Vernazza Things to Do Tips by lamentforicarus

Local Felines

Walking around the villages of the Cinque Terre, notice the obsession with the local cats! Dozens of these domestic cats can be seen dozing in fishing boats, lounging on stoops, Scampering in and out of the pastel buildings, and even along the rocky coastal trails. The locals have discovered how to cash in on these felines, with wooden figurines and stenciled T-shirts available in several soveigner shops.

The Tuesday Morning Market

If you happen to be in Vernazza on a Tuesday, wake early and head down to the harbor to watch the local market. Here, items of everyday use are brought in from neighboring towns by truck and set up on long tables. Note that many of these locals have been shopping here their whole life, and have never shopped in the supermarkets and grocery stores found in cities.

The Fishermens' Boats

Many residents of the Cinque Terre earn income through sardine fishing. For a chance to experience the "local flavor" walk down to the harbor late in the evening, when the fishermen are preparing their nets. At night, they shine lights in the water to lure fish to the surface, catching them in large nets. The fish are sold in restaurants and markets the following day.

The Castello The Forte Review

At the tip of Vernazza, the "castle of loud screams" looks over the Ligurian Sea stretching to the horizon. The castello received this name for the warnings shouted from the tower alerting Vernazza's inhabitants of invasion at a time when pirates ruled the seas. While the threat of pirate attacks has vanished, the castle still provides wonderful view of Vernazza and its tiny harbor, as well as a break taking panorama of the sea. Climb the tower at the edge of town for 1 euro. Closed Tuesday.

Phone: 0187-812-222

Vernazza to Corniglia Hike Hiking Review

The Italian Riviera provides exceptional hikes with stunning sea views. If your time is limited in the Cinque Terre, at least take the 1 1/2 hour walk from Vernazza to Corniglia. The trail begins with a steep climb up carved rock stairs, ending with a sweeping view of the Ligurian Sea and a picture-perfect glimpse of Vernazza. The trail winds through the terraced hills, passing through quiet olive groves. Notice the nets spread on the ground to catch the olives. Along the path, stop to absorb brilliant views of the Italian coast and search for grapes and basil growing nearby. The final stretch of trail to Corniglia snakes up and down over small bridges and along small vineyards before ending in a parking lot at the top of town.

The Harbor The Harbor Review

Vernazza's small harbor is where most of the action is. Visit the small shops selling mother of pearl jewelry and colorful scarves. Look around for a quiet spot to eat gelato and people watch. Sunbathers flock here to find the perfect sunning rock, children scamper with soccer balls, and swimmers dive into the warm blue sea. This is the perfect place to find your own piece of "la dolce vita," with a slice of pizza or a bottle of wine, watch the fishermens' boats bob in the calm waters, watching the sun set over the hills.