Via dell’Amore Reopens: What Visitors Need to Know
After more than a decade of closure, the Via dell’Amore in Cinque Terre has finally reopened. This famous coastal path linking Riomaggiore and Manarola is once again accessible, but under very different conditions than in the past.
The reopening marks a major milestone for the region, but it also introduces new rules, limited access, and a reservation system that visitors need to understand in advance. If you’re planning a trip to the area, this update fits into a broader planning strategy explained here: How to Plan Your Trip to Cinque Terre (and Not Get Stressed)
Why the Via dell’Amore Was Closed
The Via dell’Amore was originally built in the 1930s as a service path during railway construction. Over time, it became one of the most iconic and accessible walks in Cinque Terre, famous for its sea-level views and easy terrain.
In 2012, a serious landslide struck the path, injuring visitors and exposing long-standing geological risks. Due to unstable cliffs and repeated rockfall danger, authorities closed the trail indefinitely, making safety the top priority.
The Restoration Project
Restoring the Via dell’Amore required one of the most complex infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Cinque Terre. The work focused on stabilising the cliffs above the path and ensuring long-term safety rather than simply reopening it quickly.
Key interventions included reinforced rockfall protection, extensive replanting to stabilise slopes, structural supports built into the cliff face, and continuous geotechnical monitoring systems. The goal was to make the path safe without altering its natural appearance.
How the Reopening Works Today
The Via dell’Amore reopened in phases in 2024 and is now accessible to visitors under a controlled system. Access is no longer free-flowing.
- Entry is by timed reservation only
- Visits are organised in small groups
- The path is one-way, from Riomaggiore to Manarola
- Time on the trail is limited to reduce congestion
This system is designed to protect the trail, reduce crowding, and prevent the safety issues that led to the original closure.
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What the Experience Is Like Now
Walking the Via dell’Amore today is very different from the pre-2012 experience. While the scenery remains spectacular, the visit is shorter, more structured, and less spontaneous.
The restored path blends carefully into the rock face, with safety features designed to be visually discreet. Views over the Ligurian Sea are still impressive, but the focus is now on preservation rather than mass access.
Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Limits
The Via dell’Amore reopening reflects a wider shift in how Cinque Terre manages tourism. Rather than maximising visitor numbers, the emphasis is now on sustainability, safety, and environmental protection.
Limiting access helps preserve the landscape while also improving the visitor experience for those who do walk the path. It’s part of a broader effort to reduce pressure on the most fragile areas of the national park.
Is the Via dell’Amore Still Worth It?
For many visitors, the Via dell’Amore remains a symbolic and scenic highlight — but it’s no longer a casual stroll you can add at the last minute. Advance planning is essential.
If reservations are unavailable, there are many alternative coastal walks and higher trails in Cinque Terre that offer equally dramatic views with fewer restrictions.
Final Thoughts
The reopening of the Via dell’Amore is an important moment for Cinque Terre, but it also signals a new era of controlled access and careful management. Visitors who understand the new rules and plan accordingly can still enjoy this iconic path — without contributing to the problems that once put it at risk.
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