A famous hiking trail in Italy is set to reopen following a major restoration project.
Cinque Terre, located in La Spezia in northwestern Italy, is a breathtaking coastal region made up of five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands” in Italian. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts around 3 million visitors annually, making it a highly sought-after tourist destination.
Among these villages, the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) has been closed since a landslide in 2011. This 1.5-kilometer (about 0.93-mile) trail, known for its padlocks that symbolize lovers’ promises, was a favorite for its relatively easy walk, which took about 30 minutes to complete. It remains the most beloved trail in Cinque Terre, with group tours accommodating up to 30 people.
The Path of Love will start trial operations next month following a $25 million restoration project. The upgraded trail now includes additional netting to prevent rockfalls and newly coated metal railings designed to protect against overheating from sunlight.
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