Vernazza, in addition to its beautiful harbor, and fantastic restaurants, is known for its trademark caruggi (narrow lanes) that rise nearly vertically in a maze of stairs and terraces. Vernazza is beautiful and has plenty to do, but be aware that despite being the 2nd largest town in Cinque Terre it can feel quite crowded as many large tours come through to experience it’s large open amphitheater style harbor and it’s tiny streets can get choked with large groups of people.
Best things to do in Vernazza
– Watch a sunset from the harbor or from La Cantina Del Molo Di Basso Alberto, a wine bar with the most beautiful view from inside Vernazza’s harbor.
– Climb the ancient Doria Castle: Castello dei Doria, which was built in the 1500s and offers the perfect bird’s eye view of Vernazza’s famous harbor.
– Let’s be honest, you know how to wonder streets and look at churches, what you really want to know is where to do wine tastings:
– Cinque Sensi – Simply the best wine tasting in Cinque Terre. Tucked away underground in a little cellar cave, enjoy the incredibly knowledgable and passionate sommelier who guides you expertly through local Cinque Terre wines and pairs them perfectly with local treats. Located at Via Roma, 71. Open from 1200-2400. Every day from 3pm-5pm they organize pesto making classes with local wine tastings. Check them out at www.vernazzacinquesensi.it
– Cantina CheO: Climb a small hill (make sure to be in hiking appropriate footwear and relatively decent shape) and taste three delicious wines from local vineyard CheO. Sip on your wines in the hillside terraced vineyards in full view of the deep blue Ligurian Sea and the town of Vernazza below.
– Vernazza Winexperience: Pick between a 3 wine tasting (offered from 5-9pm) or (after 9pm) indulge in the Mix Experience which includes wine, cocktails and oil tasting in this seaside wine bar with extraordinary views.
– La Cantina Del Molo Di Basso Alberto: Enjoy local wines from a patio table overlooking the Vernazza port.
– Casual Wine Tasting While Overlooking the Sea: This is a fantastic experience with a great price. You’ll enjoy five different Cinque Terre dry white wines from selected winemakers of the Cinque Terre region. You’ll also get a tremendous set of food pairings including bruschetta with salted anchovies, typical focaccia sandwich with smoked swordfish and Italian cheese selection. There’s more than enough food presented that this could easily be your lunch.
Best Places to Eat in Vernazza
– Belforte: Simply one of the best dining experiences in Cinque Terre. The raised outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and Vernazza’s harbor is icing on the cake of a meal that would delight you regardless of setting. While they do have limited indoor seating, beware that depending on time of year and time of night it might be cold and windy outside on the multiple terraces where most of their seating is situated. Make reservations in advance. If you’re looking for a stunning romantic evening try to book their “Love Table”, a secluded outdoor table for two perched on the side of the cliffs over looking the sunset.
– Il Ristorante Gambero Rosso – Authentic Italian food in the Ligurian style with just enough inventive flare to keep things interesting. Their local mussels are to die for. Their Seafood Spaghetti and their Trofie Pasta in Pesto are classic dishes. Pair their courses with local wines and indulge in homemade cakes and fruit to polish everything off.
– Ristorante Bar la Torre – Yet another wonderful restaurant with a stunning view. This restaurant is secluded and off the main strip of Vernazza’s well traveled main road and harbor. They serve simple, fresh, traditional Ligurian style fare here. It’s a great place to have a drink, sit for a homemade meal and watch the sunset, or even to stop in during your hike to Corniglia for a drink and an appetizer.
– Il Pirata della Cinque Terre: One of the best dessert spots in Cinque Terre. Fantastic coffee shop serving perfect cappuccinos and croissants, as well as delicious iced coffees later in the day. Their tiramisu and panna cotta with fresh fruit are must tries.
