Il Timone

There are around 400 steps between the train station and the hotel, though you can take a bus if you don’t want to walk. We were a bit cold on the first night because it was very windy at this time of year, but we easily found extra blankets. Il Timone is lovely, very clean, and recently refurbished. Cristina was a welcoming host who made us feel at home, was always easy to reach, and gave us good advice on visiting like a local. She was flexible when our flight was delayed and arranged for her husband to pick us up at Corniglia station. Everything we needed was provided, including shampoo, shower gel, and slippers, and the bed was very comfortable.

I’d suggest getting a couple of bottles of wine, cheese, and crackers to enjoy on the patio while waiting for dinner time. Once the day tourists leave, this is a great, maybe the best, place to be. We had some trouble settling in, and getting there by the required 2pm is tricky. Hint: use Google Maps with the terrain layer.

The location is awesome, with great scenery just above the cliff, and I really like this town. The beds are far too soft for a good night’s sleep. Showering was a disaster too, since the shower nozzles were out of control.

The apartment is very nice and the host was friendly. The roof terrace is magnificent, with a sea view. The shower is very small and could be improved.