Anyone who is planning to explore the scenic trails of Cinque Terre in Italy should consider keeping their flip-flops — and other summer footwear like sandals or pumps — out of sight, or else face the possibility of being fined $2,827 (!) for using such flimsy footgear.
So what started this seemingly fussy decree? It turns out that this was spurred by exasperated mountain rescue personnel who are grew tired of rescuing unsuitably attired tourists who end up trapped on the narrow trails that connect five scenic seaside villages in northern Italy.
Cinque Terre’s national park authority is initiating a campaign to notify sightseers this year that they need to be appropriately equipped when they set off for the trails. Any tourists who are caught flouting the rules could end up paying fines between €50 ($56) and €2,500 ($2,827).
According to Patrizio Scarpellini, head of the Cinque Terre national park, “The problem is that people come here thinking they are at the seaside, but the paths above the villages are like mountain trails.” After the information campaign, the group plans to begin issuing fines to lawbreakers.
The rescue team are volunteers from the Italian Alpine Club, a hiking association that helps manage the trail.