Authorities at an Italian tourist hotspot plan to fine tourists who wear thongs or sandals when visiting the area.
Cinque Terra is famous for the stunning National Parks and the coastal walks and mountain trails that link the five fishing villages along the Ligurian coastline.
Italy’s National Parks authority is tired of rescuing tourists who take on the trails in inadequate footwear.
“The problem is that people come here thinking they are at the seaside, but the paths above the villages are like mountain trails,” said Patrizio Scarpellini, the head of the Cinque Terre national park.
“First, we will introduce the information campaign, then we’ll start issuing fines.”
It is believed the fines will be between €50 and €2500 and will coincide with an awareness of the risks associated with the trails that link the five coastal villages.
As of next month, Cinque Terre is expecting around 750,000 cruise ship passengers – around 300,000 more than last year.
Volunteers from the Club Alpino Italiano, who are required to help tourists when in trouble, are warning visitors to come prepared for the long, strenuous walks.
“The paths are like Alpine trails. Tourists should not be tackling them in flip-flops and without adequate water,” said volunteer Maurizio Cattani.
Read more at Travel Talk.
Have you visited Cinque Terra? Do you think the authority is within its rights to fine tourists for wearing inadequate footwear?
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