Standing at the mouth of a creek, Vernazza grew up as a natural harbour that for centuries was the only safe point giving access to the sea in the Cinque Terre; its name, in fact, seems to derive from the Latin word hibernacula, or "maritime port".

• The Doria Castle is a cluster of fortifications, towers, and walls that offers visitors a panoramic view of unsurpassed beauty.

• The Church of Santa Margherita d′Antiochia is in classic Ligurian Gothic style; construction began in 1318.