The 13 essential things to do in Vernazza

Are you on holiday in northern Italy? Don't miss the Cinque Terre Park and its picturesque villages hanging on the cliffs. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best things to visit in Vernazza, one of the most beautiful villages in the region and the country.

World Heritage by UNESCO, the Cinque Terre National Park is a unique place in the world. It brings together five beautiful villages built on cliffside along the Mediterranean Sea.

Coming from Genoa, you will first meet Monterosso, then Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These fishing hamlets have remained authentic despite the number of tourists who come to discover their beauty every year. They are connected by a train line, as well as by hiking trails. Each of the villages has its attractions, and we describe here the must-sees to visit in Vernazza, one of the most beautiful and isolated.

1. The port

Located at the bottom of the village and dominated by the church and the castle, the port of Vernazza welcomes the typical boats of the fishermen of the village. These colorful boats amassed in the translucent waters of the Mediterranean represent one of the symbols of the Cinque Terre.

It is the only natural port of the Cinque Terre, which further reinforces the traditional side and turns towards the Vernazza Sea. At sunset, residents and tourists come to settle along the dike for a moment out of time and a fairytale show.

2. The historic centre

Via Roma , main street of Vernazza, goes up to the heights of the village and the station from the port. It is a place that is animated by restaurants, souvenir shops and glaciers.

Set on the terrace to enjoy a fish or fish dish pesto a la Genovese . On both sides of the main axis, narrow courtyards and steep staircases allow to sink into the maze of the alleys of Vernazza.

At each corner of the street, you will discover a charming little square, a green garden or a new viewpoint on the village during your visit to Vernazza. Have fun finding the old presses, the remains of the region’s wine activity.

3. The sandy beach

The sandy beach of Vernazza is located near the port, near the main square and dominated by the church of Santa Margherita d’Antiocha. If the places are expensive in high season, it remains a quiet place where to pose its towel for a good session Farniente .

The setting is enchanting, with a view of the fishing boats, the Doria Castle and the church. The clear water invites you to swim and allows you to refresh after hikes in the area or your peregrine in the steep streets of the village.

4. The pebble beach

Larger beach of Vernazza, it is located on the other side of the castle leaving the port. To reach her, you will have to borrow her Via Roma then turn halfway and enter a cave.

Once you cross the tunnel, you arrive on a beautiful pebble beach with stunning views of the cliffs that border the coast. This hidden place allows you to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the village. Bordered by translucent and calm waters, it is perfect for a few breezes.

5. The church of Santa Margherita d’Antiocha

The main monument of the city, its precise date of construction is not known but would go back to the 12th century. This religious building is dedicated to Santa Margherita d’Antiocha, the saint-patronne of the village. According to the legend, a box containing the fingers of the Holy was found on the shore and the inhabitants decided to erect a church in his honour to the precise place of discovery.

The building is topped by an octagonal tower of 40 metres high, located in the side apse rather than on the façade. This architectural peculiarity combined with the white color of the building that contrasts with the colorful houses of the surroundings make the church a unique and unmissable monument to visit in Vernazza. Every year, party Santa Margherita takes place 20 July , with processions, shows and fireworks.

6. The convent of the Reformed Fathers of Saint-François

This convent, nestled on the heights inside the city walls, was part of Vernazza’s defensive system. It consists of a tower that once made it possible to make the watch, a cloister and a deacralized church. Today it is the seat of the town hall of Vernazza. During its recent renovation, 14 marble tombs decorated with Latin inscriptions were updated.

7. Castle Doria and Belforte Tower

Doria Castle, topped by the Belforte Tower, is one of the most important monuments to visit in Vernazza. It is located on a rocky promontory at the end of the village, overlooking the harbour and the two beaches.

Its irregular architecture follows the rocky stop on which it is implanted, giving it a unique aspect. It was originally used to defend the village against the incursions of the Saracens. It is one of the oldest buildings in Vernazza since it was erected in the 11th century.

Today, it is a breathtaking view of the sea, the port and the village. It is one of the symbols of Vernazza that you can easily find from the village heights and the hiking paths.

8. The church of San Francesco

This deconstructed church, built in the 12th century, blends harmoniously into the heart of the colourful houses of Vernazza. It now hosts various musical and theatrical events, such as a classical opera festival, as well as temporary exhibitions.

9. The Shrine of Nostra Signora di Reggio

The sanctuary is located on the heights of the village, where the first colony of Vernazza was built. You will reach it after a short hike from the train station, or by taking the hiking path between Vernazza and Monterosso.

The church is dedicated to the Black Virgin ( Madona Nera ) that can be observed inside the building. Around the building you can sit in the shade of the centenary trees on comfortable benches and observe the panoramic sea view.

Small trick, a local with drinks and food is located behind the church. You will only have to make a gift and serve you before you continue your path. By descending, do not miss stopping at the charming little cemetery perfectly maintained.

10. San Bernardino and the sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

San Bernardino dominates the Cinque Terre National Park and offers magnificent views of Corniglia and Vernazza. At the departure of the train station, a trail will lead you to 3 kilometres to the village, but you can also access it by car. Attention, the hike is quite difficult because the place is near 400 metres above sea level, but the landscapes are worth a visit.

11. The hike to Monterrosso

Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the villages of the Cinque Terre and visit Vernazza. At the departure of the latter, you can reach by less than 1h30 the village of Monterosso al Mare. Starting from Vernazza, you will climb to the church level with the sea to your left.

Quickly, you will reach two points of view from which you can take beautiful diving photos on the village. The first is located in 5 minutes and the second to 15 minutes . The path is steep but the climb does not last long. You will quickly go back to Monterosso by a well-kept staircase.

Monterosso is slightly different from the other villages of the Cinque Terre, with a much more modern side. It is also the place of the Cinque Terre park where you find the largest sandy beach.

12. The hike to Corniglia

This walk is one of the things to do in Vernazza if you want to explore the Cinque Terre in depth. It is probably the most beautiful part of the path Azur , which connects the five villages of the park. You will evolve on the edge of cliffs, in landscapes of Mediterranean maquis and breathtaking olive groves.

Do not forget to return to the first climb to enjoy the breathtaking view of Vernazza and its castle, as in the panorama Punta Palma . If the trail is relatively steep, the hike is classified as easy and allows to reach Corniglia in less than 2 hours . You will enter the village by the court of the San Pietro church . Right next door, a small bar allows you to cool down and eat a bite.

13. Make a boat trip

What if you take advantage of your trip to Vernazza to take a boat trip? Thanks to its direct access to the sea and its tourist activity, the village is the perfect starting point for a cruise. Many operators offer boat trips in the Cinque Terre. You can even try kayaking in the heavenly landscapes of Vernazza Bay!

You can also choose to rent a boat if you want more tranquility. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!

How to go to Vernazza?

By train

The train is the means of travel most practical to explore the Cinque Terre and visit Vernazza. Every train between 2 villages in the Cinque Terre costs 4 euros .

You also have the opportunity to buy a pass Cinque Terre Train Card . This allows you to travel unlimited on the line La Spezia/Cinque Terre/Levanto. It also offers access to all paid hiking trails, the park’s minibus and discounts for municipal museums in La Spezia. It is available at the following rates:

• Adult 1 day: 16 €
• Adult 2 days: 29 €
• Adults 3 days: 41 €
• Family 2 adults and 2 children 1 day: 42 €

To reach the Cinque Terre, you will have to reach the stations of La Spezia or Levanto.

To arrive at Levanto by train :

• 1 hour since Genoa ;
• between 3 and 4 hours since Turin or Milan.

To arrive at La Spezia by train :

• approximately 2h starting from Same or Florence ;
• 3 hours de Bologna ;
• 4 hours de Rome.

You just have to 15 minutes to travel between Riomaggiore and Monterosso the two villages at the ends of the Cinque Terre.

By car

The car is not the most recommended option to visit the Cinque Terre due to the access and parking difficulties . Vernazza and Corniglia are the two most isolated villages and it will be very difficult to find parking.

Riomaggiore and Manarola offer large parking lot above the village where you will leave your vehicle. Des shuttles then take you to your hotel.

To reach Monterosso, borrow the A12 from Genoa to exit Carrodano-Levanto Then follow the panels.

On foot

The hike is one of the must-sees to make during your visit to Vernazza and throughout the Cinque Terre park. To access the trails, you will need the Cinque Terre Trekking Card at the rate 7,50 € for one day or 14,50 € For two days. It may be interesting to buy it Cinque Terre Train Card , which includes access to the trails in addition to the train. Thus, you can modulate your trips and visit part of the park on foot and perform other portions by train.

By plane

There exists no airport dedicated specifically to the Cinque Terre. First of all, you will have to reach one of the big cities nearby, like Genoa, Pisa Florence or Milan.

Then borrow the train as described earlier in the article. To find the cheapest tickets, we advise you to use a flight comparison as Skyscanner . Enter the desired dates and discover in a few clicks the most suitable tickets to your budget.

Where to stay in Vernazza?

The options to sleep in Vernazza are numerous, but quickly assaulted. You'll have to take it. in advance to book accommodation. Choose between hotels, guest rooms and apartment rentals with Airbnb For example. To find the rare pearl, use a Compare hotels . Number of beds, budget, type of accommodation, specify your criteria and quickly find the nesting which will welcome you during your stay in Vernazza.