Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Often called the most beautiful of the five Cinque Terre villages: colourful houses piled around a tiny harbour, with a little beach, the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia right at the water's edge, and the ruins of the Doria castle on the rocks above.

Climb up to the castle tower, or walk a few minutes up the coastal path towards Monterosso for the classic view back over the village. Eat seafood and pesto (it was invented in Liguria) on the harbour square, and try the local Sciacchetrà sweet wine. Vernazza is very crowded with day-trippers and cruise groups at midday; it's magical in the early morning and evening.