Hi,
I am planning to do the walking route along the villages in Cinque Terre and then chill on each village's waterfront (minus Corniglia), but I read a blog that said hiking shoes are compulsory to do it, and I didn't pack any.
Is this something that is strictly checked? There is apparently a 3000 Euro fine!!
This rule has been in effect for some time. From the park's own website:
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=339
"IMPORTANT
OPEN FOOTWEAR AND/OR SMOOTH SOLES, I.E. NOT ANTI-SLIP (SUCH AS VIBRAM TYPE) ARE FORBIDDEN. THE TRANSGRESSORS WILL BE PUNISHED ACCORDING TO PARAGRAPH 2, ARTICLE 30, LAW 394/91 AND SS.MM.II
"On the trails it is compulsory to wear closed, waterproof and ankle covering shoes, with an anti-slip sole."
And there are also a number of recent articles out there on the subject, for example this from Fodor's:
https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/cinque-terre/experiences/news/italian-officials-are-monitoring-tourist-footwear-in-this-region
"Officials in the park have also stepped up enforcement of footwear restrictions that were introduced in 2019. To hike the trails, closed, waterproof shoes that cover the ankles and have an anti-slip sole are required. Officials will be monitoring the trails for inappropriate footwear, and hikers found with footwear outside the requirements will be issued fines up to €2,500."
So even if not strictly checked in the past, there is the possibility that the Powers That Be will be looking more closely. As well, if you turn an ankle/ injure yourself badly enough to have to be rescued - no small feat given the terrain -due to inadequate footwear, pretty sure you'd be looking at a fine. I don't think you have to have boots, per se, but at least sturdy, closed-toe athletic shoes with a decent grip.
Having done most of the "Blue" myself, I sure wouldn't do it in just beach slippers anyway; too rocky, uneven and potentially slippery in places if wet.
Editing to add: I'm guessing you used the term "walking route" loosely but as a caution in case you haven't done the reading, the sections of the "Blue" between Monterosso and Vernazza, and Vernazza and Corniglia (the segment between between Corniglia and Manarola is closed) are not what I'd call a 'walk in the park.' Parts of them are steep and involve many rough steps.
Buy some boots? It would be a lot cheaper than either the fine or the hospital treatment / medivac if you fall and seriously damage yourself.
And following on from Camborne’s post, Italians make some of the best hiking boots and shoes in the world. I have at least two pairs myself! (AKU and Scarpa). Now’s your chance!
Ian
Thanks Kathy, Camborne2018, ianandjulie - am I doing this right?
I packed a pair of Birkenstocks, but fair investing in a proper shoe might be a far better option. Appreciate all the help, folks! I'll keep you posted how it goes.
We followed a group on one of the trails. They had inappropriate footwear and they were in agony. The trails can be rugged and steep. Buy some shoes. You’ll regret not doing so.
Please wear closed toe shoes with good grip on the soles. It can be very slippery on the path especially after a rain, and it can be narrow in spots with steep drop offs. Keen shoes or Merrill hiking shoes could be good options.
There’s a lot of people on the trails. They want everyone to be able to walk at a decent pace, so it’s both for safety and to not cause a bottleneck behind you. Beautiful scenery - enjoy!
I wore a good pair of sneakers, Merrells, with a vibram sole. This was in the days before the regulations re footwear and saw too many visitors in flip flops, sandals and even high-heeled shoes! They were suffering!
A lot of people broke their feet or legs and then had to be evacuated by rescue teams, and it's not easy to get people out of there, so sometimes they had to use helicopters.
However you don't need professional hiking shoes, anything that is not open toes shoes or flip flops will work. Like tennis shoes or even closed toes hiking sandals like these will work. That is what I use, and they are very comfortable and cool in summer.
The rules are there for your protection.
https://www.danamladin.com/en/2019/09/cinque-terre-alerta-maxima-in-riomaggiore/
https://www.wanderingitaly.com/blog/article/189/the-cinque-terre-is-dangerous
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/popular-italian-town-fine-2-133100401.html
CNN reported at the time that the footwear rule came into play after the local mountain rescue crews became exacerbated by having to rescue so many people tripping over their own feet. "These are difficult paths, in some cases, similar to mountain paths,” Patrizio Scarpellini, director of the Cinque Terre National Park, told CNN Travel. “Essential to have proper shoes!”
In April of this year, EuroNews noted that park officials are now carrying out checks on hikers to ensure they indeed have the right shoes, meaning they are very serious about the rule.
I came across this article today, which indicates that authorities WILL be enforcing the rules. Best to heed the advice as the fines are steep!
https://www.travelandleisure.com/cinque-terre-italy-footwear-fine-11715618
Bottom line: this is not a walk on a beach.
