Feel The Love In Italy’s Cinque Terre.

Romantic Walks In Cinque Terre

Everyone likes a little romance and what could be more romantic than taking a stroll with your partner along Via dell’Amore, the famous pathway of love in Cinque Terre, Italy? This iconic “lover’s lane” connects the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.

There was a time when the communities of Cinque Terre were so isolated from one another that people rarely married from outside them. When a path was built during the 1920’s locals were so overjoyed with their expanded dating pool they’d take the trail even though dangerous landslides were frequent. Later when it was stabilized after WWII, it became the unofficial “meeting point for boys and girls from the two towns“.

Staying in Cinque Terre last June, I just knew I wanted to experience the romantic journey for myself and ended up taking the walk three times. I wasn’t disappointed either as the path offered up beautiful scenery, a glimpse into the history of the area and the shortest walk between all the towns in Cinque Terre (it takes about 20 minutes).

Walk the path during the day and you’ll find it’s crowded with tourists. Take a night stroll and you’ll find it’s crowded with couples giggling and kissing in a darkened corner. The lack of street lamps provides a perfect level of privacy.

Do you wish you were in Italy now? I know I do! Since we there right now, how about taking a “virtual journey” along the Via dell’Amore through photos?

Beginning the walk from the town Manarola, you’ll come across a sign that welcomes you to the path of love.

Walking along the Italian coast, you’ll be greeted with stunning coastal views looking back at Manarola.

During the day it’s pretty but how about at sunset? Even better!

You’ll then come across what may seem like an odd sighting – padlocks secured to fences, cables, and almost anywhere they can be attached. Popular with the ever passionate Italian youth, lovers write their names on a lock and leave it somewhere along the trail thereby “locking in” their love forever.

If you want to join in on the fun, locks are available for purchase at a store in Riomaggiore.

You’ll even see cute little heart shaped tags tied to a fence.

The views continue to please.

This kissing couple is the symbol of the Via dell’Amore.

Walking through a small tunnel carved into the side of the cliff, you’ll come across a wall full of graffiti.  While some graffiti can be ugly and senseless, this is actually part of a historical tradition. Lovers have been decorating the path with romantic sentiments for over 60 years and it’s what inspired one journalist to bestow the nickname “path of love” on the trail between the two towns.

So walk along and enjoy some of beautiful and humorous messages.

Finally, you’ll spy the town of Riomaggiore.

As you exit the trail, there are two interlocking hearts formed with padlocks.

Riomaggiore is full of beauty and wonder. The day I arrived they were holding a festival in honor of a saint and the streets were decorated with flower petals!

Sources

1. Smithsonian Mag – http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/The-Love-Story-Behind-the-Via-dellAmore.html
2. Travel Sign Posts – http://www.travelsignposts.com/Italy/sightseeing/cinque-terre-via-dell-amore

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