Last Updated on 2 July 2025 by Vanessa

I went on a day trip to Vernazza — one of the famous villages of the Cinque Terre region in Italy — in September 2020. It turns out it’s a total dream if you love cats. Everywhere I turned, there were cats lounging on boats, weaving between locals and tourists, and basically making this place a perfect destination for cat lovers.

But Vernazza is so much more than just cats. It’s one of the jewels of the Cinque Terre. It’s packed with history, amazing food, and those jaw-dropping coastal views you’ve probably seen on Instagram.

Here are my impressions of Vernazza, my one-day itinerary, and plenty of practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable, cat-filled day trip — from how to get there, where to eat, where to sleep, and what to see.

Practical tips for a day trip to Vernazza (Cinque Terre, Italy)

Where is Vernazza?

Vernazza is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre region on the northwest coast of Liguria in Italy. The other Cinque Terre villages are Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Together, they make up one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Europe.

This little harbor town dates all the way back to Roman times and became a maritime powerhouse during the Middle Ages. Think: fortress towers, pirate raids, and narrow alleys built to confuse invaders. By the 16th century, Vernazza had found its groove, thriving off olive oil production, wine-making, and a strong seafaring trade. You’ll see remnants of its fortified past in places like Doria Castle, which still watches over the village from the cliffs.

Today, Vernazza is a dreamy mix of rugged coastlines, rainbow-hued homes, and local life that hasn’t lost its rhythm. And yes—cats still rule the streets, just as they should.

Is one day in Vernazza enough?

Vernazza is tiny. It’s just 12 square kilometers (about 4.6 square miles), with a population of around 850 full-time residents. The center is even more compact, which means you can see the entire village and its main attractions in around four to six hours. This would include meandering through the pastel-painted streets, hiking up to Doria Castle, chilling by the harbor, dipping your toes in the Ligurian Sea, and doing some shopping.

If you decide to stay longer, can you also tackle the iconic Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail or savor an extra glass of wine at sunset in the company of one of the local cats.

Things to do in Vernazza

If you have just one day in Vernazza, here are the must-dos — plus a couple of extras if you decide to stay longer.

Breakfast by the sea

Start your day with breakfast at one of the cafés or bakeries near the waterfront. Grab a fresh pastry and a strong Italian coffee, then watch the village wake up. Don’t miss trying Vernazza’s famous Ligurian Focaccia — a savory flatbread drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and sometimes topped with cheese. It’s a local favorite and a perfect way to taste the region’s culinary roots.

Doria Castle

Next, you can hike up to Doria Castle, the 11th-century fortress that stands guard over Vernazza. The walk can be a bit tiring, but the views include panoramic shots of the village and the glittering coastline. The Republic of Genoa built the castle to protect against pirates and invaders, and they named it after the powerful Doria family who ruled the area.

Explore the village

In the afternoon, you can stroll through Vernazza’s narrow streets. The colorful houses are stacked against the cliffs, and the bustling piazza creates a picture-perfect vibe that you won’t forget. It’s the kind of place where every corner begs for a photo.

Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church

This Vernazza landmark dates back to the 14th century. It sits right by the harbor, which will be your next stop.

Vernazza Harbor

The harbor is perfect for pending some downtime. You can watch fishermen bring in their catch and boats bobbing in the water. The colorful fishing boats make this spot a photographer’s dream and a perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere.

By the way, these boats are also favorite sunbathing spots for cats.

Vernazza Beach

At the end of the afternoon, it’s time hit Vernazza’s small but lovely beach. You can take a dip in the crystal-clear Ligurian Sea or just lounge on the pebbled shore, soaking up the sun and listening to the waves.

Boat rental

Feeling adventurous? Rent a boat and explore the stunning coastline from the water. It’s a unique way to see even more Cinque Terre villages and hidden coves.

If you have more time in Vernazza, don’t miss these:

Coastal hiking trails

Vernazza is the perfect gateway to the famous Cinque Terre hiking trails. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all five villages with breathtaking views. Whether you want a short stroll or a longer hike, the trails show off the rugged beauty of this coastline like nothing else.

Vineyards and wine tasting

The hills around Vernazza have many terraced vineyards that produce the region’s signature wines. Look out for Cinque Terre DOC — a crisp, dry white wine made from grapes like Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino. And don’t miss Sciachetrà, a sweet dessert wine with rich honeyed notes, dried fruits, and apricot.

Where to eat in Vernazza

I suggest just wandering through the village and selecting a restaurant based on its appealing exterior. However, if you prefer to plan ahead, here are some highly regarded dining options in Vernazza that have positive reviews.

• Belforte: Perched on a cliff with stunning sea views, Belforte serves romantic vibes and classic Ligurian seafood.

• Ristorante Gianni Franzi: Waterfront spot famous for fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and friendly service, with outdoor seating.

• Trattoria da Sandro: Cozy eatery known for Italian and Ligurian dishes, especially pasta, seafood, and wine.

• Gambero Rosso: Popular for a wide range of seafood, pasta, and local specialties, perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Belforte Da Nicola: Another seaside gem with spectacular views and a menu mixing seafood and regional flavors.

• Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre: Creative and inviting, blending traditional and innovative local dishes.

• Vernazza Wine Experience: Great for wine lovers, offering tastings and food pairings with Cinque Terre wines.

• Ristorante Vulnetia: Focuses on fresh ingredients and attentive service, serving seafood and Italian classics.

Where to stay in Vernazza: hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and other accommodation options

If you decide to stay overnight, Vernazza offers charming options for all budgets and tastes. I didn’t stay in Vernazza myself—I rented a house in nearby village of Porto Venere—but here are some great picks in the village:

• Albergo Barbara: Family-run, comfortable rooms, some with sea-view balconies, centrally located.

• Gianni Franzi: Boutique hotel near the beach with elegant rooms and sea-view balconies.

• Camere Giuliano: Affordable, clean rooms in a central spot—great for budget travelers.

• Affittacamere Rollando: Cozy rooms close to the train station with easy village access.

• Pensione Sorriso: Traditional pensione with a terrace offering panoramic village views—worth the climb.

• Rooms Elisabetta Carro: Quiet guesthouse for a peaceful stay in a calm area.

• La Mala: Rustic and unique, with a treehouse and cabin in the hills—an unforgettable experience if you don’t mind the hike.

• La Perla delle 5 Terre: Modern apartments in the heart of Vernazza, perfect for families or groups.

• Casa Cato: Apartment rental in a quiet village corner for a more local vibe.

• A Ca’ Da Vaniglia: Cozy B&B close to the train station with a warm, welcoming feel.

How to get to Vernazza Cinque Terre?

From Florence

Take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia Centrale (2–2.5 hours). Then transfer to a Cinque Terre train toward Genoa or Levanto—Vernazza is one of the stops.

From La Spezia, you can also take a ferry to Vernazza (30–40 minutes) from Molo Italia or Porto Mirabello terminal. Ferries operate from late March to early November, with regular daily service between villages from April 19 to September 28. This a slower and slightly pricier route, but you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the Cinque Terre coast. A one-day hop-on/hop-off ferry pass costs around €42 and lets you stop at multiple villages throughout the day. Keep in mind that service depends on sea conditions.

From Pisa

You can also catch a regional train from Pisa Centrale to La Spezia Centrale (1–1.5 hours), then switch to a Cinque Terre train heading toward Vernazza.

And just like from Florence, you can take a ferry from La Spezia to Vernazza. It’s the same 30–40 minute ride, offering a relaxed, scenic arrival to the village with coastal views you won’t get from the train.

Can you drive to Vernazza?

You can drive, but it’s not the best idea. Vernazza is mostly car-free, and parking is extremely limited. The smart move? Park in nearby towns like La Spezia or Levanto, then hop on a train or ferry into the village. It’s easier, less stressful, and way more enjoyable.

Is Vernazza worth visiting?

Absolutely. While I personally felt more drawn to the quieter villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore during my Cinque Terre trip, I totally understand why many travelers rank Vernazza as their favorite.

It’s compact but captivating. Timeless but alive. And the cats? They’re the true ambassadors of Vernazza.

Unfortunately, it can get quite busy with tourists, and it’s a lot more crowded compared to the more peaceful spots nearby.

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