This Italian Town Has Had Enough
You read stories all the time about travelers doing questionable things on vacation. Someone climbs a protected monument for a selfie. Someone swims where they’re clearly not supposed to. Someone ignores warning signs because the view would make a great Instagram post.
Well, one town in Italy is doing something about it.
The stunning coastal region of Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most popular cruise ship and day-trip destinations, is warning visitors that wearing the wrong shoes could lead to a hefty fine—one that can reach as high as €2,500, or roughly $2,900. The rule targets tourists who attempt the area’s famous hiking trails wearing flip-flops, flimsy sandals, or other unsafe footwear.
And honestly? Local officials have a pretty good reason.
Why Cinque Terre Is Cracking Down
Cinque Terre isn’t just a beach town. The UNESCO-listed destination consists of five colorful villages perched along steep cliffs on the Italian Riviera. Millions of visitors arrive every year, many of them from cruise ships docking nearby. What catches some travelers off guard is that the trails connecting these villages are more like mountain hiking paths than casual seaside strolls.
According to park authorities, rescue teams have repeatedly been called to help visitors who attempted difficult hikes wearing beach footwear. Some tourists have slipped on rocky terrain, while others have become stranded after realizing their shoes simply weren’t suitable for the steep climbs and uneven surfaces.
The result? A footwear policy that starts with warnings but can escalate to fines ranging from €50 all the way up to €2,500 depending on the circumstances and the resources required to assist the visitor.
A Bigger Trend Across Italy
What’s happening in Cinque Terre is part of a larger movement across Italy as local governments push back against overtourism and disruptive visitor behavior.
In recent months, several Italian destinations have tightened regulations aimed at preserving local communities and reducing safety risks. Portofino, another famous Italian Riviera hotspot, introduced rules restricting behaviors such as walking barefoot through parts of town, sitting in public spaces in swimwear, and other activities officials believe negatively impact residents’ quality of life.
Meanwhile, destinations including Venice, Florence, and Rome continue to enforce various tourism-related restrictions as visitor numbers remain extremely high. Many local leaders argue these policies aren’t about discouraging tourism. They’re about encouraging responsible tourism.
The challenge has become even more significant as cruise tourism rebounds strongly across Europe. Communities throughout Italy have voiced concerns about overcrowding, environmental impacts, and infrastructure strain caused by large numbers of day-trippers arriving simultaneously.
What Travelers Should Know Before Visiting
If Cinque Terre is on your bucket list—and let’s be real, it deserves to be—the solution is simple:
- Purchase the required Cinque Terre Trekking Card.
- Check trail conditions before heading out.
- Bring water.
- Wear proper hiking shoes.
Leave the flip flops at the beach! Wear hiking shoes if you want to explore a nature trail.
I’ve trusted Merrell since my first pair of hiking boots in 2002—and they’ve never let me down. These shoes fit like a glove, last for years, and deliver the perfect blend of support and traction. Whether you're on a rocky trail or slick ship deck, Merrell keeps you steady.
