Vernazza
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Vernazza is the second village of the Cinque Terre. It is easy to get there by train, boat or on foot (more information on the page “How to get around”).
It is the most beautiful village of the Gulf of Genoa, small, but at the same time very picturesque. Thanks to an ideal climate, plenty of sunshine and little wind there are many olive groves and vineyards. Although Vernazza may seem small, there will always be something to see; you will find monuments at every step, simply walking around the village or following the trails!
And what can tourists do in Vernazza if they’ve seen enough monuments? They can enjoy the Ligurian Sea, taste some Italian cooking in the cafes on the waterfront or get a takeaway pizza and sit on the rocks at the point and savor the atmosphere of Italy to the full. By the way, if you saw a popular animated film “Luca” (2021) then you can notice that all panoramic views and places shown in the film are from Vernazza.
Places of interest in Vernazza
Open this page from your mobile phone and you can start the navigator for any point of interest or monument described here.
The square on the waterfront with the jetty and dock
This is the liveliest area in the village, which also offers a view of the picturesque coastline. The greatest attraction for tourists is the jetty that extends into the sea not far from the shore, as if nature itself built a castle with a watchtower to search for enemies approaching from the sea. In the past the jetty acted as a lookout point, but today tourists take a siesta on the rocks that emerge from the water and on the wall, while admiring the view and tasting the local delicacies of nearby restaurants.
The Doria castle and Belforte tower
These buildings are what remain of fortifications built in the XI century. In those times the castle and the tower, were constructed right on the Ligurian seafront to act as an observation point. These days tourists crowd the terrace of the Doria Castle (Castello dei Doria) in their dozens because from the upper part of the building you can enjoy the beautiful panorama along the coast and over the village itself, with its brightly colored houses. Adjacent to the castle is the Belforte tower, considered the symbol of Vernazza. It can be easily pinpointed on most photographs of the village. The Doria castle with the Belforte tower can be visited at a cost of 1.50 euro.
The church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
Right in the center of Vernazza, famous for its religious buildings, is the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. It was built in 1318 by the Magistri Antelami family and represents an example of the Ligurian Gothic style of architecture. The church has been remodeled several times and other buildings have been added. Halfway through the XVIII century the style was modified into the Baroque style and at the end of the XX century, after a total renovation of all parts of the church, it was returned to its original style and appearance with a nave of three bodies and an octagonal tower 40 meters high.
The monastery of the Minor Friars of the Franciscan Order
Another building of religious character is the monastery of the Minor Friars of the Franciscan Order. Catholic churches have been erected in honor of Saint Francis in many cities of the world across the centuries and Vernazza is no exception. Saint Francis of Assisi is much loved throughout Italy. He founded the monastic mendicant order which preached asceticism. This monastery was built in Vernazza in the XVII century, although the quadrangular tower and the supporting walls that form part of it were built hundreds of years before.
The beaches in Vernazza
Since the beach in Vernazza occupies only a small piece of coast, you can safely say that in this village there are no real beaches. The beaches here are considered more a “refreshing point” where you can rest for a couple of hours and replenish your forces. A very tiny beach like this is located near the central square. Another, a little larger, is located on the other side of the Belforte tower. The beach can be reached through a passageway in the rock that departs from the main street of the village.
The Shrine of the Black Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Nera)
Just one look at the building will charm you. Archaeologists who have studied the Shrine of the Black Madonna believe that it was built in the XI century. But the crypt of the Sanctuary testifies that, before the Shrine, there was already another more ancient place of worship on this site. Inside is the painting of the Black Madonna. The Shrine was built on a hill and it’s about a 40 minute uphill walk to reach it; but the uniqueness of the sanctuary and the view that opens from the green clearing at the top is well worth it. You can also fill your bottles of drinking water here.
San Bernardino and the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie (Sanctuary of Corniglia)
Not far from Vernazza is the small locality of San Bernardino. You can reach it by bus from Vernazza or on foot along one of the walking trails. Here we find the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie, built in the 1800s. This shrine forms part of Corniglia because, in the past, there was a direct path linking it to the village, but which no longer exists after it was lost in a landslide. The sanctuary is located on a hill, built on the site of a chapel dating back to 1470. On the altar of the shrine there is a painting of the Madonna with Jesus (1874). Tourists always linger on the square near the Shrine to admire the beautiful panoramic view of Corniglia and the beach of Guvano.
The Belforte restaurant
There is something for everyone at the restaurant Belforte where you can sample the local cuisine of Vernazza. This restaurant is widely known throughout the area of the Cinque Terre. It has been in operation for over 45 years and is renowned for the simple dishes they prepare, based on local products, and following traditional Ligurian recipes. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is consonant with the furnishings: with wood furniture and stone walls you will feel as if you’re in a cave, while from the veranda of the Belforte there is a romantic view of the sea, the coast and the center of Vernazza. Average prices: 35 - 60 euro per person. Closed on Tuesday.
The Bar - Restaurant “La Torre”
This is more economical than the Belforte restaurant. “La Torre” is the ideal place for an aperitif, sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine at the end of the day, as you take in the beautiful sunset and panoramas which Vernazza has to offer. The restaurant is open every day.
Map of the places to see and the walking trails of Vernazza
Pedestrian routes near Vernazza
The real tourism gems of this picturesque village on the rocks are the walking trails. Numerous routes depart from here. The most popular are listed below and further information can be found on the page “Trails and routes”.
Vernazza - Monterosso al Mare (short route)
The current condition of the route: Open. Opening date: June 06, 2020.
The shortest route leads to Monterosso al Mare, along the picturesque trail on the seafront. Quite close to Vernazza there are open spaces where tourists often stop to take pictures with the village in the background.
Vernazza - Monterosso al Mare (long route)
The current condition of the route: Open.
The longer route to Monterosso al Mare is the trail which crosses the top of the hills and passes by two churches, one of which is the oldest in Liguria. This trail is always open, unlike the short trail that can be closed in winter because of heavy rainfall.
Vernazza - Corniglia (short route)
The current condition of the route: Open. Opening date: June 06, 2020.
The route passes through forest areas, offering occasional glimpses of the hamlet of San Bernardino, the village of Corniglia and the beach of Guvano.
Vernazza - Corniglia (long route)
The current condition of the route: Open.
If the shorter route to reach Corniglia is closed you can use this trail to walk to the villages through the small hamlets, Monte Cigoletta and the top of the hills. Along the road you will also find the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie which is located in San Bernardino. The climb from Vernazza in San Bernardino is very steep, thus we recommend that you begin this trail from Corniglia.
The ring of Vernazza (L’anello di Vernazza)
The current condition of the route: Open.
This is a long route which will allow you to enjoy the surroundings of Vernazza: the path climb to Monte Cigoletta, then you can look around San Bernardino and the shrine of Corniglia. It is a popular outing with those tourists who love walking and have more than three days to spend in the Cinque Terre. It is preferable to walk this trail in a clockwise direction.
To walk the short trails connecting all five villages of the Cinque Terre you will need to purchase the “Cinque Terre Card”. It is also a good idea to check the conditions of the trails in advance, as some of them could be closed due to the weather conditions and other reasons (more information on the page “Conditions of trails and map”).
* Kcal - more information on the consumption of calories and the complexity of the various trails can be found in the section “Walking trails”.
Recommended hotels in Vernazza
Vernazza is the pearl of the Cinque Terre, so finding accommodation is not easy, especially in peak tourist season. To search for a hotel use this tool and book in advance. Keeping in mind the comments and current discounts, we recommend these three hotels:
On this page you can read visitor comments on all the hotels and compare them. In addition, you should consult:
Low-cost hotels in Vernazza.
Romantic hotels in Vernazza.
Luxury hotels in Vernazza.
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Parking in Vernazza
Paid parking (marked on the map, 3 euro per hour) can accommodate up to 80 cars and is located 1 km from the entrance to the village (at the intersection between the SP51 and SP61). From this point on, access is permitted just for residents. You will find parking only during winter and it is very inconvenient to reach the village from there. For this reason we advise you not to go by car to Vernazza.
