorenzo, and admire the beautiful interior.

Chiesa di San Lorenzo

Passing through Manarola

We leave the train station in Riomaggiore, head through the tunnel from the station to the other side of town, and take the stairs under the tracks to the harbor, focusing on lunch in a small cafe overlooking the harbor:  sandwich with mortadella and buratta and pizza with tomato and pesto.

Riomaggiore harbor

Lunch

Another great day in paradise!