What is Via Dell’ Amore of Cinque Terre?

One of the most scenic trails in the Cinque Terre is famous for its breathtaking coastal views and romantic legend that accompanies it

Stretching between the northern Italian coastal towns of Manorola and Riomaggiore, Via dell’ Amore is a famous cliffside trail running along the cluster of towns known as Cinque Terre! The modest 1-km path connects the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, and winds along the edge of the seaside cliffs, with breathtaking views of the azure water with plenty of secluded spots along the way. The trail has a magical quality to it, being excavated from hard rock and overhanging the sea. The legend the footpath is known for also adds to it alure…

Also known as the lover’s lane, ‘Via dell’ Amore’ was built in the early 20th century in an endeavour to reduce isolation between the tiny hillside towns. Thus allowing lovers from the towns to meet! Today, hundreds of tiny hearts, initials, and messages of love adorn the cliffside wall, laying testimony to the passing of thousands of lovers in all these years since its opening. In fact, the trail also features a lookout where couples place a lock with their names on it and throw the key into the sea, so their love lasts forever.

2012 Rockslide

In September a group of tourists were caught in a rockslide along this famous and popular trail causing two of them to be hospitalised after receiving serious head and back injuries. The rocks fell from the highest section of the cliff in an area which didn’t have protective meshing up. The Mayor of Riomaggiore made a statement blaming earlier floods and bad weather for the loose boulders. The event was incredibly rare and unexpected and it was lucky more people weren’t hurt. Sadly, as a result of the incident, the trail has been closed for reconstruction and it set to reopen in 2023. 12 million euros has been put into the project, planned by the Cinque Terre National Park. The renovations include extending an artificial tunnel that runs under the part of the path considered the most precarious, as well as adding steel mesh and bolts to secure the rocks above and below the route.

There has been much controversy over how long the renovations to this popular tourist attraction have taken. Locals feel disappointed that a symbol of their region isn’t receiving the urgent action it deserves. At current, only a small stretch of the kilometre-long path is open to the public. However, for when the trail does reopen, you’ll need to know how to get there. So, on that note, let us tell you how!

How to visit Via Dell’ Amore?

In order to reach the Via dell’ Amore, you need to walk up a series of steep stairs and purchase a ticket for 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 7-days as per your convenience. Remember these tickets allow you to hike all of Cinque Terre’s trails! While this picturesque trail is mostly an easy leisurely stroll, it may not be ideal for those with a fear of heights. Authorities have aptly installed railing all along the trail, but beware there is a long steep drop from the railing to the sea.

After soaking the stunning vistas of the pristine blue ocean, you can unwind at the picnic area where you can sit on the benches; admire the view or just watch other people wandering by. What’s better than that? You can also grab something to eat and drink from a small restaurant nearby that offers cosy picnic tables to help you enjoy the spectacular views as you feast on typical Italian delicacies.

Hopefully, this beautiful hike is open again soon! Not just for tourists but for the locals too, who it clearly meant a lot too.

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