The Cinque Terre Via Dell’Amore (the Love Path) was closed in 2012 after a landslide injured a few tourists on the path. After a decade, going on the “Path of Love” is still complicated, just as in romantic relationships.

The signs announcing its presence can mislead, letting you hope the Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore is open again. However, the romantic walking trail is still undergoing the significant 13 Million Euro consolidation works started in 2019 and aimed at a safer and less fragile route. As for today, work has begun to secure and reopen the Via dell’Amore in the summer of 2024. New nets, anchors, riveting, and rockfall barriers will make the route safe. In addition, we will find new tunnels and flooring, railings, and urban furniture at the opening. 

With Stunning views, cliffs and rocks dramatically overhanging the sea, short tunnels, and benches to enjoy peaceful moments, the Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore was built almost by chance.

The Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore appeared almost by chance during the construction works of the Cinque Terre railway. Near the construction site was a powder station for the explosive material used to make the tunnels. To connect the Riomaggiore and Manarola stations’ construction sites to the deposit, workers needed two small paths excavated in the rock along the tunnels. At the end of the works, people from Riomaggiore and Manarola finally could see they could connect not just by the railway but also by this footpath. Until then, they had been so close, yet far away, separated by the high hills making every kind of communication very difficult.

The new paths short needed to be connected to build what now, for locals, conveyed as “the new road.” The work was difficult; the rock emerged straight and smooth at many points. Nevertheless, locals achieved this connection with effort, and the chance for romance immediately appeared clear to everyone. The Via dell’Amore soon became a romantic walk in a dramatic natural setting, first among locals and then tourists worldwide.

If one path of Love is closed, many others open… 3 ideas for a romantic walk in the Cinque Terre area

While waiting for the Cinque Terre Via dell’Amore to open again, you can enjoy other romantic trails in the Cinque Terre, hand in hand with your significant other.

Following three ideas for leisurely walks in the area of Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets, which, as the Via dell’Amore, do not require much effort and will leave an indelible memory in the hearts of lovers.

The Framura Walk is 800 meters of walking surrounded by historical charm. 

Framura is at the border of the “Kingdom,” already beyond the official territory of the Cinque Terre and therefore less known, but still absolutely beautiful. Full of history and charm, and skill set in the typical natural setting that characterizes the Cinque Terre. In 2016, in Framura was built a beautiful walk overhanging the sea to join two of the many fractions of the medieval village, the beaches of Torsei and La Vallà.

Get to Framura by train, possibly in the evening, to enjoy the sunset and a not-too-superheated walk in the golden light. From the railway station, get to the walk starting point with a well-marked underpass. After a few ups and downs, the walk offers some beautiful views and some benches to look at them. A little further, there is a water source in the small square below the church.

Reach the other half of the village, in ancient times holiday resort for the wealthiest Genoese families, and you will be charmed by the aura of the lost royalty of Framura. Look for the many almost faded coats of arms and Latin inscriptions still visible on many facades. You can reach the upper part of the village with a comfortable lift from the railway station and join the cycle and pedestrian route connecting Framura with Bonassola.

The Montemarcello Belvedere, the most stunning view of the Gulf of Poets

There are many spots to admire the glamour of the Gulf of Poets, romantic already in its name. However, one of the best and most inclusive panoramic points is undoubtedly at the end of a short walk from the quaint village of Montemarcello, high above the Caprione hill on the eastern side of the Gulf.

The village offers enchanting glimpses of the sea, surrounded by typical colorful houses, picturesque squares, and a friendly environment. From the main square in the town, you can easily reach the starting point of a short and silent brick road, which initially crosses the gardens of a few beautiful villas. Walking down, we find agaves, myrtle, wisteria, and jasmine in the shade and intense Mediterranean aromas. Then the walk goes among olive trees, Aleppo pines, and Mediterranean scrub and ends up at what we dare to call one of the most suggestive Mediterranean views, the Montemarcello Belvedere.

Reach the scenic spot at sunset for the most romantic effect, with the sun going down right in front of you and behind the profile of the Gulf of Poets islands. Then, right under your feet, the Castle of Lerici imposes itself with its magnificent presence.

FROM THE MUZZERONE SHELTER TO PORTOVENERE, LOVERS ARE ON THE TREK. 

In Portovenere, beauty and romance are everywhere, provided by the uncountable views of the fishing village, its San Pietro’s Church, and the islands. The short romantic trek we suggest is the last stretch of a longer trail, joining Riomaggiore and Portovenere in a more challenging yet beautiful walk. This walk requires some more time and good trekking shoes.

Get by car to the Muzzerone Refuge, which owes name is from the shining white cliff wall overhanging the sea. The Refuge is a little beauty oasis, giving trekking lovers shade and refreshments. Sitting at the tables of the “Rifugio,” the view of the Portovenere from above is almost perfect. From here, you can decide whether to walk to Portovenere or get back to your car, according to the time available and availability to walk for about 30 minutes and back. Going to Portovenere step by step, you will gradually embrace the poetry offered by the Gulf of Poets, the Byron Grotto, and the Cinque Terre coastline. Finally, see all this beauty together with your loved one.

The only problem, be prepared for a steep way back!