Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Vernazza, Italy
Pastel houses stacked above a tiny harbour. Leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train.
Vernazza is regarded as the only natural harbour of the Cinque Terre. The village is recorded as a fortified settlement from 1080; the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia is documented from 1318 and has an octagonal bell tower beside the apse. The 15th-century Doria Castle served as a defence against pirates. The Cinque Terre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and the national park was founded in 1999. On 25 October 2011, a flood buried the village under more than 4 m of mud and debris.
You cannot drive into the village: about a kilometre before it there are only a few paid car parks, the road is narrow and winding, and driving any further is reserved for residents. It makes more sense to leave your vehicle in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train. Motorhomes can hardly manage the narrow approach road. You can explore the church and Doria Castle on foot from the harbour.
- Nearest town
- Vernazza, Italy
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.1350, 9.6829
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- San MicheleCampsite6 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping 5 Terre LevantoCampsite6 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Pian di PiccheCampsite6 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- AcquadolceCampsite6 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Albero d'oroCampsite7 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campeggio Bracchetto VettaCampsite11 km from Vernazza, Cinque TerreTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
Vernazza, Cinque Terre is in Vernazza, Italy, at GPS 44.1350, 9.6829. It is about 7 km from Levanto.
Can you camp near Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parcheggio Camper "Il Poggio", about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
Vernazza, Cinque Terre is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici.
What is there to see near Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
Places worth a stop nearby: Manarola (5 km), Fantiscritti marble quarries (36 km), Portofino harbour (42 km) and Grotta del Vento (55 km).
When is the best time to visit Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)