Italian region can fine tourists £2,000 for wearing wrong item of clothing (2025)

National park authorities can enforce a rule that prohibits visitors from wearing certain footwear

When planning a trip to this breathtaking coastal area in Italy, many anticipate a hike to soak up the spectacular views from above - but it might just hit your wallet as hard as it hits your lungs. Italy's Cinque Terre, located in the northwestern region of Liguria, is renowned for its five charming villages and picturesque views from its cliffside buildings, all linked by walking trails.

These hiking paths attract tourists from all corners of the globe, eager to immerse themselves in the area's culture and absorb the quintessential Italian landscape. However, they must be mindful of safety regulations in place.

The Cinque Terre National Park authorities have implemented a rule that bans visitors from wearing certain types of footwear deemed unsafe. In 2019, a prohibition was introduced on open footwear and smooth-soled shoes like flip-flops when traversing these routes.

Inappropriate footwear could result in tourists facing a fine of up to €2,500 (£2,117), with penalties starting at €50 (£43.42). As we edge closer to the Easter holidays, and tourism picks up, officials are expected to enforce these rules more strictly.

During these peak periods, one-way systems are often put in place on the popular stretches of Cinque Terre's hiking trails. With a lengthy path snaking all the way from the Sentiero Verde Azzurro, the trail passes through Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola as part of its route, reports the Express.

In response to expected high footfall from April to June, park officials have announced a one-way system for the Monterosso-Vernazza trail segment. Between 9am and 2pm, hikers must trek only from Monterosso towards Vernazza.

Consistent with the preferred flow of 70% of coastal visitors, according to Euronews data, the one-way rule kicks in on select dates notorious for tourist spikes from 19 to 21 and 25 to 27 April, then again on 1, 29 and 31 May, plus 1-2 June.

Cinque Terre National Park has been here before, with this very measure tried and tested in 2023 and 2024 to positive reviews. The park's website states: "This measure, already successfully tested in 2023 and 2024, is aimed at improving the use of the trail and ensuring the safety of visitors by avoiding dangerous intersections and congestion along a particularly narrow and steep path."

Last year also saw the re-opening of the fabled 'path of love,' which had been off-limits for ten years following a perilous landslide. Renowned as the world's most romantic stroll, it connects Riomaggiore and Manarola and remains a magnet for lovebirds the world over.

To manage the influx of visitors, a booking system has been implemented that restricts the path to 400 walkers per hour. Tickets must be pre-booked or purchased from a booth at the park. A single ticket costs €12.50 (£10.86) and includes the Cinque Terre Trekking Card as well as admission to the enchanting Castle of Riomaggiore.