Vernazza: what to do, where to eat, events, what to see

Vernazza, one of the most charming villages in the Cinque Terre, is located in the province of La Spezia, in Liguria.
Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, this picturesque village was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, together with Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These five villages are well connected and can easily be explored over the course of a week.

The landscape around Vernazza is marked by the traditional terraced vineyards, supported by over 7,000 kilometers of dry stone walls according to some estimates.

Strolling through Vernazza, you’ll admire its natural harbor, colorful tower-houses, breathtaking viewpoints along the trails, and lively little squares — called “u cantu de musse” by locals, which means “the gossip corner.”
The name “Vernazza” is tied to the wine vernaccia, already renowned in medieval times and mentioned several times by Boccaccio. Due to its unique charm, Vernazza also served as inspiration for the Pixar movie Luca.

Here’s your guide on what to do in Vernazza, including what to see, where to eat, and how to enjoy your evenings.

What to See in Vernazza

Wander aimlessly through the narrow alleys — the best way to discover Vernazza’s sudden and magical views.

Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Built in 1318 on a rock overlooking the sea, this church stands on the remains of a much older structure dating back to the 10th century. Its charm lies in its unique blend of architectural styles, combining Romanesque and Baroque elements. A 40-meter-high bell tower, added later, enhances its silhouette.
The lateral entrance gives the church a distinctive appearance, and inside, it houses several works of art — including a splendid dual-keyboard pipe organ built in the 1970s.
Popular for wedding ceremonies, the church is tied to a local legend: a relic of Saint Margaret washed ashore here, prompting the construction of the first religious building, which was later rebuilt in its current form after a storm.
Discover 5 Fairy Tales of the Cinque Terre in this article

Doria Castle

Overlooking the sea, Doria Castle is a historic fortress featuring a cylindrical tower — one of the few original watchtowers left from the time of the Republic of Genoa. The first written records date to the 13th century, though the earliest structure likely dates back to the 11th century. The restored tower is the oldest part of the complex.
From the panoramic terrace, you’ll get one of the best views along the coast.
Open to visitors.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio

Located about 2 km from the train station, this sanctuary is one of the “sanctuaries of the Cinque Terre.” It holds a painting of the Black Madonna with the Infant Jesus, known as “The African,” believed to have been brought to Vernazza during the Crusades.
The sanctuary is reachable via a cobbled path lined with centuries-old trees and scenic views.
Dating back to Roman times (1st century BCE), the site was a key crossroads during the Middle Ages. The now-vanished village of Reggio stood here, and around the year 1000, its people migrated to the coast to form what would become Vernazza.

Hiking Trails

Blue Trail: Vernazza to Monterosso

This section of the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) connects Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. The 3.8 km hike, part of the full 12 km trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, starts with a steep staircase through vineyards and olive groves, followed by flatter stretches through Mediterranean vegetation.
It’s the longest and most challenging section, taking at least 2 hours to complete. Access is granted with the Cinque Terre Card or Cinque Terre Trekking Card.

Blue Trail: Vernazza to Corniglia

Another scenic route links Vernazza with Corniglia, the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages. After a steep climb to Punta Palma (208 meters above sea level), the path offers both demanding sections and gentler descents.
The trail is 3.5 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Also accessible with the Cinque Terre Card or Trekking Card.

Wine Tasting with a Local Producer

The Cheo winery — named after an ancient local family — has reclaimed around two hectares of traditional terraced vineyards since 2004. From these vineyards, they produce a variety of DOC wines, including the prized local dessert wine, Sciacchetrà.
Wine tasting includes three wines paired with focaccia and guided by the producer: €30/person.
[Discover the tour]

Beaches in Vernazza

There are two beaches in Vernazza. The smaller one is located near the harbor and the Church of Santa Margherita, with sand and rocks — easy to access and free.
The larger beach, made of pebbles and rocks, is reached by walking through a cave carved into the cliff along the main village street.

Festivals and Events

– Feast of Saint Margaret of Antioch — Celebrated on July 20th every year. The village fills with stalls and food stands, and the evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

– Christmas Dive — Held on December 25th. Divers bring a statue of Baby Jesus from underwater to the surface and carry it in a procession to the parish church for Christmas Mass.

– Weekly Market — Every Tuesday morning in the main square, you’ll find the local market, a great opportunity to browse fresh produce and local products.

Where to Eat in Vernazza

Vernazza offers many traditional restaurants where you can savor trofie with pesto, local anchovies, farinata, and regional wines. Be sure to also try the focaccias and small  bistros. Check out this article on the best sea-view restaurants in the Cinque Terre to learn more.

Fun Facts

– Locals call the little squares “u cantu de musse”, or “the gossip corner.”

– The name “Vernazza” is linked to vernaccia wine, already well-known in the Middle Ages and frequently cited by Boccaccio.

– Due to its beauty and distinctive look, Vernazza was used as a model for the setting of Pixar’s Luca.

Now that you know what to do in Vernazza, it’s time to pack your bag and set off to discover this little corner of paradise, where the sea, history, nature, and authentic flavors come together.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, Arbaspàa is ready to welcome you and provide personalized tips to help you make the most of your holiday in the Cinque Terre.