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 striking landscapes. Along the rugged Ligurian coastline lies the Cinque Terre, a chain of centuries-old seaside villages carved between mountains and sea. Among the region’s most iconic landmarks is the Via dell’Amore — the legendary coastal path connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Carved directly into the rock face, the Via dell’Amore gives the sensation of walking suspended between sea and sky. Just over one kilometre long, it links two of the most recognisable villages in Eastern Liguria and has long been celebrated as one of the most romantic walks in Italy.

After more than a decade of closure due to a landslide, the reopening of the Via dell’Amore represents far more than the return of a scenic footpath. It reflects a broader shift in how Cinque Terre manages access, safety, and sustainability — balancing visitor demand with the preservation of a fragile landscape.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, understanding how the Via dell’Amore fits into a wider itinerary is essential. This context is explained in more detail here: How to Plan Your Trip to Cinque Terre (and Not Get Stressed)

Beyond its physical restoration, the Via dell’Amore is being reimagined as an open-air cultural corridor. The project highlights the agricultural terraces, rural architecture, religious landmarks, and traditional practices that shaped the Cinque Terre landscape over centuries. Rather than a simple transit route, the path is intended to offer deeper insight into the region’s cultural identity.

Significant investment has gone into stabilising the cliffs above the trail, improving drainage, and integrating safety systems designed to blend into the natural environment. These interventions aim to ensure long-term protection while preserving the visual harmony of the coastline.

Local authorities are also rethinking how visitors experience the path. Controlled access, visitor limits, and guided formats are part of a broader effort to reduce pressure on the most fragile sections of the national park while offering a more meaningful and less crowded experience.

Today, walking the Via dell’Amore is no longer just about romance or scenery. It has become a symbol of resilience, careful restoration, and a new approach to tourism in Cinque Terre — one that prioritises safety, sustainability, and respect for the landscape.

A walk along the Via dell’Amore is, ultimately, an invitation to slow down and observe how nature, history, and human effort intertwine along this extraordinary stretch of coast.