British tourists hit by Italy holiday warning over strict new rule | World | News by StuffsEarth

Cinque Terre is world famous for its breathtaking beauty – and even inspired Disney film Luca. Its name which translates to “five lands” and includes five gorgeous fishing villages on Italy’s northwest coast with candy-coloured houses, outrageously stunning views and plenty of places to enjoy food and drink.

But its masses of tourists might be caught out over the next few days by a strict new rule that’s being introduced.

Anyone planning the picturesque walk in the next few days will be restricted by the direction of travel – as one of the paths between the five villages will only be accessible one way. 

The new rule is to coincide with Italy’s Liberation Day weekend, which commemorates when the country was freed from fascist rule. 

The restrictions will apply on the day – April 25 – as well as April 26, 27, 28 and May 1. Millions of Italians will be on holiday alongside international tourists. 

A notice on Cinque Terre National Park’s website reads: “Attention, mandatory one way on the path from Monterosso to Vernazza.”

Police and park officials will be on hand to enforce the rule between 9am and 2pm.

Donatella Bianchi, the head of the national park authority, said: “We are trying to manage the influx of people on the paths so as to protect the environment of the area and also the safety of the visitors,” reports The Telegraph. 

As well as that, those who do want to walk the route will have to pay €15 (£12.90) entry. 

It’s yet to be confirmed if the rules will also be in place on May 4 and 5.

Meanwhile, there are new claims that one of Italy’s most beautiful cities is being “crushed by tourism”, with its historic city centre now catering only for visitors.

Florence welcomed almost 11 million people in 2019, according to an analysis by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) of accommodations throughout the peninsula.

The attraction this art city has on millions of people around the world is hugely beneficial to the tourism sector – but is changing the urban fabric of Florence, and particularly of its historic centre.

In order to accommodate the demand created by visitors, the unique – and small – city centre has seen an increase in restaurants, souvenir shops and Airbnb accommodations serving primarily tourists.