Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza - Corniglia goes through the town, the photo was taken from it. The entrance to the trail during the day is paid.
In 2011 Vernazza was hit by a powerful flood (photos and video). At the moment the town is completely restored.
Getting there: By train which runs between La Spezia and Levanto through the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Find the schedule at http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en. You can come by car, but parking (N 44 08.316 E 9 41.678) is much higher than the city and you have to walk 1300 meters down and then up.