Via dell’Amore: The most romantic street in the world
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Cinque Terre, Italy, there is a 1km stretch of road that has captured the hearts of travelers around the world. Known as Via dell’Amore or “The Road of Love,” this scenic route offers more than just breathtaking scenery. It’s a trip through history, culture, and romance—a place where time seems to stand still and love stories are carved into the cliffs.
The birth of an iconic road
Via dell’Amore has, since 1931, been an iconic walkway connecting the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, two of the five coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carved straight into coastal cliffs, this road wasn’t always the romantic paradise it is today. In the 1920s, it was born from practical needs. The isolated villages of Cinque Terre wanted to connect with each other, so locals set out to create a road connecting their community. Construction was not easy, many people worked together, risking their own lives. There were still no roads for cars here until the 1960s.
For decades, Via dell’Amore has been a testament to this connection, with its flat paved path offering panoramic views of the rolling cliffs and the vast Mediterranean Sea below. This route has quickly become one of the most beloved and iconic walking routes in Italy.
A journey through time and romance
At the end of the 20th century, Via dell’Amore gained a reputation as “the most romantic street in the world”, attracting couples. But its appeal does not stop at romantic walks. This trail is a cultural and historical treasure, where stories of love, loyalty and community are woven into every rock and wall. Each stone has its own story, making a walk along this path not only a visual feast but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the legends of the past.
Whether you’re walking hand in hand or simply soaking up your surroundings, Via dell’Amore offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty with human connection. Each season will be highlighted with a new color palette. In spring, the path is adorned with blooming flowers, creating a vibrant carpet of color. Summer brings clear skies and sparkling blue water. Fall transforms the trail into a golden and crimson wonderland, while winter casts a mysterious, misty atmosphere over the cliffs, giving the trail a surreal, almost mystical feel squash.
Return after closure
Despite its romantic appeal, Via dell’Amore faces significant challenges. A devastating landslide in September 2012 forced the road to close, followed by a tsunami in 2018 that further delayed its reopening. For many years, this beautiful road remained unable to reopen, leaving tourists yearning to return.
But in July 2024, Via dell’Amore finally reopened, restored to its former glory. Now, once again, visitors can step onto the path and feel like they are entering another world—a place where memories are made and love stories are written. Couples looking for the perfect location for their love story will find no better setting than this iconic road.
Explore Via dell’Amore has a number of practical details to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. The entrance is in the village of Riomaggiore, the ticket price is 5 euros. Children under three years old and people with disabilities enter for free. To maintain a quiet atmosphere and avoid overcrowding, visitors must book tickets in advance or purchase at the ticket counter. The road is open on two hours: 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm, which helps control the number of visitors throughout the day.
A walk along Via dell’Amore is not only a journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, but also a step back in time. Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this iconic trail offers something for everyone. As you walk, you’ll discover that every turn in the road holds a story waiting to be told—a story of love, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the people who created it. Now that it has reopened, there’s no better time to experience the magic of Via dell’Amore for yourself.
