Top 10 Waterfalls in Italy
Italy's waterfalls range from the Roman-engineered Marmore in Umbria to alpine snowmelt cascades in the Dolomites and hot-spring travertine pools in Tuscany. None reach extreme heights, but several rank among Europe's most distinctive. All are pinned on the map.
1. Cascata delle Marmore, Umbria
165 metres in three stages on the Velino, built by Roman engineers in 271 BC to drain the Rieti marshes. ENEL releases the water on a posted schedule, typically 11:00-13:00 and 16:00-17:00 in summer.
2. Cascate del Serio, Lombardy
315 metres in three steps — Italy's tallest free-falling waterfall. Released only five times a year from the Barbellino reservoir; the riverbed is dry otherwise.
3. Cascate del Toce, Piedmont
143 metres in a broad horsetail in the upper Val Formazza. Summer-release schedule from June to September. Belvedere from the historic Hotel Cascata.
4. Cascate di Lillaz, Aosta Valley
A three-stage cascade in Gran Paradiso national park, total 150 metres. 30-minute walk from Lillaz village; natural flow year-round.
5. Cascata di Fanes, Dolomites
A two-stage cascade in a narrow limestone gorge inside the Fanes-Sennes-Braies park. 45-minute walk from San Vigilio di Marebbe; closed in winter.
6. Reinbachfälle, South Tyrol
Three-stage cascade near Campo Tures with boardwalks and a viewing bridge. 90-minute loop from the village; year-round flow.
7. Cascata dell'Acquafraggia, Lombardy
170 metres in a twin fan in Val Bregaglia near Piuro, sketched by Leonardo da Vinci in Codex Atlanticus 573. Roadside viewpoint on the SS37.
8. Gole dell'Alcantara, Sicily
Low waterfalls and pools inside a basalt canyon carved through old Etna lava flows. Water 8-10 °C year-round; neoprene boots for summer wading.
9. Cascata del Varone, Trentino
98-metre fall in a limestone gorge above Riva del Garda, viewable from two galleries cut into the rock. Daily opening, paid entry.
10. Cascate del Mulino, Tuscany
Hot-spring travertine cascade at Saturnia with 37 °C sulphurous water. Free public access 24 hours a day; busiest at sunset.
Where will you go first?
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.