Scenic view of sea against sky,Manarola,La Spezia,Italy
Leave flip flops at home when you head to Cinque Terre (Picture: Getty Images/500px)

Fitting your stuff into a cabin bag isn’t your only luggage concern if you’re visiting Italy’s Cinque Terre region this year.

Travellers to the popular European destination need to make sure they pack appropriate footwear too, as the wrong shoes can end up in a hefty fine from authorities.

Cinque Terre, made up of five coastal villages on the Italian Riviera, is a favourite spot for tourists due to its colourful homes, charming trattorias and picturesque vineyard views.

Access to the narrow streets in these quaint villages – which are perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea – is extremely limited, so many choose to travel between them on foot.

But some hikers aren’t quite prepared for the journey and end up stuck on the walking trails as a result.

Speaking to CNN, Cinque Terre National Park director Patrizio Scarpellini commented: ‘These are difficult paths, in some cases, similar to mountain paths… Essential to have proper shoes!’

Hiking past vinyards along the Cinque Terre.
The trails can be difficult, especially if you aren’t prepared (Picture: Getty Images)

If you are stranded due to your uncomfortable footwear and officials need to come rescue you, you could be fined between €50 (£43) and €2,500 (£2,141). Ouch.

According to the Cinque Terre Park Hiker’s Handbook, ‘Open footwear and/or smooth soles, ie not anti-slip (such as vibram type) are forbidden,’ and shoes much be closed-toed, waterproof, and cover the ankles.

While hiking boots fit the bill, they may be a bit warm for the summer months, so high-topped running shoes and walking shoes may be better.

Rules are enforced by the Comandi Regione Carabinieri Forestale, who sometimes stop visitors entering the trails to check they have the right shoes and warn them of the penalty.

However, even if you manage to evade the authorities – and escape a fine – you really don’t want to end up injured or stuck because you thought sandals looked better.

Your Daily Horoscope

Choosing comfort over style seems un-Italian, but a trip to l’ospedale is even less chic.

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