The illuminated nativity of Manarola

A fascinating journey into the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park, amidst beautiful terraced fields overlooking the sea, which represent the true identifying feature of the Cinque Terre, where vines have been cultivated for centuries to produce prestigious wines such as Sciacchetrà Cinque Terre DOC. In particular, we will depart from Corniglia station and reach the village (the only village in the Cinque Terre that does not face the sea, but is located on a rocky spur about 100 meters high), walking up the famous Lardarina staircase. After a visit to the village, the path will begin, which in about 1 hour and a half will lead us to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute of Volastra (12th century), located at about 330 meters, through one of the most beautiful routes in all of Liguria. In fact, after a short climb, the path winds halfway up the coast among beautiful terraced fields, where the cultivation of vines reigns supreme, suspended between sky and sea, with a breathtaking panorama that on clear days extends to the Maritime Alps. From Volastra, where it is still possible to admire beautiful cultivations of olive groves, which are, after the vine, the main cultivation, together with citrus fruits, in the Cinque Terre area, we will begin to walk through the entire fascinating valley above the town of Manarola, where since 2019 an important project has been underway to recover the old terraced fields that have been completely abandoned over the years and completely invaded by plants typical of the Mediterranean scrub. In about an hour we will reach the Corniolo coast which divides the town of Manarola from that of Riomaggiore, from where you can admire the promontory of Punta di Montenero to the east (with the Sanctuary of the same name at the top), Manarola and the entire coast of the Cinque Terre to the west. Here we will cross the steep path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, which was the original connecting route in use until the 1930s when the famous Via Dell'Amore was built. From the ridge of Costa Corniolo on the left we will take the ancient staircase, partly in stone and partly carved into the rock, which will lead us with scenic views to the town of Manarola. Arriving in the town of Manarola, after a quick visit to the town, we will wait for dusk when we can admire in all its beauty on the hill in front of us the installation of the largest illuminated nativity scene in the world, made up of about 17,000 light bulbs (powered entirely by a photovoltaic system) and more than 300 life-size figures made from unused or recycled materials.

The experience

A fascinating journey into the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park, amidst beautiful terraced fields overlooking the sea, which represent the true identifying feature of the Cinque Terre, where vines have been cultivated for centuries to produce prestigious wines such as Sciacchetrà Cinque Terre DOC. In particular, we will depart from Corniglia station and reach the village (the only village in the Cinque Terre that does not face the sea, but is located on a rocky spur about 100 meters high), walking up the famous Lardarina staircase. After a visit to the village, the path will begin, which in about 1 hour and a half will lead us to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute of Volastra (12th century), located at about 330 meters, through one of the most beautiful routes in all of Liguria. In fact, after a short climb, the path winds halfway up the coast among beautiful terraced fields, where the cultivation of vines reigns supreme, suspended between sky and sea, with a breathtaking panorama that on clear days extends to the Maritime Alps. From Volastra, where it is still possible to admire beautiful cultivations of olive groves, which are, after the vine, the main cultivation, together with citrus fruits, in the Cinque Terre area, we will begin to walk through the entire fascinating valley above the town of Manarola, where since 2019 an important project has been underway to recover the old terraced fields that have been completely abandoned over the years and completely invaded by plants typical of the Mediterranean scrub. In about an hour we will reach the Corniolo coast which divides the town of Manarola from that of Riomaggiore, from where you can admire the promontory of Punta di Montenero to the east (with the Sanctuary of the same name at the top), Manarola and the entire coast of the Cinque Terre to the west. Here we will cross the steep path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, which was the original connecting route in use until the 1930s when the famous Via Dell'Amore was built. From the ridge of Costa Corniolo on the left we will take the ancient staircase, partly in stone and partly carved into the rock, which will lead us with scenic views to the town of Manarola. Arriving in the town of Manarola, after a quick visit to the town, we will wait for dusk when we can admire in all its beauty on the hill in front of us the installation of the largest illuminated nativity scene in the world, made up of about 17,000 light bulbs (powered entirely by a photovoltaic system) and more than 300 life-size figures made from unused or recycled materials.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day

9 km · D+ 500 m · 5 h

The stops · 9 km

Meeting point 11:40approximate

Via Alla Stazione 31, 19018 Vernazza provincia della Spezia, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We meet a little earlier: a coffee, water bottles to fill and a toilet before setting off.

HOW TO GET THERE

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11:40MEETING

Corniglia Railway station

Our meeting point is at Corniglia train station. We highly recommend taking the train to Corniglia. If you're arriving from the south, consider parking your car in La Spezia; from the north, Levanto is a good option. A convenient train from La Spezia departs at 11:12 AM, arriving in Corniglia at 11:26 AM (Regional train 12224). From Levanto, a suitable train leaves at 11:15 AM and arrives in Corniglia at 11:30 AM (Regional train 12223).

12:30PARKING

Corniglia Trails

From Corniglia station, we'll tackle the famous Lardarina staircase, which leads directly into the village. After a quick exploration of the charming town, we'll hit the trail, following route 587 (also known as the SVA).

14:15CHURCH

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health, Volastra

"Starting from the village of Corniglia, we'll head uphill on trail 587 (also known as the SVA), then connect onto trail 586. From there, we'll hike along a scenic mid-slope path, winding through stunning terraced vineyards until we reach the Sanctuary of Volastra. Once at the Sanctuary, we'll enjoy a packed lunch and have the opportunity to refill our water bottles."

16:00VIEWPOINT

Corniolo Ridge

Starting from Volastra, we'll hike through the enchanting valley surrounding Manarola. For several years now, this area has been undergoing a fantastic revitalization project to restore the ancient terraced fields. Our route will take us past the charming village of Groppo and along the Corniolo ridge, which separates Riomaggiore from Manarola.

16:30RETURN

Manarola: Hike the breathtaking trails!

From Costa del Corniolo, we'll descend the steep steps that lead down to the village of Manarola (Trail No. 531).

18:00MEETING

Manarola Train Station (Meeting Point)

After exploring the charming village of Manarola, we'll wait for dusk and watch the spectacular Nativity scene light up on the opposite hillside. The tour will conclude around 6:00 PM at the train station.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Questions?