Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre area. Vernazza is free of cars and remains one of the most authentic "fishing villages" on the Italian Riviera. It is the only natural port in the Cinque Terre and is known for its elegant houses. The name Vernazza derives from the Latin adjective verna, meaning "local". The aptly named native wine vernacia ("local" or "our") helped to give birth to the village's nickname.