Buy property in Vernazza

Vernazza is, for many, the most beautiful of the five Cinque Terre villages: a picturesque natural harbour, pastel houses stacked above one another and narrow, car-free lanes that run right down to the sea. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site the village is strictly protected — which is exactly what makes property here as scarce as it is sought after.

Buying a house or apartment in Vernazza means owning a piece of a world-famous postcard. Listings are mostly limited to characterful townhouses and small flats in the historic lanes, with correspondingly high value retention and strong holiday-rental demand. For buyers it is less a mass market than an emotional trophy and income property on one of Italy's most celebrated stretches of coast.

• One of five UNESCO Cinque Terre villages — world-famous and protected
• Iconic natural harbour and car-free, walkable village life
• Very scarce, value-retaining stock — a piece of a postcard
• Strong holiday-rental demand — a trophy and income property