PORTOVENERE, ITALY - 2009/08/06: Doria Castle at the coastline of the Cinque Terre National Park. (Photo by Olaf Protze/LightRocket via Getty Images)

LightRocket via Getty Images

Castello Doria

Vernazza


This castle, the oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre, commands superb views. Dating to around 1000, it's now largely a ruin except for the circular tower in the centre of the esplanade. To get there, head up the steep, narrow staircase by the harbour.