ITALY - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1253

Sadly,VernazzawashitharderthananyotherCinqueTerretownbythefloodonOctober
25, 2011. Essentially every business in town was destroyed as the flood raged through the
town, burying it in mud. Every shop, restaurant, and hotel on the main drag had to be re-
wired,re-plumbed,andre-equipped.Aroundtown,you'llseephotosandhearstoriesofwhat
was, perhaps, the most tumultuous day ever in the town's thousand-year history.
The flood's impact for visitors today? Almost nothing. Just enjoy. Now that things are
mostly back to normal, leisure time is devoted to taking part in the passeggiata —strolling
lazily together up and down the main street. Sit on a bench and study the passersby doing
their vasche (laps). Explore the characteristic alleys, called carugi. Learn—and live—the
phrase “la vita pigra di Vernazza” (the lazy life of Vernazza).
Orientation to Vernazza
Tourist Information
The TI/park information/train ticket office is one desk buried in a gift shop between the two
tracks at the train station (daily 8:00-19:30, tel. [phone]). Public WCs are nearby in
the station.
Save Vernazza: Led by a group of American women who married into the community,
Save Vernazza brought relief to the town in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 flood, and
has since morphed into an organization to help preserve and foster healthy tourism. For the
latest on the town, its recovery, and their activities—including leads on locals with rooms
and apartments for rent—visit www.savevernazza.com .
Arrival in Vernazza
By Train: Vernazza's train station is only about three cars long, but the trains are much
longer—so most of the cars come to a stop in a long, dark tunnel. Get out anyway, and walk
through the tunnel to the station.
By Car: Because many roads and parking lots were washed out in the 2011 flood, road
access and parking above Vernazza may be in flux. There are plans to create a nonresident
pay parking lot 500 yards above the town (but don't count on it). In the past, visitors could
connect between the parking lot and downtown on a hardworking shuttle service. This may
or may not be back up and running for your visit. Yellow lines mark parking spots for resid-
ents only.
Helpful Hints
Internet Access: The slick, expensive, six-terminal Internet Point, run by Alberto and Isa-
bella, is in the village center (daily June-Oct 9:30-23:00, until 20:00 Nov-May, Wi-Fi,