Rick Steves' Favorite Town In Cinque Terre And The Best Way To Avoid Crowds On A Visit

Italy is one of those special countries where each region has its own distinct character and scenery, and Cinque Terre is no exception. Few places look quite as stunning as the Italian destination, made up of five villages situated on rugged cliffs overlooking the water. Navigating your way through Cinque Terre can be a challenge at first, but it's worth the effort to reach the village referred to as "the jewel" of the area by travel expert Rick Steves.

Steves wrote about Cinque Terre in an article on his website, outlining the different villages and what they're each known for. His favorite, he shares, is Vernazza, the fourth village of the Cinque Terre when moving north along the coast. According to the pro traveler, the harbor is the heart of Vernazza, filled with restaurants, bars, and a bustling weekly market. The village dates back to the year 1000 and is bursting with history, including the breathtaking Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and the medieval Doria Castle.

Vernazza isn't easily accessible by car — in fact, tourists are prohibited from entering the village with a vehicle. Therefore, expect to reach the area by train or bus. If you're staying in a neighboring village, you can also follow the hiking trails between the towns to arrive in Vernazza. Just be sure to wear proper footwear to avoid getting slapped with fines in the Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre may be considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet, but, admittedly, it can be difficult to appreciate the views when hordes of tourists are scattered around the villages. This applies to Vernazza, too, which some consider to be the most crowded town in the Cinque Terre. However, Rick Steves writes on his website that the tour groups don't stick around for long. He notes that most boats and cruise excursions descend upon the village at midday and leave by evening.

With this in mind, you can time your outings for the mornings and evenings to avoid the crowds. Head to the landmarks and historical sites early to beat the rush, or spend time at the beach in the a.m. hours to catch a peaceful sunrise. Later, once the day trippers clear out, be sure to hang back in the town for an authentic Italian experience. Steves explains that the locals partake in an evening passeggiata (a stroll around the town center), a relaxing activity you can copy too. Alternatively, do as the travel expert does and sit on the breakwater with a glass of Sciacchetrà. The slower pace during these quiet hours offers a glimpse into the Cinque Terre lifestyle few tourists visiting during the day get to see.