Vernazza Village
Of the five Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza looks and feels like a coastal dream – perfectly framed by its colorful harbor and crystal clear waters.
But Vernazza is more than its looks. It's a village with atmosphere and vibe. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping by for a few hours, it’s a place that should be included on your Cinque Terre checklist for more reasons than one.
If you want to know what the other towns of Cinque Terre have to offer, then check out these posts:
Let’s take a look at the highlights in Vernazza that you shouldn’t miss!
A little History
Vernazza is one of the oldest and proudest villages on the Ligurian coast, and it was founded as a fortified naval base around 1080. Over the coming years, it played a key role in defending the region from Saracen raids and later became a strategic coastal stronghold and loyal ally of the Republic of Genoa.
Today, Vernazza’s rich maritime past lives on in its stone watchtowers, the Doria Castle, and remnants of its medieval walls. It’s a place where history can be seen and touched- if you’re paying attention.
Like what you’re reading so far, but short on time? Then you’ll love our ready-to-go itineraries that give you details for end-to-end sightseeing and experiences for 1-2-3 day visits to Cinque Terre!
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Arriving to Vernazza
Vernazza is served by the ferry and the Cinque Terre train line and is just a few minutes by rail from Monterosso or Corniglia.
But unlike some of the steeper villages, Vernazza has a comfortable pedestrianized main street that flows onto its piazza and harbor, making it reasonably easy to explore on foot.
Via Roma
Step out of the train station and follow the flow of visitors down Via Roma, the village’s main street. You’ll pass cafes, gelaterias, souvenir shops, and side streets leading to quiet alleys.
Vernazza Harbor
Via Roma comes to an end as you enter the harbor area. The little port has a vibrant piazza with restaurants and bars, and the harbor breakwater is a busy area for swimmers and sunbathers.
Need more help navigating around the villages. Take a look at some of our other Cinque Terre content.
Things to Do in Vernazza
Visit the Castle
Castello Doria is Vernazza’s medieval watchtower, originally built to defend against pirates. Today, it rewards those who climb its steep steps with 360° views of the coast.
From here, the beauty of Vernazza is laid out below you. The boats in the harbor, the ribbons of terraced vineyards above, and the patchwork of buildings squabbling for light.
Insider Tip: The castle entry is not included in the Cinque Terre Card. It only costs a couple of euros, but there is often a sign for ‘cash only’. This seems to catch out a lot of tourists who trek up the steep stairs (getting all sweaty and out of breath) only to have to turn back because they’re only carrying plastic.
Explore the Church and Piazza Marconi
Right by the water’s edge sits the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, built in 1318.
It is said that local inhabitants found a small wooden box containing the bones of a finger of Santa Margherita. This church was built in honor of this miracle.
It’s an elegant structure with an octagonal tower, perched on the water’s edge, set on one edge of the lively Piazza Marconi.
Insider Tip: Between May and September, the oratory behind the church plays host to a series of operatic concerts. We went to one of the concerts on our honeymoon back in 2019; and it was a pleasant 1 hour prelude to dinner in Piazza Marconi.
Winery Tours and Tastings
The nearby vineyards in the Cinque Terre UNESCO park have been producing wines for centuries. Without too much effort, you can enjoy a winery tour or tastings to enjoy this distinctly local produce.
- Pesto making and wine tasting experience in Vernazza; with cheese, focaccia, evo oils, gnocchi, and limoncino.
- Visit a local winery to learn about the ancient wine growing traditions and enjoy the opportunity to taste 3 local wines and local antipasti plates. Your hosts are a family that has farmed here for generations.
Enjoying the Water
Boat Tours
Boat Tours are popular in Vernazza and head out right from the little harbor. There are a few tour operators that you can approach. But, if you don’t have a lot of time in Cinque Terre and prefer to lock and load your schedule, then you can make bookings ahead of time.
A tour I can recommend with confidence is the Vernazza Sunset Cruise – with swimming and snorkeling. The villages glow and twinkle peacefully at sunset. It’s a heartwarming experience with a boat captain who generously shares his passion for his home territory.
Swimming
If boating isn’t your thing, then Vernazza’s harbor is one of the places in Cinque Terre where you can have a quick swim. There's a small beach right by the harbor. But the volume of tourists and shallow water can make this area seem a little grubby. So, I prefer the clear blue water past the boats at the end of the breakwater.
Insider Tip: The Ligurian coast doesn’t have long stretches of sandy beaches. Most swimming spots are at rocky beaches, little harbors, and in pockets of water. For confident swimmers, cliff divers, and adventure lovers, it’s a fun and exciting aspect of holidaying in Cinque Terre.
Sip, and Soak It All In
After a long day of sightseeing activities and swimming, don’t skip the obligatory aperitivo. There are several cafes and bars right in the harbor where you can enjoy this Italian tradition.
But I prefer to take an aperitivo with a view, and a sea breeze, away from the tourist crowds. (We share our ‘secret’ spots in our premade itineraries available immediately as PDF downloads).
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Lookouts and Viewpoints
The trails stretching up from Vernazza's old town offer some of the most iconic views in all of Cinque Terre.
- The path from Vernazza to Monterosso climbs above the village, giving you a postcard-perfect shot back toward the harbor.
- The steep stairs that head up toward Corniglia pass by an old tower that was once part of the former Franciscan convent. It served both religious and defensive purposes, and from that location, you can enjoy views of Castello Doria and the promontory that it sits atop.
Both these paths are well-marked (starting from the Pharmacy on Via Roma). Note: They are both part of the Sentiero Azzurro – Blue Trail, which requires a Cinque Terre Card.
Insider Tip: If you don’t have the time or energy, then you don’t need to do the full hikes. Walking just a short distance is enough to get fantastic views. If you like, you can do just a short walk, take some stunning photos, and treat yourself to lunch at La Torre!
Where to Eat in Vernazza
The inhabitants of Vernazza have traditionally been fishermen. So anchovies and fresh seafood are in abundance. The village is also known for a dish called the “tian de anciue”. It’s a delicious and tasty concoction with potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, and anchovies. Look out for it on the local menus!
Some of our favorite spots include:
Gianni Franzi: One of the oldest restaurants in town takes a prominent position in the harbor. Known for their seafood pasta.
Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre: A local favorite slightly off the main tourist path, run by Sicilian twins who serve up excellent regional dishes and satisfying desserts.
5 Terre Bistrot: Located on the Via Roma, you can enjoy the bustle from their terraced seating. The food is flavorful and vibrant and true to Ligurian culinary classics like Trofie al Pesto (pesto pasta) and Focaccia con Muscoli (local bread with mussels)
Trattoria Da Piva Vernazza: Set off the main street in a cozy alleyway, this unpretentious little trattoria serves delicious local flavors that feel authentic and satisfying (especially after a long hike or a busy day of sightseeing). If you want to try tian de anciue, then try it here!
Where to Stay in Vernazza
If you like the sound of Vernazza, then you may want to choose it as your Cinque Terre base.
For those who stay overnight, Vernazza transforms in the evening. When the last of the sunbathers and day-trippers are gone, the village takes on the gentle hum of satisfied diners and intimate conversations.
Like with most of Cinque Terre, there are no flashy hotels here, but there are some options worthy of a mention, including:
Santa Marta Rooms: €€ Beautifully presented rooms in a central spot.
Il Ciasso' Romantic Seafront Escape: €€€€ Perched in the scenic hills of Vernazza, this luminous apartment offers captivating vistas and all the familiar comforts of home.
Pippo a Vernazza Rooms: € These unpretentious yet well-appointed rooms include the rare amenity of lift access to guest rooms!
A Village That Lives Up to the Hype
There’s a reason Vernazza appears on postcards, in guidebooks, and across Instagram feeds. It just is as beautiful as you’d imagine, and it has a happy vibe that is difficult to shake.
Stay, eat, swim, sip wine, soak up the history, and enjoy the views!
For easy day trip and holiday itineraries that include sightseeing and activities in Vernazza, then you’ll like our Cinque Terre itineraries (available as PDF downloads). Created to make your Cinque Terre vacation as easy, interesting, and memorable as possible.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
FAQ
Is Vernazza worth visiting?
Yes! Vernazza is one of the most picturesque and memorable villages in Cinque Terre. With its colorful harbor, historic castle, and authentic charm, it offers a perfect mix of scenery, culture, and local life. If you’re looking for a classic Cinque Terre experience, then Vernazza will deliver!
Is Vernazza suitable for families with children?
Yes and no. Vernazza’s compact layout and central piazza make it easy to explore with kids. The small beach and flat harbor area are great for pushchairs, and there are casual dining options for families. However, some alleyways are steep, so you’ll be a little restricted once you start exploring off the main street and piazza.
For better accessibility then consider staying in Monterosso.
Is Vernazza wheelchair accessible?
Vernazza is more accessible than Riomaggiore or Corniglia. And it is especially mobility-friendly around the harbor and main street (Via Roma), both of which are relatively flat. However, many side streets and walking trails involve steps or steep inclines.
Can I swim in Vernazza?
Yes. Vernazza has a small beach and swimming area at the end of the harbor breakwater. If you want a more beach-friendly village, then Monterosso is famous for its long sandy beach.
How do I get to Vernazza?
Vernazza is on the Cinque Terre train line and is easily reached from La Spezia or any of the other villages. Trains run frequently throughout the day and are the quickest and most convenient way to arrive.
Vernazza is also accessible by ferry, and many boat tours also make a stop here. It’s also possible to hike from Monterosso or Corniglia along the Sentiero Azzurro trail.
