If you want to explore the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera in the high season, you have to be prepared for a new regime. The national park has introduced several measures to better manage the flow of tourists.

Cinque Terre, which is made up of five picturesque villages on the Ligurian Riviera, have issued new rules for travelers. Among other things, higher prices are intended to stem the flow of tourists.

This means that train tickets are more expensive in the high season. At weekends, on public holidays and generally in summer, tourists will pay twice as much for train travel between villages as before. Specifically, the regional ticket for the six-kilometer (4 miles) route between Riomaggiore and Manarola now costs ten euros instead of five. Locals, on the other hand, benefit from discounts.

In the fight against mass tourism, the Cinque Terre National Park has also taken countermeasures. Around the Italian public holidays, the “Sentiero Verde Azzurro”, one of the most popular hiking routes in the region, is now subject to a “one-way system” – from 9 am to 2 pm. The new regime was implemented for the first time in April and early May.

Shoes will also be checked

The measure, which was tested last year, concerns the route from Monterosso to Vernazza. In order to regulate access to the hiking trail, there are checks at the entrance to Monterosso. Among other things, they check whether visitors are equipped with the right footwear for the hike on the steep paths. If the crowds on the “Sentiero Verde Azzurro” are too big, the excursionists are diverted to alternative routes.
The initial assessment of those responsible is positive. Donatella Bianchi, President of the National Park, says: “I took a look for myself on the path between Mᴏnterosso and Vernazza. It was orderly and respectful tourism, which is good for the Cinque Terre.” The measures against mass tourism apply in the national park 19 days a year.

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Cinque Terre has won, by far, the first place with its eight-color palette of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola und Riomaggiore. The centuries-old coastal villages are known for their colorful houses and terraced vineyards on the steep slopes. Five Ligurian villages overlooking the sea, with the triumph of Mediterranean scrub and colorful houses. For centuries, the villages could only be reached on foot or by sea. Cinque Terre is actually a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage. A breathtaking view of the sea and the rugged coastline of this protected section of the Ligurian Riviera makes every hike an unforgettable experience.

Equally vivid are the colors that fascinate visitors on the lagoon island of Burano. It is one of the most densely populated islands in the Venice lagoon. And, it might be the most colorful island in the world. Burano is an island where many fishermen used to live. According to a local legend, they painted their houses in different colors so that they could recognize them from a distance while fishing. This way they could always return home safely even in heavy fog. No cars are allowed on the island and it can only be reached by Vaporetto (Water taxi).  

Procida is the new Italian Capital of Culture 2022. With its colorful houses and idyllic beaches, it has often served as a film set. Located in the Gulf of Naples, it can be reached from Naples in less than an hour’s boat ride and delights its guests with picturesque villages, dreamy bathing bays and vegetation rich in cacti, fig and citrus trees due to its volcanic origin. With the title of Capital of Culture, the small island will attract wider attention. At the same time, in its role, it wants to be a symbol of slow tourism, with a focus on sustainability and responsible treatment of residents and the environment, away from mass tourism.   

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