
Do you have questions about the Cinque Terre Path of Love? We got you covered! Read infos and tips in our practical guide
After more than 12 years of waiting, the world's most romantic trail, and one of the most beautiful paths in Italy, the Via dell'Amore in the Cinque Terre, has reopened!
This breathtaking cliffside trail, aka Lovers' Way or Path of Love, connects the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, offering truly spectacular views high above the deep, shimmering Ligurian Sea.
Lovers, nature enthusiasts, and passionate hikers can once again walk along this stunning path, immersing themselves in the scent of Mediterranean vegetation and passing through landscapes dotted with prickly pears.
An Historical Overview - Created in the 1920s during the expansion of the tunnel on the La Spezia-Genoa railway line, the Via dell'Amore was originally a service path for construction materials. Once the work was completed, locals began using it as a more convenient link between Riomaggiore and Manarola. The two villages, in fact, were previously connected only by a long and challenging route, which meant that contact between them was almost nonexistent.
Legend has it that from that moment on, lovers from the two villages started meeting along this path.
A Warning for the Preservation of this Land - The trail was closed in 2012 due to a landslide that destroyed part of the path. This catastrophic event highlights the hydrogeological fragility of this precious area, the Cinque Terre, which requires the utmost respect and care.
The Remarkable Effort to Restore Its Beauty - The works that enabled its reopening took years and involved complex construction efforts and the collaboration of many institutions. It was truly an impressive project that after many years, finally reached its peak on February 14, 2025, Valentine’s Day, when the Via dell'Amore was officially reopened!
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Our Practical Guide for Your Visit
We know you can’t wait to see and walk along it! Here is a brief guide with all the essential and practical information you may need to plan your unforgettable visit.Which towns connect the Via dell’Amore?The path connects the town of Riomaggiore, the first village when arriving from La Spezia, to the town of Manarola.
Is the Via dell’Amore one way?
Yes, the path is one-way, from East to West.
Which towns is Via dell’Amore connecting?
The Via dell'Amore path connects two towns as it goes from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
What are the opening times of the Via dell’Amore?
The Via dell’Amore is open every day, with the following opening times:
- 15 February - 29 March: From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entrance at 5:30 PM)
- 30 March - 31 May: From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last entrance at 7:30 PM)
- 1 June - 25 October: From 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM (last entrance at 9:00 PM)
How long is the Via dell’Amore path?
The path is paved and is approximately 900 meters long (3,000 ft).
How long does it take to walk the Via dell’Amore?
Walking the Via dell’Amore takes about 30 minutes.
Is there an admission fee to enter the Via dell’Amore?
Yes, there is a ticket to purchase.
How much does it cost the Via dell'Amore?
It costs € 10 per person and you can buy it online on the official website (link www.viadellamore.info) only in combination with the Cinque Terre Train Card or Trekking Card (the daily cards that allow the access to the trains or to the trail networks of the Cinque Terre).
Is it recommended to buy the ticket for the Via dell’Amore in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to purchase the ticket in advance, as the spots are limited (200 people every 30 minutes) and tend to sell out during the high season.
Is it necessary to book the access for a specific time?
Yes, at the time of booking, you need to select both the date and the time. Access is granted every half hour.
Can I purchase just the access to the Lovers' Way / Via dell'Amore, without the Cinque Terre Card?
No, it is not possible to purchase access to the Via dell'Amore without a Cinque Terre Card. The access ticket needs to be combined with either the Train or the Trekking Card.
If I already have a Cinque Terre Card, how can I purchase the extension to access the Via dell'Amore?
If you already have a Cinque Terre Card, you can purchase the extension for the Via dell’Amore at the ticket offices located in La Spezia or Riomaggiore. Please note that the extension cannot be purchased online.
Is the Via dell'Amore / Path of Love a difficult trail?
No, it is a paved path and does not require any special training. However, we remind that in the Cinque Terre Park it is always recommended to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes with anti-skid soles. In summer don’t forget a hat and sunscreen as the Via dell’Amore is fully exposed to the sun!
Is it worth doing the Via dell'Amore path?
Short answer, yes. The Lovers' Way trail offers gorgeous views and great photo ops. It is also a very nice way to go from Riomaggiore to Manarola instead of taking the train. On the other hand, when it gets crowded during the tourist season, it loses some of its magic.
Are you planning to go to Cinque Terre? Discover more to plan your trip, read here our Cinque Terre complete guide with info and tips on how to make the best of your time there.