The Rebirth of Via dell’Amore: A Journey Through Italy’s Open-Air Museum

Italy, a country steeped in history and culture, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Nestled within its heart is the Cinque Terre, a string of centuries-old seaside villages along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Among the many treasures of this region, the Via dell’Amore, or “Path of Love,” stands out as a symbol of romance and natural beauty. Closed for over a decade due to a landslide, this iconic path is set to partially reopen in May 2023, with a full reopening planned for 2024.

The Via dell’Amore, carved into the rock, offers a unique experience, giving the impression of walking suspended between sea and sky. This path, just over a kilometer long, connects two of the most picturesque pastel villages of the Eastern Liguria, Riomaggiore and Manarola, the heart of the Cinque Terre. The reopening of this path is eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists alike, promising a return to the romantic walks that have made it famous worldwide.

However, the reopening of the Via dell’Amore is not just about re-establishing a walking path. It’s about transforming this iconic route into an open-air museum, a living testament to the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Cinque Terre. The Liguria Region, in agreement with the Cinque Terre National Park and the Municipality of Riomaggiore, is working on a cultural enhancement project that aims to offer insights related to the peculiar aspects of the landscape. This includes agro-forestry systems, urban nuclei, rural buildings, defensive and religious-devotional architectures, and the knowledge and trades linked to typical productions, all in function of sustainable tourism.

The local authorities, including the mayor of Riomaggiore, Fabrizia Pecunia, are developing strategies to manage the expected tourist flow and preserve the sustainability of the region. One of the ideas being considered is to make the path accessible only with the assistance of tour guides, to manage the visitor flow better and provide a more enriching experience. The goal is to allow visitors to truly get to know the Cinque Terre and its vast cultural heritage.

Over twenty million euros have been invested to secure the path, mostly using regional funds. The works of consolidation and hydrogeological recovery of the slopes will be carried out by the structure of the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Government against hydrogeological instability for the Liguria Region. This commitment to safety and preservation underscores the importance of the Via dell’Amore to the region and its people.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, keep an eye out for the reopening of the Via dell’Amore. It promises to be more than just a scenic walk; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of the Cinque Terre. A walk along the Via dell’Amore is not just a walk; it’s an immersive experience into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. It’s a chance to step back in time and witness the timeless beauty of Italy’s stunning landscapes. It’s an opportunity to fall in love with Italy all over again.

Sources:

https://www.lanazione.it/economia/la-via-dellamore-riaprira-a-maggio-c7c0a5b1
https://programmazionestrategica.beniculturali.it/progetto/riomaggiore-via-dellamore/
https://siviaggia.it/notizie/riapre-passeggiata-piu-romantica-italia-museo-a-cielo-aperto/400028/

Bologna to Cinque Terre: How to Get There and 5 Hidden Gems Along the Way That No Guide Will Tell You About

Embark on a journey of enchantment and discovery from Bologna to Cinque Terre, and uncover the hidden gems that this spectacular region of Italy has to offer. From charming medieval towns to breathtaking landscapes, this lesser-known route is a treasure trove for the adventurous traveler. With the in-depth expertise of Lonely Planet, we invite you to explore the wonders that await you between these two iconic destinations.

By train:

While there isn’t a direct train from Bologna to La Spezia, the most efficient option with only one transfer is to change trains in Parma. This route offers a convenient and relatively quick way to reach Cinque Terre from Bologna.

To embark on this journey, head to Bologna Centrale and board a Regionale (RE) train towards Parma. The ride to Parma will take approximately 58 minutes. Upon arrival in Parma, you will have a short transfer time of around 13 minutes. From Parma, board another Regionale train, which will take you directly to La Spezia Centrale in approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. In total, this option has a travel time of about 3 hours and 23 minutes with only one change.

It is always a good idea to book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices and seat availability. You can purchase tickets online through the Trenitalia website, or at the train station ticket counters or self-service machines.

Once you reach La Spezia Centrale, you can easily access the five villages of Cinque Terre—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—by boarding the Cinque Terre Express. This local train service runs frequently throughout the day, connecting all five villages in a scenic and convenient manner. Tickets for the Cinque Terre Express can be purchased at La Spezia Centrale, and it’s worth considering the Cinque Terre Card, which offers unlimited train travel between the villages and additional benefits such as access to hiking trails and Wi-Fi hotspots.

By Car:

Getting to Cinque Terre by car allows you the freedom to explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace. One of the most convenient routes to reach Cinque Terre from Bologna is via the Cisa Motorway (A15). Here’s a step-by-step guide to driving from Bologna to Cinque Terre using this route:

Start your journey by heading northwest on the A1/E35 motorway from Bologna.

After driving for about 60 km, take exit 8 towards A15/Cisa/Parma Ovest/La Spezia. This will lead you to the A15/Cisa Motorway.

Continue on the A15 for approximately 120 km, enjoying the scenic views of the Apennine Mountains as you drive through the region.

Take exit La Spezia/Santo Stefano di Magra to merge onto the SS1/Aurelia road. From here, follow the signs to La Spezia, which is the gateway to Cinque Terre.

Once you reach La Spezia, follow the road signs to Cinque Terre. Keep in mind that the villages of Cinque Terre have limited car access and parking facilities, so it is recommended to park your car in La Spezia or nearby Levanto and then use the local train service, Cinque Terre Express, to visit the individual villages.

Please note that driving in Italy requires a valid driver’s license, and it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, some sections of the motorways are tolled, so make sure to have some cash or a credit card handy for the toll booths.

Remember that the roads in Cinque Terre can be narrow, steep, and winding, making driving conditions challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. It’s essential to exercise caution and patience while navigating these roads. Also, consider checking the availability of parking spaces in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Hidden gems along the route:

Hidden Gem 1: Varese Ligure Venture further off the beaten path to discover the enchanting village of Varese Ligure, nestled in the verdant Val di Vara. Known as the first “bio village” in Italy, Varese Ligure is committed to sustainable living and boasts a vibrant organic farming community. Wander through its charming streets, lined with pastel-colored houses and intricate trompe-l’oeil frescoes. While you’re there, don’t miss the unique circular layout of the town’s historic center, a striking testament to its medieval origins. Treat your taste buds to the locally produced organic delicacies, such as honey, cheese, and wine, which showcase the region’s commitment to sustainability and quality.

Hidden Gem 2: Fosdinovo
Journey onwards to the hilltop town of Fosdinovo, a place steeped in history and legends. This captivating village is dominated by the imposing Malaspina Castle, which offers panoramic views over the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan coastline. Let your imagination run wild as you uncover the mysteries and stories that surround this centuries-old fortress.

Hidden Gem 3: Pontremoli
Next, venture to Pontremoli, a charming medieval town nestled along the banks of the Magra River. This hidden gem is known for its vibrant cultural scene and rich culinary traditions. Be sure to visit the beautiful Romanesque-style Duomo and immerse yourself in the town’s history at the Museum of the Lunigiana Stele Statues.

Hidden Gem 4: Equi Terme
Escape to the picturesque village of Equi Terme, a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Here, you’ll discover thermal springs that have been cherished since Roman times, offering the perfect respite for weary travelers. Indulge in the rejuvenating waters and explore the fascinating geological formations at the nearby caves.

Hidden Gem 5: Portovenere
Before reaching the dazzling shores of Cinque Terre, make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere. This picturesque coastal village is renowned for its colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and the enchanting Church of St. Peter. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor and savor the delicious seafood dishes at a local trattoria.

Cinque Terre: Is The Via dell’Amore Open?

Bad news first – no, the Sentiero dell’Amore is not currently open. And according to locals it doesn’t seem like a lot of effort is being put into securing the trail for public access.
But now that you know, let’s take a step back and see what we’re talking about and what alternatives you have.

First of all, if you found yourself looking for exciting and stunning trails and footpaths to walk down during your trip to Liguria, the Cinque Terre area is exactly what you need.
It is a portion of the coastal area of Liguria and it spans the Italian Riviera from just West of La Spezia and across five villages. The towns, coastline and surrounding hills are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the incredible landscape made of steep cliffs and terraced zones is subject to the elements and is affected by seasonal torrential rains and the consequent floods and mudslides. These events have caused several problems when it comes to the trails that line the Cinque Terre (the most notable example being the subject of this article, the Sentiero dell’Amore), so be careful to check weather alerts (“allerta meteo” in Italian) for dangerous weather conditions, and double check online or with local guides to make sure the trail and footpaths of your choice are currently safe and open to the public.
Of course, while you’re visiting the Cinque Terre, you can’t miss out on the other opportunities unique of this territory, such as local cuisine. You can enjoy great seafood dishes and wines made from locally sourced and produced grapes, and many other dishes and snacks. Try out authentic pesto pasta, focaccia and farinata!

To get back to the topic at hand, let’s see what options are available along the Cinque Terre as far as hiking goes. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do and see for walkers and hikers both travelling solo, in groups, or with their significant other.

What Exactly Is The Sentiero dell’Amore?

The Sentiero has been closed off to the public ever since a landslide back in 2012. Before the rockfall hit, this particular trail was famous for being the most romantic hike one could possibly do in the Cinque Terre area.
The trail is more of a paved path, like a long terrace overlooking the sea, and easy access for the disabled was available to allow everyone to enjoy the Sentiero. The landslide made it impossible to gain access to the trail, save for a short section that can be reached from Manarola, so anyone looking to walk along the Cinque Terre will have to look for alternatives.

Is It Currently Open?

As mentioned, no. The Sentiero dell’Amore is closed off, and any access to the other trails and footpaths depends on weather conditions, due to the region’s periodic floods and landslides that can always block passage to walkers and tourists. The National Park and local authorities will block access and close paths (most often only for a few days) for safety reasons when heavy rains are expected.

The Problems The Trail Is Facing

Since the region has to face periodical heavy rains, due to the area’s climate and the peculiar shape of the territory, with cliffs and rocky formations, the authorities have to face several occurrences of accidents and damage to the paths along the Cinque Terre. The copious amount of tourists visiting the area and enjoying the activities and establishments in the villages along the area’s trails ensure a steady income that is used to maintain the structures and footpaths, but the severe damage caused in 2012 to the Sentiero dell’Amore still hasn’t been repaired.
One of the main problems in the area remains the landslide between Manarola and Corniglia, that has already caused the trail’s closure during the past year. Local accommodation and business owners maintain some of the trails, as volunteers.
You can easily by-pass the problematic section by enjoying a beautiful walk leading through the hamlet of Volastra.

Here Are Some Alternatives

There are plenty of beautiful, picturesque and romantic trails that you can walk for a fantastically immersive experience in the Cinque Terre, so be sure to check the Park’s official website for info. Some trails are recommended for expert hikers, as they can be quite steep and challenging, but if you’re being accompanied by a tour guide most of the alternative paths to the Sentiero dell’Amore will be completely manageable.
Before the inauguration of the Sentiero dell’Amore, directly coasting the sea with a paved path, locals had been walking the upper path from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This is a trekking trail with steep steps that can pose some challenge when wet because of recent rains, so caution is advised and proper gear is recommended.

Most picturesque villages in Italy

Italy is a country with an amazing landscape. From Tuscany to Mont Blanc, you are sure to be treated to a plethora of amazing enthralling sights. This is a country where your camera will have to be at ready because you never know when an exciting moment or photo-worthy scene will present itself. Going around Italy, you should find some areas more picturesque than others. Here are the top five villages that you must visit and with your quality camera at ready;

Alberobello– Famed for its fascinating Trulli houses (cone shaped brick houses), Alberobello village is located on the southern side of Italy. It is part of the metropolitan Bari, in the region of Apulia. This village which literally translates to ‘beautiful tree’ is a place where true beauty of Italy comes forth. Make sure you troop in to a Trulli to discover what makes them so special. Visit the Piazza del Popolo and take in the picturesque central square. Take a bench and click away the amazing sights and moments. Don’t forget to visit the Museo dell’ Olio.

Matera– This is a town where culture stays intact and alive. You will have plentiful of fun things to do in this amazing town located on the southern end of Italy. This town gained international fame because of the Sassi di Matera which is regarded as one of early human settlements in Europe. The town was named as the European city of Culture of 2019. This is because of the marvelous cathedrals, dreamy white Sassi or ‘stones’ of Matera and of course the wine havens. One place where you must visit and take a couple of photos is the Church of Santa Maria de Idris.

Manarola – This is one of the most famous Italian tourist destinations. It is part of the famous Cinque Terre in Liguria, Northern Italy. There are fabled hard trails that lead to enthralling sights. You have the amazing opportunity to explore the harbor which is simply refreshing and breathtaking. The apartment blocks standing at the edge of the cliff makes the blue water look so peaceful and precarious. Take a tour to the vineyard and have a winery experience as you explore the landscape. Take the uphill trudge to the inside of the town and enjoy a refreshing view of the town and the scenic sea below.

Civita di Bagnoregio– Any day, Civita di Bagnoregio stands out as a stunning village with to-kill-for sights. It is about one and half hours from Rome. You will feel small but important especially when you visit the iconic pedestrian walkway towards the town. This is a town which is perched atop a hill and whose beauty is unspoiled by modern cars. Walk around this amazing town and take awe-striking photos of the surrounding landscape.

San Marino– This is one of the oldest and smallest republic on the planet. It is adorned with the best nature could think of. There are amazingly high towers which mark the end and start of the town. You will have the incredible sights away from the high placed town. There is the Basilica di San Marino and the sweeping Monte Titano view to soak in.

The Beauty of the Five Lands: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre which means five lands is on the brink of Italian Riviera. It is named after the five small towns of Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, Monterosso and Riomaggiore. It has out of the ordinary scenes that are very architectural and filled with lively colors. These villages are connected by old steps and different hiking trails. Accommodation booking should done early especially during summer.

Monterosso the largest of them all is among the most scenic towns in Italy. It is located on the Ligurian Sea and is the point of departure for 12km hiking path used by adventurers that runs down the Coast of Cinque Terre. This village features various tourist attractions like a cathedral, castle and a sandy beach with a magnificent footpath. One can board a ferry that connects this town to the other four towns.

Corniglia, the smallest of Cinque Terre villages is located in the center of the five villages. It is not adjacent to the sea like the others but is about 100metres high on a cape. Three sides of this town are surrounded by terraces and vineyards while the part that goes down sharply to the sea is the fourth side. You can reach this village by climbing the Lardarina if you love climbing. It has the narrow roads and a terrace through which the other four villages can be seen with two on one side and the other two on the other.

Manarola built at the mouth of river Volastra has very steep narrow alleyways that lead you to the waterfront. It is considered to be the quietest village of all the five and is known for producing olive oil and wine. The distinctive terraces with vines can be viewed from the hilltop. Wine lovers can make a stop at the small museum that is devoted to wine. It has a tiny harbor with blue water formed by a terraced boardwalk. Sit at the piazza if you want to enjoy the atmosphere and have some great seafood.

Riomaggiore the first of the Five Lands lies between two steep hills is characterized by constricted tower-houses. If you want to go to the little beach of Fossola then you can use a set stairs on the south side. Bird watching can be done at botanical gardens of Torre Guardiola. On the lower part is the old castle of Riomaggiore where one can enjoy stunning sights over the sea. The Lovers’ Walk path is a well covered shoreline trail that has stone benches set on the side of the cliff along the way.

Among all the five towns Vernazza is the only one that has a port. It is considered to be the most beautiful Cinque Terre village. It is surrounded by sharp terraced olive groves and a complex layout. While here you can visit Belforte Castle, the cylindrical tower, go hiking through the north-west trail that is 3.5km and you will have to purchase a Cinque Terre Card to access it. At the end of the paths is the open space of haven with a flowing spring. This town can be accessed by local commuter trains. This will enable you to ride alongside cliffs which overlook olive trees and turquoise waters.

Food Experiences near the Cinque Terre.

If you are interested in a food experience around the Cinque Terre you should also check this page about fishing tours in Camogli. For hiking tours in Cinque Terre you can also check out sister site.