Tourists visiting Cinque Terre National Park in Italy this summer are being warned that wearing flip-flops, sandals, or other unsuitable footwear on hiking trails could result in fines of up to €2,500 as authorities increase safety inspections across the protected coastal destination.
The renewed enforcement campaign comes as millions of visitors head to the famous UNESCO-listed region in Liguria, known for its five cliffside villages, dramatic coastal scenery, and network of hiking routes connecting Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Officials at Cinque Terre National Park say inappropriate footwear remains one of the main causes of accidents on the area’s steep and often uneven trails. Visitors walking on marked hiking routes are required to wear suitable hiking shoes or footwear with adequate grip and support.
Park staff and inspectors are expected to carry out additional checks during the busy summer season. Visitors found wearing flip-flops, backless sandals, shoes with smooth soles, or other unsuitable footwear may be denied access to the trails or fined, depending on the circumstances and safety risks involved.
Managing Safety and Overtourism
The crackdown forms part of broader efforts by local authorities to improve safety and manage visitor numbers in one of Italy’s most visited tourism destinations. Several popular routes operate under special crowd-control measures during peak periods.
One of the best-known examples is the trail linking Monterosso and Vernazza, where one-way walking systems are introduced on selected high-traffic days to reduce congestion and improve the flow of hikers on narrow sections overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The park has also expanded visitor management initiatives in recent years, including reservation systems for some attractions and stricter controls on access to heavily used paths.
Cinque Terre Card Required for Many Trails
Visitors planning to hike on the park’s paid routes must purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which provides access to designated trails and additional visitor services. The trekking card starts at €10 during standard periods and rises to €15 during peak demand days.
The card system is part of a wider strategy aimed at balancing tourism growth with environmental protection while maintaining safe conditions on the region’s iconic walking routes.
Authorities are encouraging visitors to prepare carefully before setting out, check weather conditions, carry water, and select routes appropriate to their experience level. Officials stress that the spectacular scenery of Cinque Terre can sometimes cause visitors to underestimate the physical demands of the trails.
While flip-flops remain perfectly acceptable within the villages themselves and along beaches and waterfront areas, they are considered unsuitable for hiking routes where steep gradients, rocky surfaces, and uneven terrain increase the risk of slips and falls.
As visitor numbers continue to rise across Italy’s most famous coastal destinations, park authorities say proper preparation and responsible behaviour will be essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone exploring the trails of Cinque Terre National Park.
Photo Credit: TravnikovStudio / Shutterstock.com
