For over ten years, this popular tourist route, especially beloved by couples, was closed. Soon, however, visitors will once again be able to walk along the Via dell’Amore.
The pedestrian route between Riomaggiore and Manarola is known as the most romantic walk in the world. Via dell’Amore, or the “Path of Love,” was closed in 2012 after a landslide injured four tourists.
In July 2024, a major reconstruction will be completed, and visitors will once again be allowed on the path. The first section of the route is already open for walks until September 30, as reported by Euronews.
What is Via dell’Amore?
The 1 km long route winds around five villages that are part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paved path runs along the coast, offering stunning views of cliffs and the sea.
It was created during the modernization of the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia at the beginning of the 20th century. Railway workers needed a path between Riomaggiore and Manarola while the tunnel was being built.
The path was carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea, and according to legend, it became a meeting place for lovers from the two towns.
Renovation and Safety Measures
As part of the reconstruction project, the cliffs along the path were reinforced with steel mesh, and 8,800 plants were planted to stabilize the landscape. Additionally, a monitoring system has been installed to warn of potential landslides.
Combating Overtourism at Via dell’Amore
Cinque Terre, located in the Liguria region, comprises five villages with colorful stone houses built into cliffs high above the sea. The national park attracts about 2.4 million visitors annually, who enjoy walking, boating, or cycling through the picturesque surroundings.
Via dell’Amore is one of the most famous sections of the Cinque Terre coastline, immensely popular with tourists. This year, the coastal villages have started combating mass tourism by imposing fines of up to 275 euros for visitors who obstruct traffic and pedestrians by stopping for selfies.
Giovanni Toti, the governor of Liguria, stated that Via dell’Amore is a “gem for the entire region, not just for those who visit it.”
To tackle overtourism, Liguria plans to introduce a reservation system for those wishing to walk this path. Currently, a 30-minute group tour can be booked online for 5 euros. Approximately 20 such tours are conducted daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, with groups of up to 30 people. Tickets also include a visit to the Riomaggiore castle.
Sentiero Azzuro – The Blue Path
Via dell’Amore is one of the four sections of the “Blue Path” (Sentiero Azzuro), a popular walking route in the Cinque Terre National Park that connects all five villages.
The Blue Path starts in Riomaggiore and leads to Monterosso al Mare through Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza. The total length of the route is about 12 km, with a maximum elevation of approximately 200 meters in the small village of Vernazza.
The entire route can be completed in about five hours and is divided into four sections, the first of which is Via dell’Amore.
A fee is charged for walking on some of the trails in the Cinque Terre National Park. Along the entire route, there are control points where tourists can purchase the Cinque Terre Trekking Card. It costs 7.50 euros for one day and 14.50 euros for two days.
There is also a card available that allows access to the walking trails and unlimited train rides on the Cinque Terre Express between Levanto, Cinque Terre, and La Spezia. The cost of the travel card is 18.20 euros for one day, 33 euros for two days, and 47 euros for three days.
Discounts are available for children, seniors, and families.