Corniglia Warnings and Dangers

Arriving at Corniglia station you are faced with a choice. The village is perched high on the hill above you, and to reach it you can either take one of the little green diesel buses, follow the road these buses take (which is I believe a very long way round), or take the direct route up the Lardarina, a long flight of steps made from brick.

We opted for the latter, noting the sign at the foot that warned us that there were 365 steps in total. These steps are generally quite shallow, so not too onerous, but the lack of shade (we were there at about 2.00 PM) made it hot work. The views from the steps are lovely though, which gives you a good excuse, should you need one, to pause and cool off a little. On arriving at the top we were greeted with a sign welcoming us to Corniglia and congratulating us on having climbed 382 steps to reach the village. When I read this I decided to count the steps on the return journey, which I duly did, and discovered that it was the sign at the top that had the correct number. So if those extra 17 steps are going to bother you, don’t believe what you read at their foot!

Hello! Yes, I did say bed bugs. We had them in our bed. The other beds in the apartment did not. Not sure how to avoid this or kill them. If you have tips for me...pass it on.

We didn't realise until we can home what it was. I showed the bites to a friend. He said tell-tale sign of cimici di insetti di letto!

If you are planning you stay in Corniglia there is a bus that goes from the train station to the village center. It is sporadic. Do not rely on it!

Make sure you have wheels on your suitcase. Or if you have a backpack you can take the path next to the train tracks that lead you to the 343 step. The road might be easier to get you to your accommodations. You can take the steps another day. And I'm sure you will!

Once you make it to the village you can check on teh frequency of the bus. In the center of the village, or main cross roads (if you can call them that) a hand written sign will be posted by the notice board.

If you plan to hike between villages wear sturdy shoes! Also wear a hat, bring sun glasses. And at least a water bottle.

I can't tell you how many people we ran into on the path that looked like they were going to keel over. And the million gelati question from passing hikers: "How much farther is it?"

Some paths between village are not difficult. But if you are going the way of Corniglia to Vernazza, Vernazza to Monterosso be warned.