Best things to do in Vernazza:
- Check out the Vernazza Viewpoints
- Sip an Aperol Spritz by the Harbour
- Marvel at the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch
- Devour the Best Ligurian Food at Vernazza’s Top Eateries
- Hike the Blue Trail to Corniglia
- Visit a Terraced Vineyard
- Wander Down Via Visconti
- Wine and Cheese Tasting at The Deck
Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning coastal scenery, colourful houses, and terraced vineyards.
My fiancé and I actually stayed in this village during our 3-day trip to the Cinque Terre and so naturally it holds a special place in our hearts.
Here are the best things to do in Vernazza…
1. Check out the Vernazza Viewpoints
When a village has been built on top of a cliff, naturally there are going to be some brilliant viewpoints.
Whether you want to take a photo here, pop a special question or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, you won’t regret the ascent.
Top of Vernazza Viewpoint
Head here for one of the most jaw-dropping views in the Cinque Terre!
The Top of Vernazza Viewpoint is found just before the start of the Blue Trail hike on the way to Corniglia.
Here is the viewpoint location on Google Maps.
From the main street (Via Visconti) in Vernazza, you’ll need to head up the cobbled steps on Via M. Carattino for about 15 minutes. It’s pretty hard to get lost because you just need to follow the hiking route signs towards Corniglia.
Vernazza Harbour Viewpoint
For a different angle of the village (views over the harbour), you need to check out the Vernazza Harbour Viewpoint.
This time, it’s found on the Blue Trail between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare on the other side of the village.
From this elevated spot, you get a panoramic view of the village and the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.
Here is the viewpoint location on Google Maps (please note this viewpoint is on the Blue Trail so you will have to pay a daily fee to access it – more information on the Blue Trail later in this blog post!).
2. Sip an Aperol Spritz by the Harbour
Vernazza Harbour is the most beautiful part of the village.
Luckily for us, there’s a little kiosk by the harbour selling takeaway Aperol Spritz to enjoy as the sun sets.
Sitting here felt so peaceful. The great thing about staying in Vernazza is that all of the day trippers leave in the late afternoon and so the village has a relaxed vibe in the evening.
3. Marvel at the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch
Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia is a 14th century church overlooking the Ligurian sea.
It was built in a Romanesque style and the interior is adorned with religious artwork, some of which are from the Renaissance period.
The church is open to visitors and offers a peaceful respite from the busy streets of the village.
4. Devour the Best Ligurian Food at Vernazza’s Top Eateries
The Liguria region is famous for seafood, focaccia and of course… pesto! (Which was created just up the road in the city of Genoa).
Whilst in Vernazza, don’t miss these epic restaurants and cafés:
Best Breakfast in Vernazza
The best place for breakfast and brunch in Vernazza is Il Pirata delle 5 Terre.
This charming little café at the top of the village does great coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Don’t miss the pistachio and almond croissant, it’s incredible.
Best Lunch Spot in Vernazza
For a casual lunch in the village you need to check out Pippo a Vernazza.
This popular spot does incredible fresh focaccia sandwiches and pesto pasta to takeaway.
The dishes are simple but the flavour is out of this world.
They also do a great merluzzo fish dish and a spaghetti with mussels.
Pippo is also licensed so you can enjoy a glass of local Italian wine with your lunch.
Best Restaurant for Dinner in Vernazza
Il Gattaccio is the best dinner spot in Vernazza.
Specialising in local seafood dishes, don’t miss the Linguine Di Mare or the cuttlefish ink pasta.
They also do delicious octopus dishes.
For a lighter evening meal, go for one of the amazing cheese boards at The Deck instead.
5. Hike the Blue Trail to Corniglia
The Blue Trail in Cinque Terre is a popular hiking path that links the five picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Stretching about 12 kilometres, the trail can be challenging, with some sections requiring an entrance fee.
In my opinion, the best part of the Blue Trail is the section between Vernazza and Corniglia. The views are stunning, and there’s a charming little café about halfway through that serves homemade lemonade.
Start the hike in Vernazza village centre, where you’ll find signs for the Blue Trail about halfway down Via Visconti. The trail is marked on Google Maps, but honestly, it’s hard to lose your way.
Once you’ve ascended above the village, you’ll come across a small hut where you’ll need to pay around €8 per person to access the Blue Trail for the day (multi-day passes are also available).
On the trail you can expect out-of-this-world views, and don’t forget to stop for the homemade lemonade at the half-way café!
6. Visit a Terraced Vineyard
This part of Liguria is famous for wine making. Visiting a terraced vineyard is a must-do activity for wine lovers and Eroico in Vernazza is one of the best.
Eroico offers an amazing hiking and wine tasting experience every Saturday. Starting by the train station, you’ll meet your guide and take the short but rewarding hike to the terraced vineyard. Next, you’ll get a tour of the vines and learn about the wine making process. Finally, you’ll get to taste several of their wines accompanied by a platter of local foods.
Not going to be in Vernazza on a Saturday? No problem! There is another brilliant terraced vineyard in Vernazza called Cantina Cheo, which is open for wine tastings every day except Wednesday between April 1st to October 30th (4pm-7pm).
7. Wander Down Via Visconti
Via Visconti is the main street in Vernazza.
The pedestrianised cobbled street is lined with shops and eateries, offering a bustling atmosphere all year round.
On this street you’ll find bottegas selling Italian wine, stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing boutiques and much more.
8. Wine and Cheese Tasting at The Deck
Trying wine and cheese is basically mandatory when you’re in Italy, and one of my favourite places to do it is at The Deck.
Stroll up the cobbled back streets to this lovely outdoor wine bar, my absolute top pick for sunset views.
Perched on a cliff, this amazing wine terrace overlooks the ocean, making it a perfect spot for an evening in the Cinque Terre.
At The Deck, you can enjoy a wine tasting experience featuring local wines, paired with a delicious local cheese board served with breads and chutneys.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Vernazza. Don’t miss my epic 3-day Cinque Terre Itinerary and my guide to the Best Things to do in Monterosso al Mare.