Waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. What if you discovered one right in your backyard? Italy has many waterfalls, and the biodiversity of our country allows them to appear in the most pleasant and surprising forms and settings possible.
Some might say a waterfall is simply the place where a river or stream plunges instead of flowing normally, due to a break in its course. But in reality, it’s much more. For some, it represents an opportunity for exciting sports activities, for others the perfect place for a photography workshop, or even a spot to take your children to experience nature.
In this article, you’ll find a guide to 20 waterfalls in Italy – one for each region of the Bel Paese – that you might not know, but absolutely must see.
Rio Verde Waterfalls, Abruzzo
Known as the tallest in the Apennines (and the second tallest waterfalls in Italy), the Rio Verde Waterfalls in the province of Chieti are even more than that. With their unique triple-drop formation, they measure a total height of 200 meters and are surrounded by extraordinary vegetation.
In this area of Abruzzo, two very rare lichens can be found, called “Parmotreme reticultatum” and “Physconia servitii.” For this reason, the waterfalls are located within a regional nature reserve as well as a WWF oasis.
Vallone del Tuorno Waterfalls, Basilicata
There are six waterfalls, reaching up to 20 meters in height. These are the Vallone del Tuorno waterfalls in Basilicata, specifically between Savoia di Lucania and Vietri di Potenza.
The peculiarity of these waterfalls, besides their number, is that they correspond to gorges where you can cool off, thanks to a sulfur spring within them. Moreover, the presence of these waterfalls has led to the development of a fascinating amount of greenery in the area.
Among Italy’s Waterfalls Is Also the Marmarico, Calabria
The tallest in the southern Apennines is the Marmarico Waterfall. It is also located in a protected area, the Serre Regional Park, in the Bivongi area. Its name comes from the Calabrian dialect “marmaricu,” meaning slow and heavy.
For trekking enthusiasts, this is definitely the perfect spot: the Brigante Trail passes here, crossing 100 kilometers through the Aspromonte Park. Certainly an idea for an alternative vacation!
The Enchantment of the Capelli di Venere Waterfalls, Campania
They are almost unknown compared to other waterfalls in Italy or specifically in Campania. This doesn’t mean they aren’t enchanting; on the contrary, being less visited by mass tourism makes them a place of great allure. The Capelli di Venere waterfalls are located in a lesser-known spot, Casaletto Spartano, in the province of Salerno.
They are part of the Capello natural oasis and form from the Bussentino, a tributary of the Bussento. The name “Capelli di Venere” (Venus’s Hair) has a double meaning: not only does the waterfall form as a series of water strands like hair, but the river itself flows over the Capelvenere plant.
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If this description of the place’s uniqueness isn’t enough, there’s more: a small pool forms beneath the waterfall with clear, beautiful water… where you can even swim!
The Dardagna Falls (Emilia-Romagna), Among Italy’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Among the most beautiful waterfalls in Italy, according to many, are the Dardagna Falls in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. They consist of seven drops over rocks that will take your breath away. The whole area can be explored via a scenic trekking path through nature.
To reach the trail, you first go to a place called Madonna dell’Acero, where there is a sanctuary and a centuries-old maple tree. It is said that the Madonna appeared there.
Purone River Gorge, Friuli Venezia-Giulia
In the heart of the Friulian Dolomites, formed by the Tagliamento River, lies the so-called Purone River Gorge. This waterfall is “set” inside a canyon, making it spectacular not only for its unique location but also for its almost “unusual” appearance compared to typical Italian landscapes.
The Tagliamento River offers some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.For those wanting a different nature outing, the path leading to this gorge certainly has a lot to offer visitors.
Grande del Liri Waterfall, Lazio
Adding to the list of “unique” waterfalls is the Grande del Liri Waterfall. Its main peculiarity, which distinguishes it from most waterfalls in Italy, is that it is located within an urban setting.
Isola del Liri, in Ciociaria (province of Frosinone), includes within its town a waterfall formed by the Liri River. Specifically, it is inside an island created by the Liri River itself.
View of Isola del Liri, home to one of Italy’s most enchanting waterfalls.Waterfalls in Italy: Geirato Waterfall, Liguria
Just a bit beyond the city of Genoa, you’ll find the Geirato Waterfalls. They are stunning, set within a path rich in Mediterranean scrub, specifically groves and olive groves.
Starting from Cartagenova in Val Bisagno, you can follow a trail that leads to the base of the waterfall, which is lush and fresh in every season.
Acquafraggia Waterfalls in Valchiavenna, Lombardy
They originate from the Acquafraggia stream, high in the Alps (over three thousand meters above sea level). These are the Acquafraggia Waterfalls, set in a unique context that even impressed Leonardo Da Vinci.
Today!