permit for cinque terre

I bought mine at the train station. To be clear, you only need these for the hiking paths. You do not need a permit to actually visit.

Tiffany, you are likely reading outdated info about a proposal to limit visitor numbers in an effort to reduce the (serious) overcrowding of the very small villages and help protect the fragile ecosystem. It didn't happen or, should I say, hasn't happened yet.

What IS true is that you need to purchase a Cinque Terre Trekking Card to access the 2 open sections of the most-traveled Sentiero Azzurro/Blue Path between Monterosso> Vernazza, and Vernazza> Corniglia. These two segments may close at any time due to weather, landslide or other damage. The card also covers use of the little bus that travels between Corniglia and its train station plus some other stuff, and It is not needed for other trails within the park system. There is also a card which covers use of the paths plus the regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia, including the 5 villages.

From the park's official website:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php

Same info in a different form:
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-card

Just some of the trails ; more of them are mapped on the park's website. Note the couple which have a fee so need the pass:
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre

I was re-watching a 10 year old Rick episode about CT and he was talking about how quaint and unknown the whole area was. Yeah, right.

Thank you for giving me the correct information.