That’s Amore! After 12 Years, Italy’s “Path of Love” is Open Again💕

After a 12-year closure due to a landslide, one of Italy’s most famous seaside trails is finally welcoming hikers (and lovers!) again.

As if you needed another good reason to go to Italy…

After 12 long years, the beloved Via dell Amore (or “Path of Love“) in Cinque Terre is finally reopening.

The iconic path has been closed since a devastating landslide in 2012. After its reopening on August 8th, 2024, visitors can now stroll the romantic footpath once again, thanks to new safety measures and extensive renovations.

Located along the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region, the five vibrant villages that hug the rugged coastline are collectively known as “Cinque Terre” or five lands.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

From South to North, the villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

Connected by terraced vineyards and stunning cliffs, the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre National Park.

The villages of Cinque Terre are a testament to the successful cultivation of challenging natural terrain by early Italian settlers.

A Trail with a Rich History

The Via dell Amore is an 800-meter trail carved into the hard rock of the cliffs between the Cinque Terre towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.

The path has a 104-year history, starting as a route for workers transporting materials for railway construction in the late 19th century. Over time, locals connected fragmented sections of the path, creating a continuous trail by 1931.

This effort turned a practical route into a romantic promenade for young lovers with breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.

In addition to being the most romantic walk in Italy, this lover’s lane is also one of the area’s most important tourist attractions and a unique experience for couples visiting Cinque Terre.

The Long Road to Reopening

In 2012, a landslide along the trail injured four Australian tourists and highlighted the need for significant safety improvements.

The trail was immediately closed and over the past decade, various local and national entities collaborated to secure €22 million for renovations.

The complete restoration project included installing harnesses, nets, and anchors to prevent rockfalls and ensure the trail’s safety without compromising its natural beauty. 

This immense effort has finally paid off, and the Via dell Amore is now ready to welcome visitors once more.

Honeymooning in Cinque Terre

My husband and I visited Cinque Terre on our honeymoon in 2015, three years after the trail closed. Despite the closure, Cinque Terre was one of the highlights of our 3-month honeymoon itinerary around the world.

We stayed in Riomaggiore, the largest of the five villages and the closest to La Spezia, and it was the perfect home base.

During our visit, we explored the towns by train and ferry since many hiking trails, including the Via dell Amore, were closed due to landslide damage.

The ferry rides offer spectacular views of the coastline, reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Riviera.

Read More: Italy’s Fantastic 5 – The Seaside Towns of Cinque Terre in 48 Hours

Rediscovering the Path of Love

The reopening of the Via dell Amore is a significant milestone for Cinque Terre. Visitors can once again walk the romantic path, enjoying the dramatic rocky landscape and sunset views over the sea.

The trail is expected to attract many tourists, but measures are in place to limit overcrowding. Only 400 people will be allowed on the path per hour, with tickets available online or at the park’s ticket booths.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Cinque Terre, here’s what you need to know:

How to get to Cinque Terre

Rule #1, don’t drive there. Road access in the towns is limited to residents only.

If you do arrive by car, parking is only available outside the villages. I recommend parking in La Spezia if you’re coming from the south – Florence or Rome. Or the seaside town of Levanto if you’re coming from the north – Milan or Genoa.

Riomaggiore makes an excellent home base for exploring Cinque Terre. On our honeymoon, we loved the Hotel Villa Argentina for its amazing views and affordable rates.

Or, for a great option closer to sea level, try the Alla Marina Affittacamere.

Getting Around the Villages

You can explore the villages by train, ferry, or on foot. 

By Train

If you’re short on time, trains are the quickest and easiest way to travel between the small towns.

Local trains cut through a series of tunnels along the coast and run every 20 minutes connecting all five Cinque Terre villages (note that stops in Corniglia are less frequent).

By Ferry

Regular ferry boat service connects the towns of Cinque Terre seasonally from March 23 – November 3, 2024.

This is certainly the most scenic way to travel between towns but keep in mind that ferries can be canceled for high seas. 

We made great use of the ferries on our honeymoon visit and loved seeing each village from the sea. The only drawback is the ferries don’t stop in Corniglia because the town has no water access.

The ferry schedule and prices for 2024 can be found here.

On Foot

Hiking between the towns is the most popular way to explore. And, of course, the Via dell Amore is a must-see now that it’s reopened. 

Don’t forget to purchase the Cinque Terre Card which serves as your hiking permit for the area. The card system limits the number of visitors along the pathway of love and the proceeds help support the services provided along the trails.

Best Tours in Cinque Terre

So don’t wait, head to Cinque Terre’s own little lovers’ lane

After years of closure, the reopening of the Via dell Amore is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these historic coastal villages. It’s a beautiful reminder that even after a long hiatus, some paths are worth the wait. 

If you get the chance to visit, don’t miss the opportunity to walk this romantic trail and soak in the breathtaking views that make Cinque Terre one of Italy’s most spectacular destinations.