Renowned as the most romantic walk globally, the Via dell’Amore, or ‘Path of Love,’ lies between the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola.
This enchanting trail closed in 2012 after a landslide injured four tourists and necessitated extensive repairs.
After a comprehensive renovation, the Via dell’Amore is set to fully reopen on 27 July 2024.
Last year, tourists were treated to a summer preview of the first section of this iconic route.
What is the Via dell’Amore?
Spanning 1 kilometer, the Via dell’Amore weaves through the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, connecting a string of five charming villages. The paved path clings to the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
Constructed during the modernization of the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia in the early 20th century, the footpath initially served railroad workers traveling between Riomaggiore and Manarola while a tunnel was under construction. Carved from the rugged rock face above the sea, the pathway soon became a romantic rendezvous for lovers from the two towns.
The recent restoration has fortified the rocks above and below the path with steel mesh and added 8,800 plants to stabilize the landscape. A new monitoring system has been implemented to provide early warnings of potential landslides.
Tackling Overtourism on the Via dell’Amore
The Cinque Terre region, with its five villages famous for vibrant, cliffside buildings, attracts approximately 2.4 million visitors annually. These tourists come to hike, boat, or cycle through the scenic surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park.
As one of the most renowned parts of the Cinque Terre coastline, the Via dell’Amore is immensely popular with tourists. However, the area has been grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. Last year, fines of up to €275 were introduced for visitors obstructing traffic or pedestrians by lingering for selfies.
Giovanni Toti, president of the Liguria Region, has described the Via dell’Amore as a “jewel for our region, not just for those who visit,” reported Euronews.
To address overtourism, Liguria has introduced a booking system for those wishing to walk the path. The number of visitors allowed on the path each hour is capped at 400, and walkers must book their tickets online or purchase them at the park’s ticket booths.
Currently, the booking site is being updated, but last year’s tickets were priced at €5, which included entrance to the Castle of Riomaggiore.
Explore More of Cinque Terre
The Via dell’Amore is one of four sections of the Sentiero Azzurro, or ‘Blue Path.’ This trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Cinque Terre National Park, connecting all five villages.
Starting from Riomaggiore, the Blue Path stretches to Monterosso al Mare, passing through Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza. The entire route spans approximately 12 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of around 200 meters in the quaint village of Vernazza.
