Last updated on August 22, 2024 by Stefano Ferro, founder of MEL365, following extensive travelling in Italian Riviera

Stay in Vernazza: Top 7 Hotels & Airbnb for couples & families

Vernazza is a small town in the Italian Riviera, surely one of the most charming places on the Cinque Terre. Wherever you book your hotel, you will be just a stone away from the picturesque small harbour. Honestly, you cannot get it wrong with the location.

The train station is at the back of the village, at the end of the small valley where the Strada Provinciale 61 arrives from mainland Liguria. Most of the accommodations are located between the sea and the station, around the main street of Vernazza, Via Roma which eventually becomes Via Visconti.

Here I have picked the 7 most exciting hotels and Airbnb which are unique either in style, views, price or other important factors. But let’s start with a summary table that compares them all.

Map of Vernazza with all the handy information and distances

Where to stay in Vernazza – The 5 best accommodations

AccommodationPriceUnique Selling PointCapacityAmenitiesLocationSummary
Muin a Ventu Historical Tower$$$$$Historical charm in an old towerUp to 5WiFi, Coffee machineLess central, stunning viewsUnique tower stay with history and modern comforts, less central.
Casa Gabri$$$$Amazing water-front balconyUp to 2WiFi, Washing machine10m from Via RomaCozy seafront with balcony views, modern amenities included.
Santa Marta$$$$Perfect for a family tripUp to 4WiFi, Coffee machine, Parking (€20/day)Next to Via RomaFamily-friendly, modern comforts, central location with terrace views.
Silver Flat$$$Best view of the romantic small harbourUp to 2WiFi, Coffee machinePrime view locationRomantic harbourside views, cozy interior, convenient location.
MADA with Jacuzzi$$$$Boutique style with balcony and jacuzziUp to 2WiFi, Coffee machine, Spa bathGreat view of the town squareBoutique luxury, jacuzzi feature, prime sunset viewing balcony.
Chiara Rooms$$Good accommodation on a budgetUp to 2WiFiMetres from the main streetBudget-friendly, simple and central with essential amenities.
Tonino Rooms$$The cheapest option in townUp to 2WiFiNear Strada Provinciale 61, 400m from the harbourEconomical, clean, and comfortable stay, slightly away from the harbour.

My Tip: Leave the car in La Spezia, Levanto or Monterosso and visit the Cinque Terre by train. You can do it also by car but it will take longer and it will be more expensive (parking is a commodity).

Sunset at the Vernazza village
Sunset at the Vernazza village

Most unique 3BR – Muin a Ventu Historical Tower

Why should you book it: it’s the most unique accommodation you can find in Vernazza, set in an old tower

People: Up to 5

Nice to have: Free WiFi and a coffee machine

Location: Amazing views but not as central

Price: $$$$$

The historic tower boasts stunning sea views and an exceptional location in the heart of Vernazza. You will love the property’s charming old-world atmosphere, combined with modern comforts.

The spacious property with a terrace and garden provides ample space for couples as well as for families. The picturesque setting and authentic Ligurian touches, such as the marble kitchen sink, create a truly memorable experience.

While the accommodation is simple, the breathtaking vistas and convenient access to Cinque Terre’s attractions make this a great choice for travellers who are after a real taste of Italian heritage. Indeed, it’s not the most affordable one but surely there is nothing more unique than this property in Vernazza.

Vernazza is so charming, however, expect many stairs
Vernazza is so charming, however, expect many stairs

Amazing balcony – Casa Gabri

Why should you book it: Amazing balcony straight on the water

People: Up to 2

Nice to have: Free WiFi and washing machine

Location: 10m from Via Roma

Price: $$$$

The highlight of this small apartment is the stunning balcony overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views.

The interior design is simple and cozy. It’s also one of the few accommodations providing a washing machine, which is invaluable if you are travelling around and need some washing done.

You will find a few steps to go up to the unit and that’s possibly the only drawback of this accommodation. Overall, it’s a great choice if waking up with an unrestricted sea view is your main priority

Casa Gabri is right there in the narrow Orange Building
Casa Gabri is right there in the narrow Orange Building

Best for family – Santa Marta

Why should you book it: A great 2BR that is perfect for a family trip

People: Up to 4

Nice to have: Free WiFi and a coffee machine (public parking for 20Euro/day)

Location: Next to via Roma, between the harbour and the train station

Price: $$$$

Good size 2BR right in the heart of town, just renovated with modern amenities like air-conditioning (essential in July and August) and a flat-screen TV.

It can host up to 4 people, making it the perfect stay if you are travelling with 2 kids. The highlight is the spacious terrace with stunning town and mountain views, perfect for relaxing after exploring the picturesque Cinque Terre villages.

This is a great stay not only to visit Vernazza but also for a base to explore the Cinque Terre being so close to the train station.

The central Via Roma in Vernazza in winter
The central Via Roma in Vernazza in winter

Best for romantic couples – Silver Flat

Why should you book it: The best view of the romantic small harbour

People: Up to 2

Nice to have: Free WiFi and a coffee machine

Location: It can’t get better for the view

Price: $$$

If you are after a view of the romantic small harbour then book your stay at Silver Flat because honestly, it can’t get better than that.

Take the stairs down and have a swim in the early morning, just before the crowd arrives. That’s the best way to enjoy Vernazza, without the day trippers.

The accommodation itself is spacious, well-equipped, and organised with a retractable bed that you can hide in during the day to leave more space for your meals and enjoyment of the studio.

The small beach of Vernazza
The small beach of Vernazza

Best for a boutique stay – MADA with Jacuzzi

Why should you book it: Boutique style with a good size balcony and jacuzzi

People: Up to 2

Nice to have: Free WiFi, a coffee machine and Spa bath

Location: Great

Price: $$$

The apartment is located in one of the highest points of Vernazza where you will enjoy a spectacular view from the balcony, right over the picturesque town square. This is truly the best place to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset time.

The only problem with that is the stairs, which could be problematic if you have mobility issues but otherwise well doable, especially thinking of the panoramic view you are going to enjoy.

You will enjoy the boutique interior design and more than that, the jacuzzi, the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration of Cinque Terre.

Beautiful view of Vernazza from the top of the village
Beautiful view of Vernazza from the top of the village

Value for money – Chiara rooms

Why should you book it: You are on a budget but you are still looking for a good accommodation

People: Up to 2

Nice to have: Free WiFi

Location: Metres from the main street

Price: $$

My last trip to Vernazza was after quite a long tour of Italy that I started in Sicily. The budget was becoming smaller and smaller, and value for money suddenly became the norm, although I would have definitely enjoyed more a boutique stay, of course.

Chiara Rooms together with Francesca Rooms were my two choices, with probably a small advantage on Chiara for the location, more central.

Rooms are simple, clean and spacious with really everything you need for a short stay at an amazing price (WiFi included too).

Harbour and main square view of Vernazza in spring, probably the best time to visit Cinque Terre
Harbour and main square view of Vernazza in spring, probably the best time to visit Cinque Terre

The cheapest option – Tonino rooms

Why should you book it: You want the cheapest option in town

People: Up to 2

Nice to have: Free WiFi

Location: Close to Strada Provinciale 61, around 400m from the small harbour

Price: $$

Tonino is the best option if you are really tight on money. True, there are even cheaper economy rooms around but honestly, they are not worth it. Spend a few Euros more and you will enjoy your stay instead.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, really all you need for a relaxing stay while visiting Vernazza. It’s a no-frills accommodation, still close to bars and restaurants.

The biggest drawback is probably the distance to the romantic harbour, but 400m is not that bad, plus the walk is really enjoyable.

The Ruins of Doria Tower overlooking the charming Vernazza
The Ruins of Doria Tower overlooking the charming Vernazza
Stefano Ferro - MEL365.com Founder and Editor

About the Author

Stefano is a seasoned travel expert and the visionary founder of MEL365.com, a leading travel website with traffic across 6 continents. With a rich background in the travel industry, Stefano spent four pivotal years at Amadeus Travel Distribution System, gaining invaluable insights into travel technologies and distribution.

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