Vernazza: Located to the north of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is probably the most beautiful and picturesque fishing village of Cinque Terre, where its colourful houses hang above the sea level on rugged cliffs. It has a charming natural port and an old castle, built to protect the area from pirates.

While beauty is subjective, Vernazza is widely considered the most picturesque of the five Cinque Terre villages due to its iconic natural harbor and vibrant waterfront piazza. It is the only village with a significant pier, which allows for stunning views of the colorful houses "climbing" the surrounding cliffs from the sea. The view from the hiking trail coming from Monterosso provides the "postcard" shot of the town's octagonal bell tower and the ruins of the Doria Castle. However, Manarola is a very close second, particularly at sunset, when the golden light hits the brightly painted buildings perched on a dramatic dark rock promontory. For photographers, Manarola offers a dedicated viewpoint path that captures the classic "stacked house" look that has made the region famous. Riomaggiore is also highly favored for its steep "canyon" of houses leading down to a tiny, rocky boat ramp. In 2026, regardless of which you choose, the villages remain best experienced by arriving via the local train or ferry to fully appreciate their vertical scale and architectural charm.