Italian vacation hotspot enforces footwear prohibition against the usage of flip-flops
In the picturesque Italian region of Cinque Terre, renowned for its stunning coastline and colourful villages, hiking enthusiasts will find a unique set of rules and regulations designed to ensure safety and preserve the beauty of the trails.
During peak times, the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza can only be used in one direction as a precautionary measure to avoid congestion on the narrow paths. This measure, along with others, is aimed at maintaining the safety of hikers who navigate the challenging, overcrowded terrain.
To access some hiking trails in Cinque Terre, including the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza, a ticket is now required. The strict footwear restrictions are another crucial safety measure. Flip-flops and sandals are banned, and hikers are expected to wear proper hiking shoes or trainers with good tread suitable for rocky, steep, and uneven paths. Police checks are in place to ensure compliance, and fines for non-adherence range from €50 to a significant €2,500.
The typical terrain involves steep stairs, narrow paths, and in some places, trails that resemble mountain paths. Wearing stable, supportive footwear is essential to prevent accidents and injuries while hiking between the villages such as Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.
To manage the high number of visitors during peak times, Cinque Terre authorities are encouraging travelers to explore the less frequented hiking trails of the region. These trails offer impressive landscapes as an alternative for those looking to avoid the main crowds.
The online ticket system for hiking trails in Cinque Terre is a new measure introduced to manage the high number of visitors. This system requires visitors to make a reservation and pay a fee in order to access certain trails, including the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza, which now costs 12.50 euros.
Patrizio Scarpellini, director of the national park, has warned that the trails can be dangerous without appropriate footwear. The national park's website strongly recommends hiking-appropriate clothing, especially during the upcoming Easter rush. The Italian Riviera's Cinque Terre national park in Liguria has an absolute ban on flip-flops.
As a popular holiday destination, Croatia, with over 6,000 kilometers of coastline, is also experiencing price increases for entrance to its most famous attractions. In contrast, Cinque Terre continues to focus on maintaining its trails' safety and accessibility while preserving the region's natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
In Cinque Terre, the access to popular hiking trails, like the one between Monterosso and Vernazza, demands a ticket, a measure that also covers the trail's maintenance and safety. The strict footwear regulations, including banning flip-flops, promote safety and help mitigate accidents on the rugged terrain, enabling visitors to fully savor the region's natural beauty and unique lifestyle, integrating home-and-garden and travel experiences.
