Vernazza is one of the Cinque Terre towns which were long cut off from the modern world and the characteristic Ligurian culture has been conserved. This remote chunk of the Italian Riviera was only reached by the outside world about one hundred years ago and became easily accessible with the coming of the train. Vernazza is feathered with well-whittled tall pastel houses stacked up the hillside jostling as they curve around a natural harbor (where you can swim among the bobbing fishing boats) Lined with little cafes, restaurant tables, Vernazza’s main cobbled street, Via Roma, links seaside Piazza Marconi with the train station.
Overview:
Vernazza, one of the five stunning coastal towns in the Cinque Terre national park, located south of Monterosso al Mare that juts out into the Ligurian Sea, north-east Italy. The Italian Riviera town of Vernazza is certainly one of the prettiest communities in Liguria Italy the one that appears on all the postcards. Vernazza is a very popular tourist destination on the Italian Riviera and an excellent location for walking paths, and are therefore popular with hikers and those who like walking tours.
Ancient Castle:
The remains of an ancient medieval castle and defensive walls – built in the 15th century that once protected the village from from Saracen pirates invaders out of North Africa can be seen perched on top of a cliff overlooking the sea. The medieval castle lookout tower gave the village its historical heft which is missing from some of the other Cinque Terre towns (Vernazza has been a stronghold since at least AD 1080, the likely launching point for a fleet fielded to defend this stretch of coast from Saracen pirates out of North Africa). The Italian Riviera coastline is a spectacular view from the castle.
Town Square:
The main square in Vernazza Italy is situated next to the community’s lovely black sandy beach and a small boat harbour filled with the boats of local fishermen.
Vernazza Church:
Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is one of the prettiest churches on the Italian Riviera circa 1318 and an important landmark. Perched on a rock next to Vernazza’s harbor and Main Square Piazza Marconi with a unique east-facing entryway, it has a nave and two aisles, with an octagonal bell tower rising from the apse area.
Vernazza Harbor:
Vernazza has the prettiest tiny harbor on the Italian Riviera surrounded by colorful typical Ligurian pastel houses and the charming piazza is lined with good restaurants and bars all combined with the stunning colour of the sea and boats all contribute to the harbor’s stunning beauty.
Sea Rocks & caves:
Visitors to the Italian Riviera will enjoy the sea cave and some stunning rock that are exposed to the constant influence of the sea, waves and sun of interesting shapes and colors formed along the Italian cost.
There are no big luxury hotels only a few hotels to stay, though the guesthouse La Malà offers smart minimalist rooms with stunning views. Alternatively, atmospheric private rooms and apartments can be rented.