In 2013, the New York Times named Vernazza, also known as Cinque Terre (meaning “Five Lands”), one of the world’s top twenty places to visit. At the time, the town was still getting back on its feet after a flood and soil slide two years before. 

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With help from donors all over the world, the people who lived there were working hard to restore the beauty of their little streets and brightly colored homes. The “suspended vineyards” that surround and look out over the town now have only young vines growing in them. These were planted after the flood to replace the old vines that were uprooted by the landslides. Once more, Vernazza is likely the most amazing and surprising of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre.

According to historical records, the village was built around the 11th century as a harbor for trade and defense. It is in a small bay between the “lands” of Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia, which is part of its town. The military history of the town can be seen in the Doria Castle, which stands out in the bay with its old tower and is one of the most famous landmarks in Vernazza.

The Church of Santa Margherita is another impressive building. It is a beautiful Romanesque church from the 1300s that looks like it is rising from the calm water of the bay. People in the area love both Santa Margherita and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio. The Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio is part of the Cinque Terre’s Sanctuaries Way and can be reached by climbing 2 km from Vernazza’s train stop.

Vernazza is truly special not because of its most famous buildings, but because of its pastel-colored little houses that are squished together on the steep coast like a tangled embroidery. People who love food and wine will also love its tiny squares and lanes. A big part of Vernazza’s economy depends on farming. The tiered fields that make up the town’s landscape produce great wine, olive oil, and lemons. Fish has been the main source of protein for the people in the town for a long time, and it’s still a big part of their traditional food. Its shops also have a lot of one-of-a-kind things for travelers who like fashion and handmade goods.

Vernazza in the Cinque Terre is also a great place to walk. People can only get to the town on foot, by train, or by boat. But not by car. For walkers, this area has many trails that are thousands of years old. The Sentiero Azzurro, or “Blue Trail,” is the most beautiful of these. This beautiful trail goes high along the coast and gives walkers the most amazing views of the town. This is the same view that must have enchanted travelers hundreds of years ago.

Vernazza is back to its charming self after the flood and the mud. This is due to the strength of its people and the unity of the world, and it will continue to win over travelers for many more ages.