Cinque Terre Towns: Vernazza Italy
- Laura
- Dec 23, 2025
- 7 min read
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Each of the five Cinque Terre towns is bewitching in its own way. If there is one village that most captures the spirit of the region, it has to be Vernazza. Read our guide to learn when to go, how to get there, where to stay, and things to do in Vernazza Italy.
Approaching Vernazza by ferry, brightly painted Gozzi boats bob in the harbor. Even more stunning are views of the village from the famed Blue Trail. From a mountain path, see the Santa Margherita bell tower and central piazza. Gaze at the ring of sunset-colored houses framed against the brilliant blue sky.
Sample gelato, limoncello, and local wines as you wander the village. Hike up to Doria Castle and enjoy panoramas of the Italian Riviera and Ligurian Sea. Use our Vernazza Italy guide for tips on avoiding the crowds, how to get around, tours, and making the most of you time in one of the most enchanting of the Cinque Terre towns.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
WHERE IS VERNAZZA ITALY
Vernazza is one of five villages in Cinque Terre National Park. Located on the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy, the Cinque Terre towns include Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza. The villages are connected by train, ferry, and hiking trails. The UNESCO protected region is considered the beginning of the Italian Riviera.
The village of Vernazza Italy lies between the Cinque Terre towns of Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia.
ALL ABOUT VERNAZZA CINQUE TERRE
The earliest inhabitants of the Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) were Roman fishermen and farmers. The towers and twisting alleys of the region developed during the Middle Ages as a defense against marauding pirates. Through the centuries, a network of footpaths developed linking the five lands. The most famous of these trails is the Sentiero Azzurro, or “Blue Trail”.
Today, Vernazza’s sparkling harbor and multi-colored houses help it rank as one of Italy’s most picturesque villages. Although Vernazza’s central piazza and main street get quite crowded with tourists, the terrain ascends steeply. If you are able to climb stairs and hills, the masses dissipate just a few blocks from the town center.
VERNAZZA HOTELS
Staying overnight in Vernazza will allow you to explore the beautiful port after the crush of the crowd has departed. There are many great restaurants in Vernazza, but nightlife is sparse centering around a few waterfront bars.
Most hotels in tiny Vernazza are family run “pensiones” (small boarding houses and hotels). Book early, especially for the summer months. Pack lights as many accommodations are an uphill walk from the train station and ferry port. Or, look for lodgings with porter services.
Here are a few well-reviewed Vernazza hotels:
La Mala - romantic environment. AC, flat screen TV and free breakfast
La Marina Rooms - mini-suites, some with balconies
Camere Fontanvecchia - guest rooms with refridgerators and free wifi
HOW TO GET TO VERNAZZA CINQUE TERRE
The nearest transportation hubs to the Cinque Terre National Park are the towns of La Spezia (to the south) or Levanto (in the north). Travel to the region:
By Plane: Fly into Pisa, Genova, or Milano airports. Then, take the train to La Spezia. Click here to learn about airfare to destinations in northern Italy.
By Train: Book your ticket to the La Spezia or Lenvanto train station. Then, board the local Cinque Terre train to Vernazza. At the Vernazza train station there is a Welcome Center with maps and Cinque Terre (hiking) cards for sale. Click this link to explore train tickets to Vernazza.
By Ferry: In season (March until November), ferries run along the coast from La Spezia to Levanto making stops in Riommagiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso (hilltop Corniglia does not have a harbor). Ferries run weather dependent. Click this link to explore ferry tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
By Car: From La Spezia or Levanto follow the posted signs to ‘Le Cinque Terre - Vernazza.’ Only local traffic is allowed in the village. Park in one of two public lots outside of the village (advance reservations recommended).
Although you can drive to Vernazza, we recommend avoiding the narrow, windy roads. Instead, park your rental car at the train station in La Spezia or Levento, and take the local train to Manarola. Click here to explore car rentals in Italy.
GETTING AROUND THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
Many people travel to the Cinque Terre towns with the goal of hiking the footpaths between the villages. If hiking isn’t your thing, each town has a rail station that connects to the other villages. Between March and November, ferries travel between the port towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Vernazza is a walking town; the best way to get around is by foot. Wear comfortable footwear for the stone streets and many stairs.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
It requires time and planning to navigate the Cinque Terre towns train and ferry systems. A guided tour can be a relaxing way to see the region by letting someone else coordinate the transport. Tours to Cinque Terre leave from many Italian cities including:
THINGS TO DO IN VERNAZZA ITALY
Hike the Blue Trail To or From Vernazza
Vernazza sits in the heart of Cinque Terre National Park. A hike between Vernazza and neighboring Monterosso (3.6km; average difficulty) or Corniglia (3.5km; average difficulty) on the Blue Trail is a great way to immerse in the spectacular Ligurian Coast.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours focused on hiking:
Climb to the Doria Castle of Vernazza
Constructed in the Middle Ages to protect the village from pirates, the ruins of the hilltop Doria Castle provide 360’ views of the land and sea. The ruins include remnants of the castle wall and a defensive tower.
Walk the Narrow Alleys of Vernazza
The best way to explore Vernazza is with a trek around the harbor; Piazza Marconi, and main street (Via Roma). Even more fun, is to splice off onto the maze of narrow alleys (caruggi) for a peek at local life.
Visit the Church of Santa Margherita
The Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is the main church located on the Vernazza harbor. The Gothic-Ligurian style chapel was built in the 13th century on a rock overlooking the sea.
Take a Cooking Class; Tour a Vineyard or Farm
The Cinque Terre is a working region of farmers and vintners. Take a cooking class, do a wine tasting (“degustazione di vini”), or tour a local farm to immerse in the local culture.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that are wine and food related:
Experience the Cinque Terre Towns from the Sea
The turquoise sea is integral to the life of the Cinque Terre towns. Ferries are an affordable way to enjoy the landscape by boat. Or, consider a catamaran, sea kayak, or gommone (zodiac) excursion.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that focus on the sea:
Eat & Shop Your Way Through the Village
A stroll through Vernazza takes you past gelaterias, seafood restaurants, wine shops, pottery sheds, and artisan shops selling crafts, lemons, olive oil, and sundresses with vibrant Majolica patterns. Enjoy!
Savor the Local Cuisine
Many eateries in Vernazza feature Mediterranean cuisine highlighting fish, local wines, and lemon-influenced dishes. A number of these establishments offer tastings, food tours, and cooking classes.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that highlight local foods:
Discover the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio
About an hour’s hike uphill from the Vernazza railway station is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio. Visit the Roman era religious site to see the ruins of a small church, cemetery, and stations of the cross.
Indulge in a Beach Day
Vernazza has two small beaches; one by the main harbor; and the second, larger pebble beach, found by crossing through a cave by the village center. Sunbathing on the harbor rocks is also fashionable.
Mix with the Locals at the Farmer’s Market
Vernazza has a popular weekly Farmer’s Market. Held every Tuesday in Marconi Square there are usually local produce, fish, olive oil, textiles, and ceramics on sale.
CINQUE TERRE MAP WITH VERNAZZA
Some of the best views of the village of Vernazza are seen from the hills overlooking town. Walk about 15 minutes toward either Monterosso or Corniglia for that perfect photo. Look for the Blue Trail on the map:
CINQUE TERRE WEATHER
Vernazza and her sister Cinque Terre towns experience mild winters with temperatures averaging in the 50’s (F); and hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging in the 80’s (F). The most rain falls in the months of October, March, and April.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE
The best time to visit Vernazza and the other Cinque Terre towns is during the months of May, June, and September. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, businesses and hiking trails are open, and crowds are a bit below peak-levels.
For lower prices and smaller crowds, consider traveling to the area between November and February when many businesses undergo refurbishment and the hiking trails are closed.
TIP: Avoid peak crowds by not traveling to the region during the months of July and August; or on weekends, holidays, and festivals.
Enjoy the glorious wine and lemon groves, Laura and Randy
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