So you’re in Cinque Terre and you want to visit the mythical Guvano beach?
You’ve pysched yourself up, ready to walk through that long, dark, scary tunnel, only to find out it’s been shut off.
This was pretty much me, during my last trip to Cinque Terre. I’d (literally) sumbled across the beach last time I was here, back in 2012.
This time around, after doing a bit of research, I found out the authorities had shut the tunnel and the beach was as good as closed.
Not so!
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, it’s still possible, and relatively easy to get to the beach.
First things first, I think the easiest way to get to the beach is by boat or kayak. But if you’re short on cash, or alone, or up for an adventure, trekking is the way to go.
I did the trip today (18.09.20) and while I say it’s fairly easy to make the trek down – it does require a level of fitness. It’s steep in parts, and there are a couple of signs saying don’t tresspass and warning of falling rocks and the rest.
If you’re still up for the challenge – read on.
So the beach is located between Corniglia and Vernazza.
It’s about one kilometre north of Corniglia and a good kilometre down, off the path that runs between the two villages.
So what you need to know:
The path down the hill leaves the main trail between the 39th and 40th emergency rescue point.
These are signs peppered along the path that you can use as a reference if you get in to trouble and need help.
Ignore the signs urging you not to leave the path, and start heading down hill.
The path is pretty well trodden and not hard to follow at all.
There are plenty of blue hiking symbols painted on rocks and branches.
About fifteen minutes of shuffling and sliding down the hill, the path flattens out to almost a concrete road.
This leads to the north end of the beach.
But you want to continue on southwards (so turn left when you reach the water).
You have to climb through a couple of fences before finally crawling under the last one.
Then you’ll come to a path with a chain railing.
Follow this to the iron steps, and you’re there.
If I have time to go back I’ll make a video of the route so you can have a reference, but for now my mediocre pictures will have to do.
Update: I went back yesterday and filmed the entire journey down to the beach. Watch it here.
Also made an express version, here.
Enjoy!