Guvano Beach, Corniglia
Accessible only by a long railway tunnel or a steep goat path, Guvano is the wildest and least visited beach in the Cinque Terre — a narrow crescent of grey pebbles backed by vertical green cliffs, with water so clear you can see the bottom at five metres. It takes effort to reach, which is exactly why it remains one of the coast's last genuinely quiet spots.
How to Get There
The most direct route is the trail from Corniglia: from the village centre, follow the signs toward the Sentiero Azzurro heading south, then branch onto the steep path signed 'Guvano' that drops sharply through scrubby macchia. The descent takes about 25 minutes and is rough underfoot — wear shoes with grip. The path is unofficial and unmaintained in sections, so check conditions locally before setting off.
An alternative historical access was through a disused railway tunnel from the Corniglia station, but this route has been officially closed by the national park. The cliff path remains the only legal access. The effort filters out all but the most determined visitors, meaning even in August you may find the beach with fewer than 30 people on it.
The Beach Itself
Guvano has no facilities whatsoever — no bar, no sunbed rental, no toilets. Bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection and a towel. The pebbles are large and smooth, the water is deep and cold even in summer, and the snorkelling along the base of the cliffs reveals sea urchins, octopus and schools of bream.
The beach faces due south and receives sun from mid-morning until late afternoon, making it ideal for a long, lazy half-day. The return climb is tough in the heat, so plan to leave by 4 pm at the latest. This is not a beach for young children or anyone with mobility issues.
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