The most romantic walk in the world: Italy’s Path of Love reopens after more than a decade

23.07.2024 - 23:14 / euronews.com

Love is in the air as one of Italy’s most famous walking routes is set to reopen after more than a decade.

Known as the most romantic walk in the world, the Via dell’Amore or ‘Path of Love’ is located in between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It closed back in 2012 after a landslide injured four tourists and caused the trail to need repairs.

After extensive renovation, it is due to fully reopen on 27 July 2024. The first section of the hiking route welcomed tourists for a summer preview last year.

The 1km long route winds around a string of five villages that make up the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site. The paved pathway hugs the coast with stunning views of the landscape and sea.

It was built during the modernisation of the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia at the beginning of the 20th century. Railroad workers needed a way to get between Riomaggiore and Manarola while a tunnel was constructed.

The footpath was carved out of the hard rock face overhanging the sea and legend is it became a meeting place for lovers from the two towns.

The restoration project has contained the rocks above and below the pathway with steel mesh and planted 8,800 plants to reinforce the landscape. A monitoring system has also been installed so that warnings can be given in advance about any potential landslides.

Liguria’s Cinque Terre is made up of five villages famous for their jewel-toned buildings set into the cliffs above the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by a national park and around 2.4 million people visit every year to walk, boat or cycle their way through the picturesque surroundings.

As one of the most famous stretches of the Cinque Terre coastline, the Via dell’Amore is massively popular with visitors. The string of seaside villages has been battling against mass tourism, last year introducing fines of up to €275 for visitors that block traffic or pedestrians by lingering for selfies.

Giovanni Toti, president of the Liguria Region, has said that the Via dell’Amore is a “jewel for our region, not just for those who visit”.

Liguria is hoping to curb overtourism by introducing a booking system for those who want to walk the path.

The number of visitors allowed on the path each hour is capped at 400 and walkers have to book their ticket online or purchase one at the park's ticket booths.

The booking site is currently being updated but last year tickets cost €5 and included entrance to the Castle of Riomaggiore.

The Via dell’Amore is one of four sections of the Sentiero Azzuro or ‘Blue Path’. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Cinque Terre National Park and connects the five villages together.

The Blue Path starts from Riomaggiore making its way to Monterosso al Mare through