Tourists could face an unusual fine at a top European holiday destination this Easter.
Officials in Cinque Terre in Italy have introduced several strict measures to control overtourism.
Cinque Terre is known for its colourful cliffhanging villages and stunning coastline and a popular way to explore the region is to walk between the villages on hiking trails.
But tourists will need to comply with several regulations if they want to avoid picking up a hefty fine.
In 2019, authorities introduced a ban on wearing open or smooth-soled footwear, such as flip-flops and sliders, on the hiking trails.
And breaking the rules could leave you facing a fine of up to €2,500/£2,000.
Officials have now warned that checks will be carried out to make sure walkers are complying with the rules.
Several of the area’s most popular trails will also be subject to a one-way system this year.
Officials in Cinque Terre in Italy have introduced several strict measures to control overtourism
Tourists will need to comply with several regulations if they want to avoid picking up a hefty fine
The Monterosso-Vernazza trail, which runs between two of the most visited towns, will be one-way between 9am and 2pm on the busiest days of the season.
The one-way system will be active between April 19-21, April 25-27, May 1, 29, 31 and June 1-2.
Cinque Terre national park authorities said on their website: ‘This measure, already successfully tested in 2023 and 2024, is aimed at improving the use of the trail and ensuring the safety of visitors by avoiding dangerous intersections and congestion along a particularly narrow and steep path.’
And tourists who want to walk along the area’s famous Via dell’Amore or ‘Path of Love’ will need to book a slot.
The walk, often described as the world’s most romantic, connects the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.
But overcrowding has led authorities to introduce a booking system for the path.
Tourists can book their ticket online or at a ticket booth for €12.50/£10.74 with 400 visitors allowed on the path each hour.
Cinque Terre officials have also urged tourists to explore some of the area’s lesser-known paths.
The Monterosso-Vernazza trail, which runs between two of the most visited towns, will be one-way between 9am and 2pm on the busiest days of the season. Pictured above is Vernazza
The Sentiero Verde Azzurro, or Blue Trail, path will remain open in both directions this section.
Cinque Terre isn’t the only Italian hotspot to have introduced unusual regulations to crack down on overtourism.
Tourists visiting idyllic Turredda Beach in Sardinia will need to use an app to book a slot this year.
The gorgeous crescent-shaped beach plans to use the app from July to restrict numbers to 1,100 people per day.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .