One of Italy’s most enchanting walking routes is set to welcome visitors once more after a hiatus of over ten years. The Via dell’Amore, often hailed as the most romantic walk in the world, is located between the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola in the Cinque Terre region. The trail has been closed since 2012 due to a landslide that caused significant damage and injuries to tourists.
Reopening Scheduled for July 27, 2024
The Via dell’Amore is slated to fully reopen on July 27, 2024, following extensive renovations. Last summer, a preview of the first section of the trail allowed tourists to experience a taste of the refurbished path.
About the Via dell’Amore
Stretching approximately 1 kilometer, the Via dell’Amore is a scenic pathway that meanders through the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paved trail offers breathtaking views of the coastal landscape and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, it was created to facilitate transportation for railroad workers between Riomaggiore and Manarola during the construction of a tunnel. Over time, it became a popular meeting spot for lovers from the two towns.
The recent restoration project involved securing the rocks above and below the pathway with steel mesh and planting 8,800 new plants to stabilize the landscape. Additionally, a monitoring system has been implemented to provide advance warnings of potential landslides.
Addressing Overtourism
Cinque Terre’s charm has made it a major tourist destination, with approximately 2.4 million visitors annually exploring its five villages, renowned for their colorful buildings perched on cliffside. To combat the effects of mass tourism, local authorities have introduced several measures to manage visitor numbers and preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Giovanni Toti, President of the Liguria Region, described the Via dell’Amore as a “jewel for our region,” emphasizing its significance not only to tourists but to locals as well. To regulate visitor flow, Liguria has implemented a booking system for the path. Access is limited to 400 visitors per hour, and tickets must be reserved online or purchased at park ticket booths.
Ticketing and Fees
Last year, tickets were priced at €5 and included entry to the Castle of Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre National Park charges fees for access to certain paths. A Cinque Terre Trekking Card, available at checkpoints along the route, costs €7.50 for a single day or €14.50 for two days. This card provides access to park facilities. For broader access, a combined card offering trail access and unlimited travel on Cinque Terre Express trains is available: €18.20 for one day, €33 for two days, and €47 for three days. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and families.
Exploring Further
The Via dell’Amore is just one segment of the Sentiero Azzurro, or ‘Blue Path,’ which is a popular hiking trail connecting all five Cinque Terre villages. The Blue Path spans approximately 12 kilometers, linking Riomaggiore with Monterosso al Mare, and reaches a maximum altitude of around 200 meters in Vernazza. The entire trail takes roughly five hours to walk and is divided into four sections, with the Via dell’Amore serving as the first section.
This reopening marks a significant moment for Italy’s Cinque Terre, blending natural beauty with historical charm and offering a renewed experience for visitors and locals alike.
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