Hotels near Vernazza

Vernazza is widely considered the most photogenic of the five villages, and once you step out of the train tunnel onto Via Roma you understand why. The single main street runs 300 metres downhill to a small natural harbour, framed by the 11th-century Doria Castle on one side and the black-and-white striped Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia on the other. Climb the castle tower for a 1.50 EUR fee and you get a straight line of sight down the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The harbour piazza fills up by 11 a.m., so most travellers come at sunrise for photos, then eat anchovies fried in olive oil at one of the cafes lining the water. The village is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing covering the whole Cinque Terre coastline.

Pro Tip: Walk 10 minutes up the trail toward Corniglia (start behind the church) for the iconic elevated shot of the harbour. You do not need the full hiking ticket to reach the first viewpoint.