Cinque Terre's Path of Love Set to Reopen After 12-Year Closure

After a 12-year closure due to safety concerns, the romantic Path of Love in Cinque Terre is set to reopen, thanks to newly implemented safety measures. This picturesque trail connects the five charming villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all nestled within the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre National Park. The path, originally constructed between 1920 and 1931, was built on a precarious mountainside, making it susceptible to landslides in the region known for its challenging terrain. Donatella Bianchi, president of Cinque Terre National Park, emphasized the unique and manmade nature of the landscape, which features 130 kilometers of trails carved out by communities that transformed the mountains for agriculture and survival. The reopening of the Path of Love is seen as a significant opportunity for both locals and visitors to reconnect with the beauty of the area, which has been marred by environmental challenges in recent years. The park has introduced a new policy to limit the number of visitors on the path to 400 per hour, aiming to prevent overcrowding and ensure a more enjoyable experience. This initiative comes in response to the lessons learned from the devastating landslides and floods that struck the region between 2011 and 2012. As the park prepares for the influx of tourists, it will also provide information on crowd levels to help manage visitor flow. With its reopening, the Path of Love is expected to once again become a cherished destination for couples and nature lovers alike, offering a romantic backdrop for those looking to exchange vows amidst the stunning scenery of Cinque Terre.