Tour & Activity Scams in Cinque Terre, Italy

How it works

Informal boat operators at Vernazza and Monterosso harbors offer private sunset or village-hopping tours at quoted prices of €30–50 per person, then add charges mid-trip for "fuel surcharge," "exclusive cove landing fee," or additional passengers, inflating the final cost to €80–120 per person. In some cases the agreed boat is replaced with a smaller, older vessel without notice. The boat trip between Cinque Terre villages is a legitimate and popular activity, but unofficial operators with no posted license or fixed office are the primary source of complaints.

How it works

The Via dell'Amore — the famous coastal walkway between Riomaggiore and Manarola — reopened in 2024 after earthquake damage, now requiring a separate timed-entry permit priced at €7.50 (in addition to any other card or ticket held). Some operators near the Riomaggiore entrance sell "combined packages" or "premium access" for €25–40, claiming these are necessary for guaranteed entry. The standard timed permit, available at the park Infopoints or online, is sufficient; premium packages add no access benefit and are a pure upsell or outright fraud.