Corniglia is widely considered the quietest and most tranquil of the five Cinque Terre towns. Unlike its neighbors, Corniglia is the only village that is not located directly on the water; it sits atop a high promontory approximately 100 meters above the sea. To reach it from the train station, visitors must climb the "Lardarina," a brick flight of 382 steps, which naturally deters the largest crowds and "day-tripper" groups that flock to the harbors of Vernazza or Monterosso. Because it is physically smaller and less accessible to large boats, it retains a more authentic, "slow-paced" village feel. It is surrounded on three sides by terraced vineyards, providing a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for hikers and travelers looking for a secluded home base. In the evening, after the last shuttle bus from the station stops, the town falls into a serene silence that is rare to find in the rest of the busy Italian Riviera.