Vernazza, Liguria, Italy VERNAZZA - delightful tiny village
Can't believe our balcony view looking out at the ocean and the tiny rocky beach area below.
Remarkable how they built houses here. The room is at the corner of the cliff so the balcony is just below the bottom of the balcony of the people living next door five feet above us. Hard to imagine even being able to build here. Perfect spot to relax gazing at the blue water; spent every morning and evening here.
Can't believe our balcony view looking out at the ocean and the tiny rocky beach area below.
Remarkable how they built houses here. The room is at the corner of the cliff so the balcony is just below the bottom of the balcony of the people living next door five feet above us. Hard to imagine even being able to build here. Perfect spot to relax gazing at the blue water; spent every morning and evening here.
First on the agenda was attempting a walking trail. Information Center at train station for Cinque Terra Trail tickets. Several sections are closed so we will do what we can. Also, train tickets to visit the other villages.
Thunderstorms came in. Headed back the room watching waves crashing over the rocks by Cave Beach below our balcony. Could sit here for hours gazing at the water. Cleared up around noon.
We've seen Cave Beach from above; time to go check it out. Easy to get there just off main street. What a cool spot!
Thunderstorms came in. Headed back the room watching waves crashing over the rocks by Cave Beach below our balcony. Could sit here for hours gazing at the water. Cleared up around noon.
We've seen Cave Beach from above; time to go check it out. Easy to get there just off main street. What a cool spot!
TRAIL Vernazzo >Monterosso. Up the small lanes above the church heading north toward Monterosso.
Cool views seeing village getting getting farther away as we got higher. Looked like a giant puzzle with all the vivid building colors stacked around the harbor's blue water.
Cool views seeing village getting getting farther away as we got higher. Looked like a giant puzzle with all the vivid building colors stacked around the harbor's blue water.
Extremely steep, but worth the effort to see the classic view of the village and small harbor. BEST view ever!
Cinque Terre checkpoint is here; showed ticket to continue on trail.
Up and up past olive groves and terraced vineyards. Pausing constantly to catch our breath, we don't get very far very fast.
After walking an hour, people coming from Monterroso said it's about two more hours. Steepness and heat took its toll; wimped out and turned around.
Took nap and rested for about an hour.
Vernazza>Cornigloria Trail: (did this another morning)The lane going up the mountain from our room connects to the Trail. We now know that anywhere you go in Vernazza requires walking up a steep, narrow staircase.
Views from Ventu Historical Tower provided a different perspective of the village, the harbor, and the ancient Doria Castle tower dating back to around 1000.
Great spot to see the terraced vineyards behind the town.
Randy didn't have camera batteries; went back down to the apartment. Water much rougher today with higher waves. Couldn't resist sitting on balcony watching the waves crashing over the rocks. Never made it back up to finish the walk.
Views from Ventu Historical Tower provided a different perspective of the village, the harbor, and the ancient Doria Castle tower dating back to around 1000.
Great spot to see the terraced vineyards behind the town.
Randy didn't have camera batteries; went back down to the apartment. Water much rougher today with higher waves. Couldn't resist sitting on balcony watching the waves crashing over the rocks. Never made it back up to finish the walk.
Eating places we tried. Fun trying the cute little eating places along main street.
~Lunch Box Cafe: Great place for breakfast located on main street with tables along the outdoor balcony. Good eggs, coffee, croissant. Wonderful spot to start the day.
~Batti Batti Friggitoria: Favorite place! Take-out for breakfast, lunch or dinner! croissants (yum), coffee, latte. Cod fish as well as anchovy fried fresh fish, absolutely delicious.
~Panino: focassia sandwich for lunch--horrible, bread really hard after going in panini press. Needless to say, didn't eat here again.
~Pizzeria da Ercole: pizza/salad, just ok
~Gelateria Vernazza usually several times a day
~Lunch Box Cafe: Great place for breakfast located on main street with tables along the outdoor balcony. Good eggs, coffee, croissant. Wonderful spot to start the day.
~Batti Batti Friggitoria: Favorite place! Take-out for breakfast, lunch or dinner! croissants (yum), coffee, latte. Cod fish as well as anchovy fried fresh fish, absolutely delicious.
~Panino: focassia sandwich for lunch--horrible, bread really hard after going in panini press. Needless to say, didn't eat here again.
~Pizzeria da Ercole: pizza/salad, just ok
~Gelateria Vernazza usually several times a day
Fell in love with Vernazza the moment we set foot here. Snuggled in a cleft between rocky cliffs, with colorful houses that seem to be stacked atop each other along the steep mountain, it is absolutely charming.
On one side of the harbor is Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church, the most important historical monument here built in the 13th century. On the other side is the ancient round Watchtower, the only remains of the Dorian Castle from the 11th century. Everything centers around the very pretty Marconi Piazza with little fishing boats bobbing in the rocky harbor basin.
On one side of the harbor is Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church, the most important historical monument here built in the 13th century. On the other side is the ancient round Watchtower, the only remains of the Dorian Castle from the 11th century. Everything centers around the very pretty Marconi Piazza with little fishing boats bobbing in the rocky harbor basin.
During the day, main street was absolutely packed with people on day tours.
Just the opposite during the mornings and evenings--a quiet, idyllic little village.
Enjoyable evenings strolling the streets and Piazza Marconi.
Harbor Wave for sunset; an awesome, lively place.
One evening the waves were really crashing. Young girls & boys would jump off the cement dock into a huge wave. Are these kids crazy? The wave propelled them high into the air and they landed back on the dock--on their feet! Quite a game they made of doing this. Watching was entertaining, but scary. Amazing no one was hurt. Fun spot for young and old.
The harbor at night was the most incredible sight.
Absolutely loved staying here!
Just the opposite during the mornings and evenings--a quiet, idyllic little village.
Enjoyable evenings strolling the streets and Piazza Marconi.
Harbor Wave for sunset; an awesome, lively place.
One evening the waves were really crashing. Young girls & boys would jump off the cement dock into a huge wave. Are these kids crazy? The wave propelled them high into the air and they landed back on the dock--on their feet! Quite a game they made of doing this. Watching was entertaining, but scary. Amazing no one was hurt. Fun spot for young and old.
The harbor at night was the most incredible sight.
Absolutely loved staying here!
2025-05-22