Via dell'Amore

The Via dell'Amore is the easiest and most famous section of the Sentiero Azzurro trail, running about 1.1 km along the cliffside between Riomaggiore and Manarola. The path is almost flat, carved directly into the rock face above the sea, with views down to the water and across to the villages. It was closed for repairs following landslide damage and reopened in 2024 with a new ticketing system — a timed entry reservation is required in peak season.

The path takes about 20 minutes to walk in each direction. The scenery is dramatic but the crowds on summer days are substantial; arrive early in the morning or in the evening for the best experience. The path is illuminated at night. Padlocks attached to the fencing by couples have been removed in recent years as part of conservation efforts — the weight was damaging the structure.

things to do sight
A story
The Via dell'Amore (Way of Love) earned its romantic name in the 1920s when it became a meeting place for young couples from Riomaggiore and Manarola — villages that had no road connection at the time, only this path carved into the cliff. For decades it was the easiest place for the young to meet away from their families' eyes.