You can find information on how to visit the Via Dell’Amore, either independently or as part of an organized tour, and how to buy tickets for the Path Of Love, at the end of this article.
The Story of the Via Dell’Amore, Italy’s Path Of Love
Until the 20th century, there were no roads connecting the villages of Cinque Terre and most people spent their entire lives strolling through the same winding streets, trekking up and down the same steep staircases of their own village, few daring to cross the rugged mountain cliffs that separate them.
Only olive farmers or those who tended to the cliff side vineyards were less secluded, but most villagers were destined to experience all of life’s affairs in one small town – including affairs of the heart. Although the Mediterranean diet and physical exertion of living in such a mountainous regions most likely kept villagers fit, even then the selection of preferable partners was very slim.
Then, in the early 1920’s, improved engineering made the construction of a stone path possible along the sheer cliffs between Riomaggiore and Manarola (a feat previously thought impossible) to trade fruits, vegetables and other goods.
While this was beneficial to the farmers, the new passage quickly became a dream come true for the boys of Manarola to meet the girls of Riomaggiore and vice-versa. Inter-village relationships sprung up, and the path connecting the two hamlets quickly became a meeting spot for young lovers. At dusk, as the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea, couples met here to spend romantic time together along the picturesque cliffs.
Only olive farmers or those who tended to the cliff side vineyards were less secluded, but most villagers were destined to experience all of life’s affairs in one small town – including affairs of the heart. Although the Mediterranean diet and physical exertion of living in such a mountainous regions most likely kept villagers fit, even then the selection of preferable partners was very slim.
While this was beneficial to the farmers, the new passage quickly became a dream come true for the boys of Manarola to meet the girls of Riomaggiore and vice-versa. Inter-village relationships sprung up, and the path connecting the two hamlets quickly became a meeting spot for young lovers. At dusk, as the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea, couples met here to spend romantic time together along the picturesque cliffs.
La Via dell’amore: The Path of Love
Today, the path draws lovers at sunset, sunrise and all times of day, only now the love is shared by couples from around the world, many of whom seal their love with a lock.
Thousands of padlocks line every inch of available space along the chain link fences, railings and posts on the Via, a tradition which has developed over time by couples who flock to the path and seal their love in order to stay together forever.
The passion extends beyond the padlock, with declarations of love written on walls, boulders, benches and even scratched in to the cactus plants which grow out of the cliffs.
Thousands of padlocks line every inch of available space along the chain link fences, railings and posts on the Via, a tradition which has developed over time by couples who flock to the path and seal their love in order to stay together forever.
The passion extends beyond the padlock, with declarations of love written on walls, boulders, benches and even scratched in to the cactus plants which grow out of the cliffs.
Via dell’amore – not just for lovers
The Path of Love is set at the beginning of the chain of five towns of Cinque Terre National Park, which means that not only love-birds flock to this northern Italian destination. Most of this path had to be closed in 2012 after a landslide, and is finally reopening! The first hikers were able to enjoy the trail again in 2023, after being closed for over a decade, and the entire trail is set to reopen in the summer of 2024.
Hikers can trek the exhausting dirt paths which connect all five towns (check out our full article about hiking the Cinque Terre Trail), foodies can hop between villages on the efficient, convenient train to test the many mouth-watering restaurants. There is swimming to be done on the beach, historical sites to be visited, beer to gulped, wine to be tasted.
Hikers can trek the exhausting dirt paths which connect all five towns (check out our full article about hiking the Cinque Terre Trail), foodies can hop between villages on the efficient, convenient train to test the many mouth-watering restaurants. There is swimming to be done on the beach, historical sites to be visited, beer to gulped, wine to be tasted.
The Path Of Love – How to visit the Via Dell’Amore
Currently, you have to reserve tickets for the trail online, and can only hike it as part of a guided tour. Tickets start at 12.50 Euros for one day (multi-day tickets available), and hikes can be booked between 9am and 5pm every day. Find detailed information on how to hike the Via dell’amore and book your tickets here.
The trail is only around 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long – it’s an easy stroll on a well maintained foot path. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola. We’d rate this hike as easy, however, we’d still recommend sturdy footwear. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and carry water with you.
The trail is only around 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long – it’s an easy stroll on a well maintained foot path. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola. We’d rate this hike as easy, however, we’d still recommend sturdy footwear. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and carry water with you.
You can only access the Via dell’Amore with a ticket and you’ll have to pick a time slot. That way, you get 30 minutes access to the Path Of Love. No more than 200 people are allowed to access the Via dell’amore at any given time.
The Path Of Love is only accessible from Riomaggore. It’s a one-way trail, which means you’ll exit in Manarola.
Via dell’amore Tickets & Reservations
Note that Cinque Terre ticket reservations are required to visit the Via Dell’Amore. When booking a ticket, you will also have to select a time slot for the time of your visit.
There are two different types of tickets: a Cinque Terre hiking ticket, or a Cinque Terre train ticket.
Ticket prices depend on high season (summer months) and low season (winter months). Family tickets are available. Click on the date you’re planning to visit Cinque Terre on to see all the available ticket options and their respective prices.
The Cinque Terre Train Card includes:
- Unlimited train trips between the Cinque Terre towns for the duration of the card validity (there are 1-day, 2-day and 3-day tickets)
- Access to the Park area
- ATC bus service
- Guided tours in the park
- Free bathroom use at any of the Cinque Terre train stations (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso)
- Use of Wi-Fi hot spots
- Reduced museum admission for La Spezia museums
Price: 1-day 27 Euros in high season / 19.50 Euros in low season
The Cinque Terre Trekking Card includes:
- Access to the Via dell’amore / Cinque Terre National Park
- ATC bus service
- Free bathroom use at any of the Cinque Terre train stations (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso)
- Use of Wi-Fi hot spots
- Reduced museum admission for La Spezia museums
Price: 1-day 7.50 Euros / 19.60 Euros for a family ticket
Buy tickets: You can buy tickets online here.
What to wear / what not to wear when hiking the Via dell’amore
It’s important to note that sturdy footwear is needed to access the Via dell’amore and certain types of heels / open sandals without a sturdy sole may not be allowed on the trails.
Via Dell’Amore Opening Times
Opening Times vary depending on what time of year you’re visiting. The trail is open longer in the summer months, when it is light out longer.
- 30 March – 31 May: 9am – 7.30pm
- 1 June – 25 October: 9am – 9pm
- 26 October – late March: 9am – 5.30pm (but check weather conditions beforehand if you’re visiting in the winter)
It is also possible to visit Cinque Terre on an organized tour, for example from Florence, or from La Spezia:
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