Hikers Beware Of Footwear Checks In The Cinque Terre Park This Spring

The Cinque Terre in Italy is renowned for its iconic, colorful villages, clinging to the cliffs above the ocean. As each village is linked to the others by vertiginous walking paths, this has turned into a much-loved and popular hiking destination. However, back in 2019, the Cinque Terre park authorities brought in a ban on open or smooth-soled footwear like flip-flops, now they are preparing for footwear checks for hikers and one-way systems.

Safety measures introduced in the Cinque Terre National Park

The Cinque Terre hiking routes attract thousands of hikers in the spring and summer, leading to the national park authorities introducing safety measures. Easter is already here and as the weather warms up, officials are tightening regulations, not only to protect hikers, but also the routes themselves.

One safety measure coming into effect is one-way systems on the Cinque Terre trails on busy days. Meanwhile, during peak season, these systems are often brought in on popular stretches of the Cinque Terre hiking routes.

One is the Sentiero Verde Assurro, which winds its way from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore, while heading through Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola along the way. On days predicted to be the busiest in April, May and June this year, the Monterosso-Vernazza leg of the trail will be one-way from 9 am to 2 pm. During this time, hikers will only be able to go from Monterosso towards Vernazza, a route that 70 percent of hikers choose, according to people counts in previous years.

Meanwhile, this one-way system will be active April 19-21 and 25-27, May 31, and June 1-2.

Cinque Terre National Park authorities state on their website:

This measure, already successfully tested in 2023 and 2024, is aimed at improving the use of the trail and ensuring the safety of visitors by avoiding dangerous intersections and congestion along a particularly narrow and steep path.

Entry fees and potential fines

Moreover, the system also aims to protect the ancient dry-stone walls running along this section of the trail. To enter the park, hikers will also need to purchase a Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which starts at €7.50 ($8.50) per day or €15 ($17) on peak days.

Furthermore, Cinque Terre hikers will be faced with footwear checks on the trail. Back in 2019, authorities instituted a ban on open or smooth-soled footwear, such as flip-flops. This ban continues, and inappropriate shoes can see a would-be hiker paying a fine ranging from €50 ($57) to €2,500 ($2,850), something that could really spoil their vacation. The latest guidelines for hiking in the park states that checks will be carried out to ensure walkers are wearing appropriate footwear.

Visitor numbers capped on Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore (Path of Love)

Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) is a hugely popular trail and authorities are planning to cap visitor numbers. Back in 2024, the path reopened after being closed for more than a decade due to a landslide. Known as the most romantic walk in the world, this pathway connects Riomaggiore and Manarola and is one of the most famous stretches of the Cinque Terre coastline.

Due to its massive popularity, and in an effort to curb overtourism, a booking system has been put in place for those who want to hike the pathway. Basically, visitor numbers allowed on the path each hour is capped at 400, and hikers will need to book tickets online, or purchase one at the park’s ticket booths.

Tickets cost €12.50 ($14), which also includes the Cinque Terre Trekking Card and entrance to the Castle of Riomaggiore.

However, park authorities, seeking to reduce overcrowding, remind visitors that there are many other routes to explore, that are less congested and equally panoramic.

Meanwhile, other sections of the Sentiero Verde Azzurro will remain open to hikers in both directions this summer. Also, the rest of the park’s hiking network remains open and available, including more than 130 km (81 mi) of hiking routes between the coast and mountain ridges.

According to park authorities, “It is a wide and suggestive network, which offers valid alternatives that are less congested and equally panoramic.”

Learn more about the Cinque Terre on the official tourism website.