Finally, after twelve years of reconstruction, the Via dell’Amore has been reopened. The inauguration ceremony on July 26th, 2024 was a much-awaited celebration to mark the reopening.
The Via dell'Amore commonly known as the “Path of Love” or the “Love Trail” is one of the most famous trails in Italy’s Cinque Terre and yet it’s been closed and inaccessible since 2012.
For a short period of time mid 2023, a small section of the Path of Love was open for a limited time and by pre-booked tickets only.
But after the official reopening of the footpath, the full trail is now accessible to all visitors.
How to Get Your Ticket to Walk to Path of Love, Cinque Terre
Since 9th August 2024, the Path of Love has been accessible by purchasing a pre-booked ticket. Prices for 2025 start from €10.00 and include a guide (if you already have a Trekking Card or Cinque Terre Card). Otherwise, it costs €17.50.
Due to the popularity of this walk, it’s important to reserve your ticket because access is limited to a maximum of 400 people per hour. You can make a reservation using either:
- The dedicated Via dell’Amore website. NOTE: The tickets sold online are combination tickets only for a Cinque Terre Card and Via dell’Amore ticket.
- The Cinque Terre National Park Info Points; located in all five towns, and at La Spezia and Levanto train stations. You can buy a supplemental Via dell’Amore ticket here if you have already bought a Cinque Terre Card.
Here are some useful FAQs regarding Path of Love tickets.
Visiting hours:
The Via dell'Amore path is open at the following dates and hours:
February 15 – March 29: 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
March 30 – May 31: 9:00 – 20:00 (last admission 19:30)
June 1 – October 25: 9:00 – 21:30 (last admission 21:00)
Note: From time to time and during the low season, the path may be closed for maintenance.
SVA Trail and Cinque Terre Card
The Cinque Terre Trekking Card and Cinque Terre MS Treno Cards include access to the SVA (blue) trail. But this section of the SVA trail that is known as the Via dell’Amore (between Riomaggiore and Manarola) is NOT included in the standard Cinque Terre Cards.
This means that even if you have purchased the Cinque Terre Trekking Card and Cinque Terre MS Treno Card, you will need to buy an extra ticket for the Path of Love.
You can buy the additional Path of Love ticket at The Cinque Terre National Park Info Points.
By the way, the line at the train stations for the Cinque Terre Cards can be long and slow. So, we always recommend buying your Cinque Terre Card in advance, especially if you’re only here for the day.
Not sure if you need a Cinque Terre Card? Then you may find our Cinque Terre Card article useful.
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Via dell’Amore Path: Closure and Reconstruction
The Path of Love closure in 2012 was caused by a rockslide and wave damage that caused extensive erosion and destruction to the path. A group of four Australians were harmed by the rock fall.
The path became inaccessible and was considered extremely dangerous due to the unstable condition of the cliffs above the path. After several years of closure, funding was made available to recover the path.
The extensive reconstruction works (costing 23 million euros) include thousands of square feet of steel rock-fall netting to prevent further landslides and rockfall.
The path has also been newly paved, and has handrails, seating areas, and CCTV.
Via dell’Amore Path: History and Story
Since 1931, the Via dell’Amore has been the most popular path in the famous Cinque Terre UNESCO area and Italy’s smallest national park. The path also forms part of the Sentiero Verde Azzurro (SVA) trail also famously known as the Blue Trial.
The Via dell’Amore path is carved into the rock face connecting the ancient villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola. Folklore tells us about how villagers from these two towns risked their lives to build the footpath in order that they could more easily connect and cooperate with each other.
But this is only partially true. Because sections of the path (at both Manarola and Riomaggiore) were originally built by the railroad workers constructing an expansion to the already existing rail network running through Cinque Terre.
The path was originally used by the two communities as a “road”, but later became the most famous of the Cinque Terre walking paths.
Prior to its closure the Via dell'Amore was voted (by TripAdvisor users) as one the most romantic sunsets in the world!
Easiest Cinque Terre Hike
In contrast to the other hiking trails in Cinque Terre, the Via dell’Amore is a short flat, walking path. The easy 1km (0.6 miles) span is ideal for a light walk or casual stroll.
If you’re only in Cinque Terre for the day, then this paved walking path is a perfect way to experience this magnificent coastline and see two of the most iconic Cinque Terre towns.
Alternative Hike Between Riomaggiore and Manarola
If you decide not to walk the Path of Love, the quickest alternative route between Riomaggiore and Manarola is along the 531 trail (called Via Beccara).
You can start this trail from the new part of Riomaggiore. Leaving the train station, head up the road that winds out of the village until you reach the car barrier. The start of Via Beccara is down a set of stairs marked by a signpost.
Unlike the Way of Love, Via Beccara is a one-hour hike that begins with a climb of around 600 stairs as you leave the village of Riomaggiore. The walk ends by descending a further 600 steps to the Church of San Lorenzo in Manarola.
This is a difficult trail along a rocky, uneven path. You need to be surefooted and physically up for the challenge!
Download the trail map below for this route and other alternative routes between Riomaggiore and Manarola.
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FAQ
How did Via dell'Amore get its name?
There are numerous stories about how this famous path got the name Via dell’Amore. Some say it was because lovers from the two villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola would meet along the path in secret. Others say that an anonymous person inscribed ‘Via dell’Amore’ at both the beginning and end of the path. I even found a report saying a journalist used the phrase in an article after visiting Cinque Terre. The phrase stuck and has been translated into English to become commonly known as the Path of Love / Way of Love or Love Way.
Whatever the origins, the truth is that this historic path (particularly when walked at sunset) does inspire romantic feelings in amorous couples and is a joy to anyone wanting to experience a beautiful sunset.
Do I have to pay to use the Via Dell’Amore?
The Municipality of Riomaggiore has announced that access to the Via Dell’Amore will be controlled by a separate ticket and reservation of a timeslot. See above for more details.
Other parts of the SVA trail: (the only paid trail in the Cinque Terre National Park) can be accessed with a Cinque Terre Card.
Do I need to reserve a time to visit the Via dell’Amore?
Yes, a reservation for a date and time slot is necessary.
Where is the start of the Path of Love?
To help control the flow of visitors, the Via dell’Amore walk will be in a one-way direction from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
The start of the Via dell’Amore is from the northern side of the train station at Riomaggiore. There is a small café called Bar Stazione. To the left of the café, you will find some stairs that will take you to the path.
The 1 km walk finishes behind Manarola train station just a short distance from Manarola old town.
Can I walk the trail in both directions?
No, the trail is one-way only: from Riomaggiore to Manarola. (There are some exceptions e.g. for residents etc)
Are there tours guides on the Via dell'Amore?
Yes, a guide will greet visitors at the entrance gate at the booked time. The guide service is included in the price of each ticket.
How long can I stay on the Via dell’Amore trail?
The walk is limited to 30 minutes, which is the approximate time needed to cover the 900-meter trail within your reserved time slot.
How do I add Via dell'Amore access if I already have the Cinque Terre Card?
You can buy the add-on at official Cinque Terre National Park info points, located at all 5 villages as well as La Spezia and Levanto. At the entrance, you must show both the Cinque Terre Card and the Via dell’Amore add-on.
Can I buy a ticket just for the Via dell'Amore trail?
No, you can’t buy a standalone ticket. Access is only available with the Cinque Terre Card. If you already have the card, you can purchase the Via dell'Amore add-on.
Are the tickets personal? Can someone else use mine?
No, the Via dell’Amore ticket (like the Cinque Terre Card) is personal and non-transferable.
Are there discounts or concessions for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, entry is free for disabled visitors. You must show documentation to confirm eligibility at the entrance.
I bought my ticket online but didn’t get an email. What should I do?
The system should always send a confirmation email with the tickets attached as a PDF. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder and make sure your inbox isn’t full.
Furthermore, as you had to create an account to purchase your tickets, you can also download your tickets from your account/personal profile area on the website.
Can I get a refund for the Via dell’Amore add-on?
Generally, refunds are not possible, EXCEPT in the case of official yellow, orange, or red weather alerts.
What if I can’t make my reserved time? Can I change it?
Unfortunately, tickets can’t be changed or refunded.
If something unexpected happens, you may be able to access the trail during the next available time slot—BUT ONLY if there’s space.
