Planning a summer break on Italy’s dramatic coastline often means packing light: swimwear, sunglasses and a pair of trusty flip-flops. But step onto the wrong hiking trail in one famous national park, and those same sandals could land you with a hefty fine.
Where flip-flops are banned in Italy
The destination in question is Cinque Terre. Since 2019, flip-flops have been prohibited on the marked hiking trails within the Cinque Terre National Park.
Anyone caught walking the trails in flip-flops, backless sandals, shoes with smooth soles, or any footwear considered unsuitable can face a fine ranging from €50 to €2,500.
Park staff and guards carry out checks. They can stop visitors and inspect footwear, refuse access to the trails, and issue fines on the spot.
Where the rule applies
The ban applies only to marked hiking trails inside the park.
It does not apply in the urban areas of the five villages. Walking through the streets of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola or Riomaggiore in flip-flops is not an offence.
Why flip-flops are dangerous on trails
It’s easy to underestimate these paths. They sit above one of Italy’s most photographed coastlines, but they are not flat seaside promenades.
The trails run along steep coastal slopes, rocks smoothed by sea humidity and uneven terrain. Some sections involve elevation changes of over 400 metres.
The consequences go beyond a simple stumble. Accidents can lead to mountain rescue interventions and temporary trail closures.
What footwear is allowed on Cinque Terre hiking trails
The park does not require technical mountaineering gear. What matters is that your shoes meet three basic criteria:
- Non-slip sole
- Full foot coverage
- Good ankle grip or support
If you arrive in beach sandals and decide to hike, you can buy suitable footwear in shops across the villages. Some park-affiliated points also rent equipment.
Practical realities behind the postcard image
Cinque Terre’s five villages are inhabited year-round, not just in summer. Daily life involves steep staircases, narrow alleys and mobility that relies heavily on regional trains.
Property prices are among the highest in Liguria, largely due to strict landscape protection rules that limit construction. The rental market is dominated by holiday homes, and long-term rentals are increasingly rare.
For visitors, that means busy peak seasons and infrastructure under pressure. The footwear rule sits within this wider context of managing safety and visitor impact in a fragile coastal environment.
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