Peter and I are NOT romantic, cute…maybe, but you will definitely not find us making out in the corner of a restaurant, cuddling on the couch by candelight or even feeding each chocolate covered strawberries. But, if we didn’t have a shot at romance in Italy…in Cinque Terre…on the Via Dell’Amore trail, which is also known as the Lover’s Walk, we might be doomed.
Ever since I heard mention of Cinque Terre, a portion of the Italian coast with five quaint villages, it was at the top of my travel Bucket List, as well as my Couples Bucket List.
I had dreams of hiking through the towns and leaving my mark on Via Dell’Amore (Lovers Walk), the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola. And I wanted to do it with Peter. And I wanted him to hold my hand…the whole way. And possibly kiss at key points along the way. Now, that’s romantic.
Walking the Via dell’Amore Trail
Pete says thumbs up at the beginning of the Via dell’Amore trail. His hands look ready for holding and lips ready for smooching. Don’t you think?
I heart this trail. The beginning of the Via Dell’Amore path had a gateway with two interlocking hearts and the cheesy girl in me couldn’t resist the photo op.
The trail is an easy 1 km. paved walk and only took twenty minutes.
The views were stunning, but don’t look down if you are afraid of heights.
Native plants were flourishing along the way.
Lovers, who want to lock their love alg the Via Dell’Amore path, write the date their love started on these locks and secure them all over the trail.
The perfect bench for a smooch.
Many travelers carry on past the Via Dell’Amore trail to the more challenging hikes through all the Cinque Terre towns. Unfortunately, due to the rain, most of the trails were closed on our visit.
Oh, and for the record, there was sporadic hand holding, possibly even a peck…or two. Progress.
Have you ever walked the Via Dell’Amore path? Have you been to Cinque Terre?
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There seems to have been a lot of buzz in the blog world lately about Cinque Terre, which is one of the few places in Italy we've never traveled. I'd never even heard if the locks thing until I saw your post, but ut does sound quaintly romantic, like carving your initials in a tree…
I think you are right about the locks, it is sweet & romantic :)
Annette, that sounds like an AWEsome place to visit, with or without PDA. I'd never heard of the place, and I thank you for adding it to my bucket list. VERY COOL.
It is definitely a must-see if you are in northern Italy!
So very cool :-) I love that you and your man did this – you both look really happy. :-)