Nature in Italy
A guide to 385 Nature in Italy — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 265 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Felice Celani Park, Parco di Villa Carrara, Giardino Giovanni Andrea Corso.
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Middle Vallesinella waterfalls
Tre Ville
Middle Vallesinella Waterfall (Cascata di Mezzo) in Tre Ville lies within the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, close to Madonna di Campiglio in Trentino. It is the central of three waterfalls on the Sarca di Vallesinella river — together the water drops about 100 m across three cascades. The viewpoint is the Cascate di Mezzo hut, reached by a woodland path from the Vallesinella car park. The boldest visitors can follow a narrow, slippery path that passes directly behind the falls. Water flow varies throughout the day: lowest at dawn and highest in late afternoon as snowmelt peaks. In winter the falls freeze completely. A loop trail covering all three waterfalls takes about 4 hours and is suitable for families with children.
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Eisackfall - Cascata dell’Isarco
Brenner - Brennero
Eisackfall (Cascata dell'Isarco) in Brenner–Brennero is a waterfall on the Eisack (Isarco) river, the second-longest river in South Tyrol, whose source lies at about 1,990 m above the Brenner Pass. The water drops roughly 30 m over a near-vertical step of quartz phyllite rock; the pool at the base sits at about 1,380 m elevation. Since 1989 the Eisackfall has been a protected natural monument of South Tyrol. Anyone driving over the Brenner Pass passes close by. Access on foot takes 5–10 minutes from the car park near the church of St. Valentin or from the Outlet Center Brenner, following trail no. 1.
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Pos de l'acqua
Casto
Pos de l'acqua is a waterfall in the municipality of Casto, Val Sabbia, Province of Brescia, Lombardy. It lies along Percorso 101, an easy 6-km loop trail with 400 m of elevation gain. The route crosses the hamlet of Alone, passes the falls, then descends into the Valle d'Uppo and reaches the Parco delle Fucine — Casto's outdoor adventure hub. The surrounding area features via ferrata routes and the Stretta di Luina, a narrow gorge up to 35–40 m deep carved by the Nozza torrent. The area is open to visitors from April to October.
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Lillaz waterfalls
Cogne
Lillaz Falls near Cogne, in the Aosta Valley, cascade in three drops along the Urtier torrent for a total height of around 150 m. The falls lie within Gran Paradiso National Park, the oldest national park in Italy. A well-marked trail runs through larch woodland to the foot of the first cascade, then climbs past further drops to a grassy plateau at about 1745 m, where the third and most spectacular fall tumbles over imposing rock layers that the torrent has carved over centuries. In summer the path is a popular walk for families and hikers; in winter the frozen cascades become a destination for ice climbers. The walk starts from the car park at the hamlet of Lillaz.
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Cascata dell'Alferello
Verghereto
Cascata dell'Alferello in Verghereto is a 32-metre waterfall on the Alferello stream in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, Province of Forli-Cesena, at about 550 m above sea level. The water descends over sandstone walls into a large natural pool popular for swimming in summer. In winter the falls freeze into an ice column, attracting ice climbers. The waterfall is also known as Cascata delle Trote (Trout Waterfall) after the fish inhabiting the nearby stream. It is about a 20-minute walk from the centre of Alfero.
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cascate del Serio
Valbondione
Cascate del Serio in Valbondione is the tallest waterfall in Italy: three cascades with a combined drop of 315 metres (166 + 74 + 75 m) on the Serio River in the Bergamo Alps (Alpi Orobie), Province of Bergamo, Lombardy. The falls sit at 1,751 m above sea level, about 50 km from Bergamo. Because the Barbellino dam above diverts the water for hydroelectric power, the falls flow at full force only five times a year (June to October: four Sundays and one Saturday). On those days the dam gates open and the water crashes down with a roar heard throughout the valley; for the rest of the year only a trickle runs over the cliff.
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Cascata del Ponale
Biacesa di Ledro
Cascata del Ponale in Biacesa di Ledro is a roughly 30-metre waterfall along the historic Strada del Ponale above Lake Garda, in Trentino. The road was designed by Giacomo Cis (1782-1851) to connect the Valle di Ledro with Riva del Garda; construction was completed in 1851 and the first cars drove it in 1891. After the Agnese tunnel opened in 1990, the road was closed to traffic; since 2004 it has been re-opened for hikers and cyclists. The return route from Riva del Garda to Lake Ledro is approximately 20 km, with about 3 hours each way; the path passes through rock-cut tunnels with sweeping views over the lake.
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Brusia waterfall
Portico e San Benedetto
Brusia waterfall in Bocconi is a cascade on the Montone River in the municipality of Portico e San Benedetto, Province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna. The river spreads across a rocky ledge and drops about 10 metres into a wide natural pool with emerald-blue water, popular for swimming in summer. Directly above the falls stands the historic three-arch humpback Ponte della Brusia, an 18th-century bridge. Access: a short path (about 100 m) from a parking area in Bocconi, off State Road 67. Free entry; suitable for families with children.
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Orrido di Nesso
Nesso
Orrido di Nesso in Nesso is a deep, narrow gorge on Lake Como, formed where the Tuf and Nose streams converge and plunge roughly 200 metres to the lake below. The Italian word orrido refers to exactly this kind of vertical canyon carved by water over millennia. Leonardo da Vinci described the site in the Codex Atlanticus: 'Nesso, a land where a river falls with great impulse through a very large mountain fissure'. More than 340 steps lead to the bottom, where the medieval Civera Bridge offers a privileged view of the gorge. Nesso sits roughly halfway between Como and Bellagio.
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Cam's waterfall
Moltrasio
Cascata di Cam in Moltrasio is a natural waterfall on the western shore of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. The water slides over local stone into a calm pool before flowing toward the lake. Historically it powered the nearby Mulino di Cam mill — the mill's machinery is preserved in a building beside the waterfall (Via al Mulino). The falls are about a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest car park. Admission is free. The waterfall is most impressive in spring, when heavy rainfall increases the flow.
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Cascate di Monte Gelato
Mazzano Romano
Cascate di Monte Gelato in Mazzano Romano are among the most visited waterfalls in Lazio, protected within the Valle del Treja Regional Park (approx. 650 ha, established 1982). The falls were formed by the Treja River cutting through layered volcanic rock over millennia. The site has been inhabited since prehistoric times: a Roman villa from the 1st century BC, an 8th-century settlement, and a watermill active until the 1960s have all been documented here. The location has served as a film set for over 100 commercials and films, including Roberto Rossellini's 'Francesco, giullare di Dio' (1950). Entrance is free; the main trail (sentiero 001) covers about 7 km in roughly 3.5 hours.
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Cascata di Foroglio
Cevio
Cascata di Foroglio near Cevio is a 110-metre waterfall set at the edge of the historic village of Foroglio in Val Bavona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland. The falls are just a 5-minute walk from the village centre. Foroglio sits at 697 m above sea level and is home to around 100 inhabitants; it is known for its well-preserved traditional stone architecture. Swimming in the nearby river is possible in summer. The village can be reached from Cevio by car in about 30 minutes, or by bus lines 315 and 333 from Locarno in around 1 hour 10 minutes.
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Barbian waterfalls
Barbian - Barbiano
Barbian Waterfalls (Cascate di Barbiano) in Barbian/Barbiano, South Tyrol, form a series of cascades on the Ganderbach stream. Two main drops — lower (45 m) and upper (85 m) — combine for a total descent of around 200 metres over black quartz porphyry rock formed some 280 million years ago. The trail from Barbian takes 1.5 to 2 hours: the lower waterfall is reached in about 35 minutes, the upper in another 40. Spring is the most spectacular season, when snowmelt swells the stream. The season runs from March to November. Barbian is also known for its leaning church tower, which is said to out-tilt the famous campanile in Pisa.
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Ampola waterfall
Storo
Ampola waterfall in Storo lies in Val d'Ampola, Trentino-Alto Adige. The Palvico River drops roughly 12 metres into an emerald-green pool that draws swimmers in summer. The valley also contains Lake Ampola (730 m, 0.5 km2) at Tiarno di Sopra. Nearby stand the ruins of Fort Ampola, built by the Austrians between 1860 and 1862 as the 'key to Tyrol'; in July 1866 it was the site of a battle between Garibaldi's forces and Austrian troops. The site is easily accessible and considered one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Italy.
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Cascata dell'Hofentol
Folgaria
Cascata dell'Hofentol in Folgaria is a 20-metre waterfall that plunges into a natural pool in the Gon forest near the village of Guardia, Province of Trento, northern Italy. The path from Guardia takes about 15 minutes and is easy enough for children. The waterfall is worth visiting in any season: in summer it cools the surrounding air, in winter it freezes and is illuminated by lights along its icy cascade. The trail can be extended into a loop via Folgaria, taking around 90 minutes in total.
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Cascate del Varone
Tenno
Cascate del Varone (Varone Waterfalls) in Tenno are a pair of waterfalls that plunge into a vertical cave 3 kilometres northwest of Riva del Garda at the northern end of Lake Garda in northern Italy. The waterfalls drop a total of 98 metres through a canyon carved over some 20,000 years in Jurassic limestone. The falls are fed by the Magnone River, which originates at Lake Tenno at 550 m altitude before descending to Lake Garda at 70 m. The site opened to visitors on 20 June 1874, with Prince Nikola of Montenegro among the guests of honour, and has been one of the signature natural attractions along the northern shore of Lake Garda ever since.
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Lago del Frassino
Peschiera del Garda
Lago del Frassino is a lake in Peschiera del Garda, in the Province of Verona, Veneto, Italy. It sits at an elevation of 80 m and covers a surface area of 0.8 km². For visitors, it offers a quiet outing close to the water. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: A compact lake setting that is easy to take in without a long hike or a full-day trip. Views of the water in the Peschiera del Garda area, with the lake’s modest size making it feel calm and manageable. A simple stop for a short walk or a relaxed pause while exploring the surroundings of Lake Garda. If you plan to visit, comfortable shoes and a quick check of the weather are enough for this kind of stop. It is a good choice for travelers looking for a low-key break near Peschiera del Garda, especially if you prefer a short, peaceful visit rather than a major sightseeing program.
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Riserva naturale guidata Cascate del Verde
Borrello
Riserva naturale guidata Cascate del Verde is a protected nature reserve in Borrello, home to the Cascate del Rio Verde. It is known for having the highest natural waterfalls in the Italian Apennines. This is a great place for a short walk in a scenic natural setting. The main highlight is the Cascate del Rio Verde, whose natural drop makes them the tallest waterfalls in the Italian Apennines. As a guided nature reserve, the area is best appreciated on a calm visit that lets you take in the waterfall landscape and the surrounding environment. In Borrello, the reserve offers a focused stop for travelers interested in natural scenery rather than a long excursion. Bring comfortable shoes and check conditions before you go, especially if you want to enjoy the area on foot. It is a good choice for visitors looking for a quiet outing in nature and a brief sightseeing stop.
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Sila National Park
Spezzano della Sila
Sila National Park is an Italian national park in Calabria, set on the Sila Plateau and associated with Spezzano della Sila. It was established in 1997 and covers about 74,000 hectares. The park offers a rewarding outing for nature-focused sightseeing. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: Landscapes of the Sila Plateau, with protected areas of strong environmental value spread across Sila Piccola, Sila Grande, and Sila Greca. The park’s highest mountains, including Mt. Botte Donato in Sila Grande and Mt. Gariglione in Sila Piccola, which shape much of the area’s mountain scenery. A wide protected territory totaling 736.95 square kilometres (284.54 sq mi), extending across 21 municipalities and 6 “mountain communities” in the Calabrian provinces of Catanzaro, Cosenza, and Crotone; it also includes land that once belonged to the Calabria National Park (1968) and is managed by its own agency, established by the Regional Decree of 14 November 2002. For a visit, it is worth bringing comfortable shoes and checking the weather, especially if you plan to explore the higher parts of the park. This is a good choice for travelers looking for a calm, nature-based trip with mountain views and a broad protected landscape.
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Maiella National Park
Pacentro
Maiella National Park is a protected area in Abruzzo, Italy, spread across the provinces of Chieti, Pescara, and L'Aquila. It is centered on the Maiella massif, and from Pacentro it makes a natural base for exploring this mountain landscape. For travelers, it offers a rewarding outing into the mountains. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: the rugged scenery of the Maiella massif, which forms the core of the park and gives it its strongly alpine character views toward Monte Amaro, the highest peak in the massif, rising to 2,793 m (9,163 ft) the chance to explore a large protected area that stretches across three provinces: Chieti, Pescara, and L'Aquila If you plan a visit, it is worth bringing comfortable shoes and checking the weather before heading out, since this is a mountain setting. It is a good choice for visitors looking for a quiet trip close to nature, with time for walking and scenic mountain views.
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Parco Articolo 21
Correggio
Parco Articolo 21 is a public green space in Correggio, Italy, named after Article 21 of the Italian Constitution, which protects freedom of expression. It is a simple urban park with open areas, trees, and paths, designed for everyday use rather than formal sightseeing. For visitors, it offers an easy place for a short walk or a quiet break outdoors. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: open lawns and tree-lined sections that make the park suitable for a relaxed stroll or a few minutes of rest straightforward paths and simple urban landscaping, giving the space a calm, everyday neighborhood feel a setting used by local residents for informal outdoor activities and routine recreation If you are planning a visit, comfortable shoes are enough, and it is best suited to a casual stop rather than a longer outing. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a low-key place to walk, sit, and spend a little time close to the city.
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Asinara National Park
Posthudorra/Porto Torres
Asinara National Park is a protected island park off the coast of Sardinia, near Posthudorra/Porto Torres. Asinara is the second largest island of Sardinia after Sant'Antioco, and it stands out for its wide range of habitats and unusual past. Once known as the “Isola del Diavolo,” it offers visitors a short excursion into a place shaped by nature and a very layered history. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: A landscape made up of many different habitats, which gives the island a varied natural character and makes it interesting for walking and observing the environment. Traces of a remarkable past: Asinara was used as a quarantine site, then as a prison camp during the First World War, and later became one of Italy’s most important high-security prisons during the terrorist period of the 1970s and the fight against organized crime. The setting of a National Park established in 1998, which helps explain why the island is now associated with conservation as much as with its historical role. For a visit, it is worth planning a calm day trip and bringing comfortable shoes, since the appeal here is as much about exploring as it is about learning the island’s story. This is a good choice for travelers who like nature with a strong historical backdrop and prefer a quieter outing.
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Parco della Memoria
Correggio
Parco della Memoria is a memorial park in Correggio, Italy, dedicated to the victims of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. It combines landscaped green areas with paths and commemorative features that mark the place and its meaning. The park also opens up views over the surrounding city, making it a quiet spot for a short walk and reflection. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: landscaped areas that create a calm setting for remembrance and a slower pace pathways through the park, suitable for a gentle walk while taking in the memorial layout commemorative elements connected to the site’s history, along with views over the surrounding city For a visit here, comfortable shoes are a good idea, especially if you want to walk the paths and spend a little time looking around. It is best suited to visitors looking for a quiet, reflective stop rather than a long outing, and it works well for anyone interested in a peaceful place tied to recent memory and local views.
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Virgilio Park Museum
Borgo Virgilio
Virgilio Park Museum is a museum park in Borgo Virgilio, Italy, set in the Mantua area and shaped by the legacy of the Roman poet Virgil. It combines a cultural visit with an outdoor setting, making it a pleasant stop for travelers who are interested in literature, local history, and green spaces. This is a good place for a relaxed outing that mixes a short walk with a bit of sightseeing. Na miejscu można liczyć przede wszystkim na: a museum-park layout that lets you explore at an easy pace, with open-air surroundings as part of the experience a setting inspired by Virgil, which adds a literary and historical layer to the visit a calm green environment in the Mantua area, suitable for visitors looking to combine culture with time outdoors For the best experience, it is worth planning a leisurely visit and wearing comfortable shoes, especially if you want to enjoy the park side of the site. It is a good choice for anyone who likes low-key cultural stops, local history, and a break in a green setting.
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