Cascate del Varone – old waterfalls near Riva Del Garda!

Cascate del Varone are waterfalls over 20,000 years old, through which the Magnone river flows and falls almost 98 m into a deep cave.

When we were driving to the northern part of Lake Garda, we honestly didn’t expect to find anything like this. And yet, this place is literally hidden just a few minutes off the main road.

When to visit Cascate del Varone

The best way to enjoy the main waterfall without crowds is simple: go straight to the upper cave right after opening (9:00 AM, 10:00 AM from November to February).

Most visitors stop at the lower waterfall first – which gives you a perfect window to experience the main one almost alone. We did exactly that, and it made a huge difference.

The operator gives the figure as 70 steps, and don’t worry:

• they are wide and comfortable
• gradually ascending
• easier than walking up to Prague Castle 🙂

Upper vs lower waterfall: what to expect

Upper cave (main waterfall)

This is the highlight.

The waterfall crashes down from almost 100 metres into a narrow rocky gorge. The power of water, echoing sound, and mist create a really dramatic experience.

The site has been open to the public since 1874, and you can clearly see how the canyon was shaped over thousands of years.

Lower cave (smaller waterfall)

More intimate, but still impressive.

• illuminated space
• water flowing very close to you
• perfect for photos

This is where most “Instagram shots” are taken.

Botanical garden surprise

Between the two caves, you’ll walk through a beautiful botanical garden. At the Cascate del Varone waterfalls, you won’t just find the roar of water and rocks, but also a pleasant botanical garden. After the dramatic experience at the waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to rest for a while – green terraces full of Mediterranean and exotic plants beautifully contrast with the wild nature around.

You can sit here for a while, slow down, and just soak in the atmosphere. 

After the intensity of the waterfalls, this part feels calm and relaxing:

• terraces full of Mediterranean plants
• shaded paths
• quiet atmosphere

Good news: it’s included in the ticket.

Parking at Cascate del Varone

If you arrive first thing in the morning (they open at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM from November to February), you’ll definitely find parking right at the waterfalls. There’s space for about 15 cars, and they advertise everywhere that the first two hours are free – so bring your parking disc, it will save you trouble. Since Varone is at the very north of Garda, it’s a place often visited by Germans – there are quite a few of them here even before nine, so arrive a little before too 🙂 So, enter THIS LINK into your navigation and you’re there.

• capacity: ~15 cars
• first 2 hours are free
• bring a parking disc

If other tourists are faster than you, don’t despair – the second parking lot is literally around the corner, about a two-minute walk to the waterfalls. You can find this parking HERE. Or skip the parking question altogether: a free shuttle bus runs to the falls from the Baltera car park (Via Marone 26), 2 km and about three minutes, every 15 minutes from 10:00 to 17:00. In April, May and October it runs only at weekends and on public holidays, from June to September daily – outside those months it does not run at all.

The entrance fee to the waterfalls is 7 euros, and if you’re worried about not having a raincoat – don’t worry! They expect that, and a raincoat costs 3 euros. Based on our own experience, we can confirm that it’s necessary – especially at the big waterfall, if you want to enjoy it to the fullest.

Where to stay near Cascate del Varone

Most people visit for just an hour, but the northern part of Lake Garda is worth staying longer.

If you’re travelling by car, parking should be one of your main criteria when choosing accommodation.

Riva del Garda: best location but more expensive

If you want restaurants, promenade, and lake access, this is the best base.

• distance to waterfalls: ~3 km
• lively atmosphere
• great for evenings

Downside:

• higher prices
• parking can be expensive (€15–20/day)

Check available accommodation in Riva del Garda.

Limone sul Garda: beautiful but pricey

One of the most photogenic places around the lake.

• stunning views
• great restaurants
• famous lakeside cycling path

Downside:

• expensive accommodation
• limited parking
• very busy in summer

Check accommodation in Limone sul Garda

Staying near Cascate del Varone

If you prefer a quieter stay:

• fewer tourists
• better prices
• more local atmosphere

Available accommodation near Cascate del Varone is below, or on Booking.com here:

@travelgingers

7€ per person 🙏🏼💚 3€ raincoat – necessary😁 Free parking 🚗 #hiddengems #travel #waterfalls #varone #italy

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Riva del Garda

The beautiful town of Riva del Garda is literally within reach, and it is absolutely breathtaking and charming. We won’t go into detail about it here, we have compiled all the information about where to stop and what not to miss HERE 🙂

Interested in more than just the north of Garda? You can find more about travelling in Italy in the DESTINATIONS – ITALY section.