The Via dell’Amore, also known as the “Path of Love,” runs between Riomaggiore and Manarola and is regarded as the most romantic stroll in the entire world. Four tourists were hurt in a landslide that forced the closure of the trail back in 2012.
As one of Italy’s most well-known walking routes prepares to reopen after more than ten years, love is in the air.
It is scheduled to reopen in full in July 2024 following major renovations. The hiking route’s initial part is now open to visitors for a summer preview through September 30.
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What does Via dell’Amore – Path of Love – mean?
The 1-kilometer circuit circles the chain of five villages known as the Cinque Terre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The paved walkway follows the coast and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings and the ocean.
It was constructed at the start of the 20th century when the railway route between Genoa and La Spezia was being modernized. While a tunnel was being built, a route for railroad personnel to go between Riomaggiore and Manarola was required.
According to history, the walkway, which was carved out of the stony seaside face, served as a meeting point for lovers from the two cities. Steel mesh has been used in the restoration project to contain the boulders above and below the pathway, and 8,800 plants have been planted to strengthen the landscape. Additionally, a monitoring system has been put in place so that any prospective landslides can be warned of beforehand.
Cinque Terre, a group of five villages in Liguria, is well-known for its jewel-toned structures that are carved into the cliffs above the sea. Around 2.4 million people visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year to walk, sail, or cycle through the lovely environs. It is bordered by a national park.
The Via dell’Amore is one of the most well-known parts of the Cinque Terre coastline and is extremely well-liked by tourists. This year, the chain of seaside towns introduced fines of up to €275 for tourists who obstruct vehicles or pedestrians by lingering for pictures as part of their campaign against mass tourism. The Via dell’Amore is a “jewel for our region, not just for those who visit,” according to Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti.
With the introduction of a booking system for individuals who want to walk the path, Liguria hopes to reduce overtourism. A 30-minute group trip may currently be reserved online for €5. There are about 20 group trips that transport 30 people along the path every day between 9 am and 7 evening. Tickets also grant access to Riomaggiore Castle. If the trial is successful, it may be extended once the entire Via dell’Amore is fully reopened the following year, according to reports.
Check here for the top places to stay in Cinque Terre!
One of the four segments of the Sentiero Azzuro, or “Blue Path,” is the Via dell’Amore. It links the five villages together and is one of the most well-liked hiking routes in the Cinque Terre National Park. The Blue Path travels from Riomaggiore through Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. The 12-kilometer road rises to its highest point of about 200 meters in the little village of Vernazza. The entire path, which is divided into four parts, can be walked in around five hours. The first part of the path is called the Via dell’Amore.
There are certain paths like this that tourists to the Cinque Terre National Park must pay to enter. There are checkpoints along the path where walkers can purchase the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which entitles them to access park amenities. A day is €7.50, while two days are €14.50. A card that grants unlimited railway travel on the Cinque Terre Express between Levanto, Cinque Terre, and La Spezia as well as access to the hiking trails is also available. For one day, it costs €18.20, for two days, €33, and for three days, €47. Discounts are offered to families, elderly, and kids.
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