When visiting this stunning coastal destination in Italy, many plan on taking a hike to see spectacular views from up above, but it might just break your bank, as well as breaking a sweat. Italy’s Cinque Terre in the northwestern region of Liguria is a famous hot spot for its quaint villages and scenic views from its cliff-hanging buildings, all connected through its walking paths.
The hiking routes draw in tourists from far and wide to experience the town’s culture and take in the authentic Italian landscape, but they must be aware of safety measures in pace. The Cinque Terre national park authorities have introduced a rule, which prohibits visitors from wearing certain footwear that is deemed to be unsafe. A ban was brought in back in 2019 on open footwear and smooth-soled shoes such as flip-flops when taking these routes.
Shoes that are considered to be inappropriate could result in tourists paying a fine of up to €2,500 (£2,117), with charges starting from €50 (£43.42).
As we move closer to the Easter holidays, and tourism becomes more popular, officials are expected to tighten the regulations. During these peak seasons, one-way systems are often implemented on the sought-after stretches of the Cinque Terre’s hiking routes. With a very long path winding all the way from the Sentiero Verde Azzurro, the trail leads through Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola as a part of its route.
When it’s expected to be busy this year from April through to June, the Monterosso-Vernazza leg of the trail will change to a one-way system during the hours of 9am to 2pm. Throughout this time, walkers will be restricted to going from Monterosso towards Vernazza.
This is the direction that 70% of tourists on the coastline choose, according to people counts done in previous years and reported by Euronews. The system will be implemented soon and is active from 19 to 21 and 25 to 27 April, on days that are expected to be rife with tourists.
As well as this, officials will restrict the route on 1, 29 and 31 May, and again on 1-2 June, to avoid the bustling rush of people usually encountered on these dates. The Cinque Terre National Park Authorities website states: “This measure, already successfully tested in 2023 and 2024, is aimed at improving the use of the trail and ensuring the safety of visitors by avoiding dangerous intersections and congestion along a particularly narrow and steep path.”
Last year the authorities reopened the famous ‘path of love’ after its decade-long closure from a dangerous landslide. It is known as the most romantic walk in the world, connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, and is a hit with tourists on a romantic getaway.
In an attempt to curb the rush of people, a booking system has been put in place limiting the path to 400 walkers per hour, and tickets must be booked in advance or via a booth at the park. The price of one ticket is €12.50 (£10.86), and it also includes the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, as well as the entrance fee to the charming Castle of Riomaggiore.