Location: Vernazza
Top Things to do in Vernazza
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8 Things to Do in Vernazza That You Shouldn't Miss
With Cinque Terre’s only proper harbor, Vernazza has a long history as a fishing village. While there is a small beach, sightseeing is more common in this astoundingly beautiful cliffside town. Highlights include the 16th-century Belforte Tower (which offers incredible views of the area), the 11th-century Doria Castle and the 14th-century Santa Margherita d'Antiochia church. It involves a steep hike, but the shrine at Nostra Signora Di Reggio (Our Lady of Reggio) is well worth it.
Restaurants in Vernazza
1. Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By normalwriter - Normal, Illinois
We expressly chose the Cinque Terre as a vacation spot when we heard about its great hikes. On Day 1, the Madonna di Reggio trail, one of the sanctuary loops, provided a stunning introduction to this area...and we dealt with a rainy day!
On Day 2, we stepped only yards from our amazing room at Giuliano's camera to take the higher path to Corniglia. Despite being told that the trail was closed, we proceeded on the advice of a local supposedlly in the know and did not encounter anyone who told us to get off. In fact, when we arrived at Corniglia, an official at the hiking booth totally ignored. us.
Ah, the hike itself. We loved the switchbacks, the rocky ledges, the gorgeous views back at Vernazza, our home base, and ahead to Corniglia. The hike took us about 2 hours, I believe, at a leisurely pace, with plenty of breaks for photos and drinks of water. There's the great option of taking the train to another Cinque Terre town or the wonderful boat. We hiked on to Manarola...but that is another story!!!!!
Stunning scenery! Safe and well-marked trail! A must!
2. Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By asiahand1 - Florida
Unlike other ornate churches in Italy, this small church has simple stone walls. The inside is equally unpretentious , almost stark. Yet the serene, peaceful interior calms you. The church bells ringing every half an hour can be heard from all over this small gem of a town. You can easily imagine how this was the central focal point for the whole community for centuries before tourists descended and overwhelmed the town.
3. Castello Doria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By BDavis1236 - Westland, Michigan
Getting to this area is a challenge...the pathways are steep, a long staircase winding between buildings, often very narrow. Difficult if leg issues, or if getting older. VERY IMPORTANT: bring cash! Upon arrival to the front entry, a couple who had traversed the path from the bottom found out they needed money to get in. No Credit Cards Frustrating!
The actual round building at the top was somewhat ridiculous. There is a very tight spiral stairtcase headed to the top. Granted, great views, but no way two people can get through up and down at the same time, and is pretty dark, so you never know when someone is headed in the other direction. A large man started up as I was almost to the bottom, and wedged against me. I had to extricate myself and go all the way back up to accomodate his trip.
Despite being difficult to get to, the views are definitely worth it.
4. NordEst Vernazza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By traveler30 - Washington
We had a great, short trip with Nord-Est. Our guide was a really, nice guy and open to anything we wanted to do. I don't have any comparison on price, so not sure about that, but we felt like it was a good value for the experience. I wouldn't hesitate to go out with them again.
5. Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Born2go - St. Petersburg, Florida
We hike the Sanctuary Trail, past the town cemetery (which was interesting with great views) to reach the Sanctuary. It was peaceful, serene and the church was beautiful. If you have a car, you can zip in here and visit, but reaching it by the trail makes it special. There was a small shop selling fruits and maybe something else to eat, but there was no one in attendance in the shop area. Indeed it seemed like we were the only two people there! (which was fine with us)
6. Vernazza Massage and Reflexology
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
Massage: a holistic healing experience, a flowing style of massage, incorporating, aromatherapy, swedish and deep tissue. Using Pure plant oils to relax the mind and body, and ease muscular stiffness and tension.Reflexology: a treatment for the feet. More than a massage, specific points are stimulated which are believed to correspond to various organs and systems of the body, releasing toxins and bringing harmony and balance.
Reviewed By Norma C - Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Kate is truly gifted! In my 2 week stay, I visited Kate 3 times & also convinced my finance he should have at least 1 massage. Sounds excessive maybe but it was what I needed... and wanted. On 2 of the 3, I had the refresh & restore & the other reflexology. The only thing that comes remotely close to how relaxed I became was when I am in a deep state of meditation. Mind, Body, Bliss! I highly recommend Kate!
7. Around cinque terre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By DrDickWarwickshire - Warwick, United Kingdom
Nico replied to my email enquiry made a few days before our trip to Cinque Terre and whereas all other enquires were ignored (or inappropriate alternative proffered) Nico came up with the ideal 2 hour tour for our party of 4 persons.
Pietro was the captain of our fairly luxurious water "taxi" and Nico had even provided a bottle of wine and snacks - which we would have had if we had been able to stay for his evening tour.
I would definitely recommend this water tour organisation wholeheartedly.
8. Cinque Terre Guide Service
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