What could possibly be more romantic than a stroll along the stunning Italian Riviera, hand-in-hand with your beloved? Previously dubbed the prettiest village in the world, Cinque Terre (which is technically a string of five villages) is home to a coastal walking route that delivers on that fantasy.
The route is called Via dell’Amore – aka ‘Lover’s Lane’ – and it connects two of the five villages, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Originally built by residents who wanted to avoid trekking over the cliffs, the walkway was closed in 2011 after suffering a landslide. But after an extensive $25 million restoration project, the popular walking route is now open to the public once again.
Via dell’Amore will be subject to various protections to prevent damage by the vast numbers of tourists who flock to the area. Known for its glorious views and pretty villages, Cinque Terre is visited by an estimated three million tourists every year, and overcrowding during peak times can cause some safety problems.
Sections of the path were rebuilt into the newly cleared cliff face, with netting added to prevent rockfall, and handrails have been coated to stop them from getting too hot to touch in the sun.
The route will be open between 8am and 7pm. Tourists should be able to book a one-hour time slot (capped at 30 people) for €15, but locals can access it for free. To the dismay of some residents, Via dell’Amore will be completely closed at night, with both entrances monitored on CCTV. However, locals and authorities are keen to encourage responsible tourism, not just in Cinque Terre but across Italy, so it seems like a necessary measure.
Italy recently announced new tourist vintage train routes in the hopes they will enable those travelling in the country to choose more sustainable options for getting around. The country also has plans to potentially double the recently-trialled tourist tax in Venice, which was dubbed a huge success by city officials.
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