Things to Do in Vernazza Italy
- Mar 3
- 7 min read
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Prettier than an Italian Renaissance painting, Vernazza’s rainbow of villas will beckon you to explore. Its stunning natural harbor, filled with traditional Gozzi fishing boats, is one of the most popular of the Cinque Terre towns. Our article on things to do in Vernazza Italy will help you hit all the highlights.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
WHERE IS VERNAZZA ITALY
Vernazza is one of the five lands (villages) that are the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park. The medieval towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza) are nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Ligurian Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea) in northwest Italy.
Once farming and fishing villages linked by a series of mule tracks; today, the Cinque Terre Towns are a major hiking and tourist destination connected by rail, ferry, and road. The region is UNESCO protected area; and is considered to be the beginning of the Italian Riviera.
Vernazza is located between the Cinque Terre towns of Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia.
VERNAZZA HOTELS
Vernazza is a great choice for an overnight in the Cinque Terre towns. It has an assortment of accommodations, small shops, restaurants, and heritage sites to explore. Do be aware; the nightlife is limited to a few bars in the waterfront. Most people enjoy the peace and quiet of the port after the crush of the crowd has departed.
There are no large, resort-type hotels in Vernazza. Most lodgings are family run “pensiones” (small boarding houses and hotels). We recommend booking early.
Pack lights when traveling to the Cinque Terre towns as many hotels are an uphill walk from the train station and ferry port. Alternatively, look for lodgings with porter services.
Consider these 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
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
Day trips to Cinque Terre National Park are popular from nearby cities and cruise ports. There are many tours to the Cinque Terre towns from Florence, Genoa, Milan, Pisa, and other cities. A guided tour can take the worry out of coordinating the region's train and ferry schedules.
Consider these well-reviewed tours.
CINQUE TERRE MAP WITH VERNAZZA
CINQUE TERRE WEATHER
Cinque Terre National Park has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (temperatures averaging in the 50’s F); and hot, humid summers (temperatures averaging in the 80’s F). October, March, and April are the rainiest months.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in the spring and early fall (optimally May, June, or September), when the temperatures are warm enough for water sports, flowers are in bloom, and all businesses and hiking trails are open.
For a more relaxing travel experience; avoid the months of July and August when crowds are at peak. Also, be aware many businesses and trails close between November and February.
THINGS TO DO IN VERNAZZA ITALY
Hike the Blue Trail
Hike the famed Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) between Vernazza and Monterosso (3.6km; average difficulty); or Vernazza and Cornigla (3.5km; average difficulty) in Cinque Terre National Park. Both hikes requires a one-day Cinque Terre trekking card ($7.50-15/day).
Randy and I hiked the Monterosso to Vernazza portion of the trail. The up and down terrain, many stairs, and sheer drop-offs were challenging. However, the scenery was phenomenal (views of Monterosso and Vernazza from the hills), and we enjoyed getting up close to the wineries and small farms along the trail.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours focused on hiking:
Climb to the Doria Castle of Vernazza
Doria Castle overlooks the tiny village of Vernazza. The castle was constructed in the Medieval era as a defensive fortification against pirates that roamed the coast.
Doria Castle is accessed via a long, steep stone staircase. At the top of the climb, find several esplanades, the ruins of the castle wall, and an imposing tower. For a $2 Euro charge, see some of the Ligurian Coast's best panoramas.
Play in the Ligurian Sea
Vernazza, Monterosso, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are all port towns with harbors. Discover the many caves and pirate coves of the Ligurian coast during a day on the water. Glide across the clear, turquoise sea on a catamarran or gommone (zoidac) boat. Many excursions include swimming and snorkeling.
Here are a few Cinque Terre tours that focus on the sea:
Take a Cinque Terre Walking Tour
The best way to explore the Cinque Terre towns is on a walking tour. The villages are tiny and largely pedestrianized, so its hard to get lost. In Vernazza, amble around the harbor, Piazza Marconi, and main street (Via Roma), before veering off into the narrow alleys (caruggi) that wind between villas.
Try a Cinque Terre guided walk:
Or, do it on your own after reading our article:
Visit the Church of Santa Margherita
Nestled in a corner a Vernazza's main square, Piazza Marconi, is the Church of Santa Margherita d' Antiochia. Tour the interior of the Gothic Ligurian-style chapel and admire the ceiling of the high tower. The 13th century working church is open most days and free to enter.
Tour a Vineyard or Lemon Grove
The cultivation of grapes, lemons, and olives is integral to the history of the Cinque Terre towns. Villagers have grown produce on the narrow “cian” terraces of the Cinque Terre for 1000 years. Visit a local winery or farm to learn about the local culture, and to enjoy delicious wine, fruits, and foods.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that are wine and food related:
Trek the Via dell’Amore Footpath
Just a short ferry ride from Vernazza find the 1 km Via dell’Amore Footpath. The trail runs between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola along the edge of the Ligurian Sea. This stunning walk is paved and relatively flat. Opening hours and the need for a timed entry ticket varies throughout the year, so plan ahead to complete the walk.
GET TO KNOW THE LOCAL CUISINE
Vernazza is home to a cluster of top-notch restaurants; most featuring Mediterranean cuisine that highlight local wines, olives, lemon, and seafood. In the village, visitors can sample street foods, tasty gelato, and local wines. Every Tuesday there is a farmer's market in the main piazza. Many family-run, local businesses offer tastings, food tours, and cooking classes.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that highlight local foods:
Ride the Ferry Along the Cinque Terre Coast
Riding the ferry from Monterosso al Mare to Portovenere (and back) is an affordable, and unforgettable way to experience the Cinque Terre towns. Hop on and off the ferry at will to spend time in the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Portovenere. Enjoy views of the coast while onboard.
Click this link to explore ferry tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
Preserve the Moment in a Photoshoot
In the early morning, or in the late afternoon when the sun drops low in the sky, the Cinque Terre towns are bathed in shimmering light. From spectacular shades of blue where the sea and sky meld; to prisms of red and yellow, the Cinque Terre villages are awash in color. Have the photographer in your party pick out a spot along the harbor, or from a clifftop perch, and indulge in a photoshoot (or hire a professional!).
This Cinque Terre tour focuses on photography:
Enjoy the Sunset
About an hour before sunset, head to Piazza Marconi or the Belforte Ristorante in Vernazza center. Grab an outdoor table, order a drink, and settle in to watch the sun set. Take it all in as the light approaches, and color washes over you.
Here are a few Cinque Terre tours that take in the sunset:
Lay Back on a Beach
Vernazza has two small beaches that are perfect for people watching and a dip in the Ligurian Sea. The first is a strip of sand in front of Piazza Marconi. The second is a larger pebble beach just off the village center (pass through a cave to find it). Sunbathing on the stone quay in the harbor is also a popular past time.
Have a sip of Limoncello for us! Laura and Randy
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