cascata della Civetta

Cascata della Civetta is a ten-metre waterfall tucked inside the Val Civetta gorge on the edge of Lastebasse municipality, province of Vicenza, Veneto. The Civetta stream descends from the Fiorentini plateau, carves through the narrow canyon of the same name and empties into the Astico river — the Civetta stream is its main tributary. Despite being a striking natural feature, the falls remain little-visited and rarely covered in mainstream travel guides.

How do you reach the waterfall?

The walk starts at the football field in the Giaconi hamlet (524 m / 1,720 ft). A footpath runs past the Church of Santa Barbara, follows a village track, passes through a portico and crosses a meadow to reach the falls. The elevation gain is 116 metres and the one-way walk takes about 30 minutes. From the centre of Lastebasse the waterfall is roughly a 15-minute walk. Free parking is available next to the football pitch.

What will you see there?

Cascata della Civetta drops vertically into a tight gorge the stream has cut through bedrock. The water is crystal clear and stays very cold throughout the year, fed by springs and snowmelt from the slopes above. A wide, open meadow sits right next to the cascade, making it a natural spot to stop for lunch or a rest. The surrounding landscape is alpine: mixed forest, rocky gullies and views across the Astico valley on the way back down.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall is accessible year-round. It is most impressive in spring, when snowmelt boosts the flow significantly. In summer the stream runs quieter but is still active and easily visible. The trail is short enough for young children and requires no special gear or technical experience.

Planning your visit

A round trip to Cascata della Civetta fits comfortably into half a day. Lastebasse sits in the upper Astico valley close to the border with Trentino, making it a natural addition to a longer itinerary that includes the Pasubio area or the Fiorentini plateau. Arsiero and Tonezza del Cimone are the nearest towns with accommodation. The road into Lastebasse is narrow; in peak summer it is worth setting out early in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trail difficult? No. It is rated easy, with only 116 metres of ascent. The one-way walk from Giaconi takes about 30 minutes and no hiking equipment is needed.

Can you swim at the waterfall? The water is extremely cold year-round due to its high-altitude sources. There is no official ban on swimming, but the temperature and current close to the drop make it inadvisable.

Where does the name Civetta come from? Civetta means owl in Italian. The name belongs to the stream and the valley it flows through — Val Civetta. This is not the same peak as the well-known Civetta mountain in the Dolomites.

Is there an entrance fee? The waterfall is freely accessible. Parking at the football field in Giaconi is also free.