When you visit Italy, make sure to include the following in your itinerary: Cinque Terre You’re in store for a wonderful summer. The colorful community is popular for a reason—it’s downright gorgeous. The pastel-colored buildings along the cliff edge meet the azure waters from the Ligurian Sea for a picture-perfect moment. Your footwear can ruin a vacation here. The local authorities have reminded people once more to leave their strappy shoe at home.
The Cinque Terre National Park Authority began to warn visitors in 2019 about hiking on the slippery, rocky trails without the proper footwear. The authority warned that flip flops and strappy sandals were not appropriate footwear for the trails.
If they are caught wearing flops they will not only be arrested for being a fashion victim. A fine will be levied against them. The fine is not small either. People caught wearing the wrong shoes could be fined up to €2,500, which is around $2,817 thanks to a weak U.S. dollar.
CNN reported At the time, the footwear rule was implemented after local mountain rescue crews were frustrated by having to rescue people who tripped over their feet. “These paths are in some cases similar to mountain pathways,” Patrizio Scarpellini told CNN Travel. It is essential to wear proper shoes!
EuroNews reported in April that park officials now check hikers’ shoes to make sure they have the correct footwear, indicating they take the rule very seriously.
Visitors should also be aware of other changes if they are planning to visit during Easter or the busier summer months. EuroNews It was also reported that officials at the park will use one-way system along popular stretches in order to streamline crowds. The article noted that on busy days in April and May, the Monterosso – Vernazza trail will only be open one way from 9 am to 2 pm.
The park officials shared that “this measure, which was successfully tested in both 2023 and 2024,” aims to improve the use of the path and ensure the safety of visitors, by avoiding dangerous junctions and congestion on a narrow and steep trail.
Pre-booking is also recommended for visitors. Cinque Terre Trekking Card to get access to the park, with tickets starting at €7.50 (about $8.45) on slower days and or €15 (about $17) on peak days.
Just remember to pay attention to the card, your footwear and where you are going. Enjoy the view, and know that you are adhering to all rules. See all the paths around the park—including a few lesser-trafficked ones that offer equally stunning views—at parconazionale5terre.it.
