Among the countless attractions surrounding Lake Garda, there’s one spot that consistently blows visitors away — the Cascate del Varone waterfalls. Located just 3 kilometers from the resort town of Riva del Garda, this unique natural phenomenon features a powerful waterfall hidden inside a cave, creating one of the most unusual and impressive sights in northern Italy.

What Makes Cascate del Varone Special

The magic of Varone lies in its extraordinary setting. This isn’t just any waterfall — it’s a 100-meter cascade that has carved its way through solid rock over thousands of years, creating dramatic grottos and caves. The thundering water, especially after rainfall, puts on a spectacular natural show with deafening roars and clouds of mist that will soak you within seconds.

The site doubles as a compact botanical garden featuring plants from around the world. You’ll discover a Japanese stone garden, a koi pond, beautifully labeled flower beds, and several terraces offering panoramic views of Riva del Garda and the lake beyond. The combination of raw natural power and carefully curated gardens creates an experience that’s both wild and refined.

Essential Planning Information

Tickets and Opening Hours

Opening Hours (Open year-round except December 25th):

• January – February: 10:00 – 17:00
• March: 09:00 – 17:00
• April: 09:00 – 18:00
• May – August: 09:00 – 19:00
• September: 09:00 – 18:00
• October: 09:00 – 17:00
• November – December: 10:00 – 17:00

Prices:

• Individual tickets: €7.00
• Family tickets:
  • 2 adults + 1 child: €19.00
  • 2 adults + 2 children: €24.00
  • 2 adults + 3 children: €28.00
• Group tickets: €5.00 per person (minimum 20 people, must purchase single group ticket)
• School groups: €4.00 per student (requires official school documentation)
• Parking: Free for 2 hours (sufficient for your visit)

How Much Time to Allow

Most visitors spend between 20 minutes and 1.5 hours here. There is no time limit for your visit, with a minimum recommended visiting time of 20 minutes. While the area is compact, there’s plenty to see if you take your time exploring the botanical gardens and capturing photos from different viewpoints.

Getting There

The waterfalls are a quick 7-minute drive from central Riva del Garda. Two parking areas serve the attraction, but they fill up fast, especially on weekends and during summer months.

Essential Gear: What to Bring for Maximum Enjoyment

The Golden Rule: Bring Rain Protection!

This cannot be emphasized enough. The spray inside the caves is so intense that you’ll be drenched within seconds of entering. Many visitors underestimate this and spend their visit shivering and uncomfortable. Your options:

• Bring your own: Any raincoat with a hood will work
• Buy on-site: Cellophane waterproofs available at the souvenir shop (exact price not specified on official site, but visitor reviews mention €2.50-3.00)

Even visitors with “water-resistant” jackets report getting completely soaked. Trust the advice — you’ll thank yourself later.

Footwear and Clothing Strategy

• Shoes: Skip the sneakers — they’ll be soaked through. Rubber sandals or waterproof boots are your best bet
• Summer visits: Getting wet can actually be refreshing in hot weather, and you’ll dry quickly in the sun
• Layering: The caves are significantly cooler than outside temperatures, so bring something warm

Camera and Phone Protection

Planning to photograph the waterfall up close? Invest in a waterproof case or at minimum, keep your devices well-protected. The spray is no joke.

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The Route: Two Viewing Platforms

Lower Grotto

Your first stop is the lower viewing platform, where you can get relatively close to the waterfall and feel its raw power. The spray here is intense but manageable for most visitors.

Upper Grotto

A climb up approximately 70 steps (each about 2 meters long) leads to the upper viewing platform, offering a bird’s-eye view of the cascade. Fair warning: the spray here is even more intense. Many visitors snap a quick photo and make a hasty retreat.

The Botanical Gardens

Between levels, you’ll walk through beautifully maintained gardens showcasing diverse plant species. Don’t rush through this section — the flower displays are genuinely impressive, especially during spring and summer blooms.

Additional Amenities and Services

On-Site Facilities

• Restrooms: Clean, free, and strategically located
• Café/Bar: Basic refreshments available on-site
• Gift shop: Souvenir selection and waterproof clothing
• Picnic areas: Large outdoor area with tables for up to 150 people, free to use
• Parking: Two free parking areas with 2-hour limit

Accessibility and Pet Policy

• Wheelchairs: Not equipped for wheelchair access due to steps and narrow pathways
• Dogs: Welcome but must be kept on a leash (note: the loud, wet environment might stress sensitive animals)
• Footwear: The path is completely paved, but avoid high heels as surfaces can be slippery

The Honest Assessment: Potential Drawbacks

Value for Money Concerns

At €7 for what amounts to a 20-60 minute experience, some visitors feel the price is steep. However, family tickets offer better value (2 adults + 1 child for €19), and the unique nature of the attraction makes it worthwhile for most visitors. This isn’t a full-day nature park — it’s a focused, compact attraction.

Limited Cave Access

Don’t expect extensive cave exploration. You can venture just a few meters into the grottos before the spray becomes overwhelming. It’s more about the dramatic viewing experience than spelunking.

Crowd Management

Peak season and weekends can get quite busy. The narrow cave spaces create bottlenecks and make photography challenging when crowded.

Accessibility Limitations

The route isn’t suitable for visitors with mobility issues — expect lots of stairs, narrow bridges, and slippery surfaces near the waterfalls.

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