Of all the sections of the Sentiero Azzurro, the stretch between Corniglia and Vernazza is one of the most rewarding: short enough for an afternoon, varied enough to feel like a proper hike, and ending in one of the most photographed views in the whole park.
Walking time: about 1.5 hours
Distance: roughly 3.2km
Difficulty: moderate
Requires: the Cinque Terre Card, since this is part of the paid Sentiero Azzurro
Starting in Corniglia
Corniglia is the only one of the five villages not directly on the water, perched instead on a cliff about 100 metres above its train station. From the station, the climb up is either on foot, via the famous Lardarina staircase, or by the local shuttle bus for anyone who'd rather save their legs for the trail ahead.
Before setting off, it's worth spending a little time in the village itself. Corniglia's origins go back to Roman times, and its name is thought to come from the Gens Cornelia, a Roman family that owned land here and cultivated grapes and olives. Via Fieschi, lined with small shops, leads to the main square, Largo Taragio, and the Oratory of Santa Caterina, with a small square known locally as "il Fosso" opening onto a striking view. A short walk further brings you to the Belvedere di Santa Maria, worth the detour for the view alone.
The trail to Vernazza
From the village, pass the Church of San Pietro and follow the alley that leads onto the trail proper, with one last, particularly good view back over Corniglia before the path drops into the maquis.
The first stretch descends through dense Mediterranean scrub, crossing a small bridge over the Rio Groppo before climbing again along a stepped path flanked by olive terraces and dry stone walls. After a series of panoramic switchbacks, the trail reaches the hamlet of Prevo, around 200 metres above sea level, the highest point along this stretch.
From Prevo, the path heads downhill through lush vegetation overlooking the sea, past the area known as the Basin of Macereto, before the medieval watchtower above Vernazza comes into view, and with it, one of the classic postcard shots of the Cinque Terre.
The final stretch winds down through a narrow, shaded alley locals call the "luvegu," cooler and more humid than the open trail above, eventually opening onto Vernazza's harbourfront square.
In Vernazza
Once you've arrived, the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and the Doria Castle are both worth a visit, and a glass of Cinque Terre DOC on the square is the natural way to end the walk. If you have time to spare, wandering the narrow side alleys without a particular destination is, in our view, the best way to see the village properly.
Good to know before you go
Trail conditions on this stretch can change with weather and maintenance work, so it's worth checking current status with the Cinque Terre National Park before setting off, particularly after heavy rain. Good footwear is essential, and since this is part of the paid Sentiero Azzurro, you'll need a Cinque Terre Card to walk it. Our packing guide covers what to bring on a hike like this one.
For more route recommendations from someone who walks these trails regularly, see Silvia's Cinque Terre hiking tips.
FAQ
Do I need the Cinque Terre Card for this trail?
Yes. The Corniglia to Vernazza stretch is part of the paid Sentiero Azzurro, so you'll need a Cinque Terre Card to walk it.
How long does the hike take?
About 1.5 hours at a steady pace, covering roughly 3.2km, with the highest point at the hamlet of Prevo, around 200 metres above sea level.
Is the trail currently open?
As of our last check, yes, but conditions on this coast can change with weather and maintenance work, so it's worth confirming current status with the National Park before you go.
How do I get from Corniglia's train station up to the village?
Either on foot up the Lardarina staircase, or by the local shuttle bus, which is a good option if you'd rather save your energy for the trail ahead.
Further reading:
- The ultimate guide to the Cinque Terre Card: https://www.oasihotel.eu/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-cinque-terre-card
- What to pack for Cinque Terre: https://www.oasihotel.eu/blog/what-to-pack-for-cinque-terre
- Cinque Terre hiking tips, from Silvia's Trips: https://silvias-trips.com/cinque-terre-hiking-tips/
