-
Vernazza has the only proper harbor in the [wiki=81559929d53185c8c714fb6756754b8c]Cinque Terre[/wiki] and is a charming, small fishing village. Vernazza was founded about 1000 A.D. and was ruled by the Republic of Genoa starting in 1276. Vernazza's medieval castle, Belforte, towers above the harbor and was built in the mid-1500's, primarily to protect the village from pirates.
Vernazza's historic wealth is evidenced by the elegant style of its houses and streets, which are decorated with tower forms, open galleries, refined arcades and elaborate doorways. The Village is surrounded by very steeply-terraced Olive groves which are said to produce among the finest Olive oil in the country.
Vernazza is a quaint, tiny place, with a population of about 1,000. The entire [wiki=81559929d53185c8c714fb6756754b8c]Cinque Terre[/wiki] is a [wiki=3d51617f232f1b2232edda05111e74b0]UNESCO World Heritage Site[/wiki].
Since the train and Rick Steves have brought droves of tourists to the Cinque Terre, most business owners speak enough English to satisfy the typical visitor. A woman may come out of her house in the evening to ask if you need a room for the night. Be cautious as the only English word she may know is "room." She may also ask if you need a "zimmer" (room in German)" The language barrier is not a problem for Vernazzans even if they don't speak English. Play along and it won't be a problem for you either.
-
Taking the local commuter/milk trains (they used to deliver milk and mail to the cities) to Vernazza from [wiki=b8405081f19b6dcdd2388910ad898a69]Genova[/wiki] or [wiki=8e9a6989b06ef12f8131c1055882257c]La Spezia[/wiki] is a magnificent experience. You will ride along the cliffs, overlooking turquoise waters and olive trees. Tunnel after tunnel, the air cools and heats in the sun. There is no car traffic in Vernazza, which definitely adds to the village's charms. There is a small parking lot about a quarter mile north of the village.
Pisa International Airport is 80km away.
-
The milk train provides easy access to each of the five towns. Trains run very frequently. The station in Vernazza is about a 10 minute walk above the harbor. The cobble stone main street from the station to the Harbor is classically beautiful, lined with colorful buildings that house small shops, cafes, and resdiences.
The town itself is very small and only accessible on foot.
-
There is a small rustic church worth a look near the waterfront. For a great view, walk up to the top of the castle. Walk takes no more than a minute or two and is well worth it.
-
The hike northwest from Vernazza to [wiki=60e10d3ffd7aa9b771d92469c55c56e4]Monterosso[/wiki] (or vice versa) creates indelible memories of incredibly beautiful cliffs and seascapes. The hike takes about 90 minutes each way, but you can hike one way and return on the train. The trail begins on the north side of the main street between the train station and the harbor (it is not well marked, you may need to ask). The Vernazza-Monterosso hike involves some climbing, about 250 meters total.
Not to be missed is the first part of the hike southeast from Vernazza to [wiki=a7b76c809deb56a9affb7fe3ee04ec2b]Corniglia[/wiki]. This hike literally offers postcard views (like the photo above) of the town, the castle, and more. The trail starts just above the train station (it is well marked). The most amazing views are within the first 10 minutes of walking from the station as the trail wraps around the watchtower of Vernazza's castle. You will definitely want your camera. The full hike to Corniglia, which is the greenest hike in the Cinque Terre as it meanders through Olive groves, takes about 90 minutes.
In half way on the path Corniglia-Vernazza you meet [url=http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevo]Prevo[/url], a tiny hamlet of Vernazza: it is the most high and most impressive spot of Sentiero Azzurro at 208 meters above sea level, that overlooking on the famous Guvano Beach.
For info on hiking to all five villages see the [wiki=81559929d53185c8c714fb6756754b8c]Cinque Terre[/wiki] page.
-
Most stores accept major credit cards, but there is an ATM in town if needed. Some basic amenities include an internet cafe, a laundromat and countless vendors selling postcards. There is a good wine shop a little ways from the beach. Besides various miscellaneous stores, one can't pass by the [wiki=dace1e78b8640a834ea476298b697d99]gelato[/wiki] shop without trying a new flavor of ice cream. Wine can be purchased in the Oenoteca shops but it is more expensive there. Try buying it in the Mercato (market) where you can get local vino tavola (table wine) from €3 for a bottle, red or white.
-
Trattoria da Sandro serves excellent cuisine and offers creative specials. A short walk from the train station, on Via Roma 62 (across from the Blue Marlin Bar), this place can be a nice change from the busy harborside restaurants.
Hike up to Franco’s Ristorante “La Torre”, which sits atop the castle on the trail to Corniglia (Wed-Mon 12:00-21:30, kitchen closes from 15:00-19:30)tel. 0187-821-082.
Trattoria Gianni is moderately priced, well decorated, and convenient-- nestled on the left side of the Harbor square.
Pesto "sauce" was invented in the Cinque Terre. Any visit without a slice of pesto pizza is an unfulfilled visit! You can get it throughout the Cinque Terre.
Travel uphill from the train station to Pirates of 5-terre (cinque terre as they write it locally) for a fine breakfast, pastry, lunch or dinner. The twin Sicilian brothers who run the place are English bilingual,and say they are on a "Mission to teach good food in Italy" are quite fun and friendly. They say they do not have a harbor view so must concentrate on quality food instead.
-
The Vino de la Cinque Terre is a surprisingly bold-tasting white wine that gets its characteristics from the high mineral content of the soil and the fresh, salty sea air. It can be found in any pub throughout the Cinque Terre. Combine it with some pesto for a truly amazing taste experience.
If you feel like something stronger, try the Ananasso Bar down at the harbour, with his bright yellow umbrellas and chairs.
Taste the Kaypiroska, a cool mix of vodka, fresh fruit (raspberry, strawberry, plums...) and cane sugar.
-
There aren't any traditional full service hotels in Vernazza, but a wonderful assortment of guest houses, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels. Staying in one of these smaller establishments is the way to soak up the real Vernazza-- don't be put off by the lack of larger hotel properties.
* Giuliano Basso, ph: +39 333 341 4792 (email: [mailto:giuliano@cdh.it]) [url=http://www.cdh.it/giuliano/]]rents four lovely, well kept rooms with a view of the ocean and the village. Giuliano is a rare Vernazza native and a gracious host. He and his (American) wife Michele maintain these lovely rooms proudly built by Giuliano. From €70 a night.
* Ivo Basso, ph: +39 333 477 5521 (email: [mailto:post@ivocamere.com[/url]) [url=http://www.ivocamere.com]]rents two double rooms, each with private bath, as well as a studio apartment. All are centrally located, less than a minute walk to the main square. From €70 a night.
* Trattoria Gianni, Piazza G Marconi, 5, 19018 Vernazza, ph: +39 0187 821003 (email: [mailto:info@giannifranzi.it[/url] fax: +39 0187 812228) [url=http://www.giannifranzi.it]] A pensione with 23 small rooms just under the castle. From 42,00 Euro a night.
* Martina Callo[url=http://www.roomartina.com/[/url],]Piazza Marconi, Vernazza, (email:[mailto:roomartina@roomartina.com[/url])[http://www.roomartina.com/] Rents four rooms overlooking the square.
*A newly renovated apartment with full kitchen and separate bedroom/ bath and sitting area with TV upstairs. Email contact for Emanuela: manucap64@libero.it (Also rents a secondary bedroom in Vernazza)
*Country cottage sea view (between Corniglia and Vernazza) the most high and most impressive spot of Cinque Terre Blue Path. Offers accommodation for €60 per double room. It is the only accommodation located along the blue path.
*Small lonely house with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, large terrace and garden overlooking the sea at 230 meter up sea level.
At 50 meters from the Blue Path between Corniglia and Vernazza. Offer accomodation per 90€ per day
-
Vernazza is all about relaxation and enjoying a slower pace to life. There is no need to "get out" in Vernazza. Enjoy a stroll on the main street or let the sound of the waves on the breakwater lull you into an Italian euphoria. Become a Vernazzan and embrace the bliss of life on the Italian Riviera. It is a nice place to stay and spend time with the family. The beaches are the best.
[wiki=b0575b9f4f5bc051a30b0e4360926cbd]World66:europe/italy/liguria/vernazza[/wiki]
[wiki=c97cd85c5537009756332c96fa8b6817]de:Vernazza[/wiki]
Seleccionar Destino
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, Democratic Republic (ex. Zaire)
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
France, Metropolitan
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard and Mc Donald Islands
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle Of Man
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey Island
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Other Countries
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State (Holy See)
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.S.
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Spanish