Local authorities are keen to encourage responsible tourism on the routes through the Cinque Terre.
advertisementLove is in the air as one of Italy’s most famous walking routes is set to reopen for the first time in more than a decade.
Known as the most romantic walk in the world, the Via dell’Amour (Way of Love) lies between Riomaggiore and Manarola. In 2012, the path was closed after a landslide injured four tourists and the footpath needed repairs.
After undergoing extensive renovations, it is scheduled to fully reopen on July 27, 2024. The first section of the hiking route welcomed visitors as a preview last summer.
What is Via dell’Amole?
The 1km route goes through five villages. Cinque Terre A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features a paved coastal path with spectacular landscapes and ocean views.
Genoa and La Spezia In the early 20th century, railroad workers needed a way to travel between Riomaggiore and Manarola while the tunnel was being built.
The walkway is carved into a solid rock face jutting out into the sea, and legend has it that it became a meeting point for lovers from the two towns.
The restoration project included enclosing the rocks above and below the walkway with iron wire mesh, planting 8,800 plants to enhance the landscaping, and installing a monitoring system to provide advance warning of potential landslides.
No more excessive tourism on the Road of Love
Cinque Terre, in Liguria, is a group of five villages famous for their jewel-like architecture built into cliffs overlooking the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is National park Approximately 2.4 million people visit each year to walk, boat or bike around the beautiful surroundings.
One of the most famous routes along the Cinque Terre coastline, the Via de Love, is extremely popular with tourists. It is a road that connects seaside villages. The fight against mass tourismLast year it introduced fines of up to 275 euros for visitors who linger too long taking selfies and disrupt traffic or pedestrians.
Liguria Governor Giovanni Toti said the Way of Love was “a jewel not only for those who visit, but for the region”.
The Liguria region hopes to curb overtourism by introducing a reservation system for people who want to walk the path.
The number of visitors on the trails per hour is limited to 400, and pedestrians must reserve tickets online or purchase them at the park’s ticket office.
of Reservation site It is currently being updated, but last year the ticket cost 5 euros and included entrance to the Castle of Riomaggiore.
Want to explore Cinque Terre a little further?
The Way of Love is one of the four sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Way) and is one of the most popular routes. Hiking trails It is located within the Cinque Terre National Park and connects five villages.
The Blue Path starts in Riomaggiore and goes through Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. The route is about 12 kilometres long and reaches a maximum altitude of about 200 metres in the small village of Vernazza.
advertisementThe whole walk can be done in about 5 hours and is divided into 4 sections: Via dell’Amore is the first section of the route.
Cinque Terre National Park requires an entrance fee to access these trails, and there are checkpoints along the route where you can buy a Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which gives you access to the park’s facilities: 7.50 euros for one day and 14.50 euros for two days.
You can also purchase a card that allows access to hiking trails and unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express. train Between Levanto, Cinque Terre and La Spezia: 18.20 euros for 1 day, 33 euros for 2 days and 47 euros for 3 days.
Discounts are available for children, seniors and families.
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