Corniglia

Yet another tiny albeit quiet Cinque Terre village, Corniglia one of the five fishing villages and is possibly the most colourful of them all. With a total population of around 250, (the approximate number of people living in a small residential complex in an Indian metropolitan), it generously provides you breathtaking views of all the five settlements. While it has no direct access to the sea, its narrow roads and meandering terraces are a treat for seasoned hikers. Reaching Corniglia is no mean feat as one has to climb a flight of some 400 steps for the same but for people like me who revel in doing nothing; the ascent is totally worth all the time and energy.

Getting there: If you do not happen to be walking along the Blue Trail, Corniglia is the third stop from the La Spezia station and the journey lasts a good 15 minutes. If you do not possess a Cinque Terre card, tickets come for around 2 Euros and can be bought at La Spezia or any of the other villages and must be validated.