A Guide to the Molina Park of Waterfalls (Parco delle Cascate) in Verona, Italy

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Heading to Italy in the near future?

If Verona makes it onto your radar as part of your vacation package this year, then be sure to add the Molina Park of Waterfalls (Parco delle Cascate) to your travel itinerary.

The Park of Waterfalls is located 35 minutes drive away from Verona city centre, in a quaint little village (but big on wine) called Molina. In fact, the park is formally named the Waterfall Park of Molina (Parco delle Cascate di Molina).

This ear-popping region is a really beautiful drive. It's situated near the Valpolicella region famous for its wine. Indeed, on my drive there from Bergamo, I couldn't help but notice stretches of vineyards that go on for what seems like miles and miles. I'm not complaining; I love Italian wine!

The park is located at an altitude of around 1,200 metres and has amazing views of mountains and canyons buried in lush forestry with waterfalls hidden within. Plenty of opportunity for nature lovers and hikers to explore.

But before we journey into the Park of Waterfalls, it's important to mention a few things about Verona...

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Verona
Where is the Park of Waterfalls located?
Exploring the Park of Waterfalls
Things to do in the Park of Waterfalls
Tips for Visiting the Molina Waterfall Park
Final Thoughts on the Park of Waterfalls, Verona

Verona

Verona, the picturesque city in northern Italy, is a jewel of the Veneto region. It is a city steeped in history and culture, and has plenty to offer for all kinds of travellers... especially active travellers.  

It's one of my favourite cities in the world. The mini Rome. The home of Romeo and Juliette! Every time I visit, I find it difficult to leave. Sure, there are attractions - amazing ones at that: the amphitheatre (or coliseum) is nearly 2000 years old and is still being used for concerts and events to this day! It's even older than THE coliseum in Rome.

To see what's on in the Verona arena in 2024 check out the official page.

There's much more to Verona than just its rich history.

How much time is enough for Verona?

You can take a day trip to the Valpolicella wine region to sample some of the best wines in Italy, including Amarone and Valpolicella Classico. Tripadvisor offers a wealth of options for fantastic wine-tasting excursions in the region.

Walk along the river Adige and take in the beautiful views of the city from the Ponte Pietra bridge.

Even Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, is only an hour's drive away. Less if you're visiting Sirmione. It's a beautiful day trip if you have the time.

Of course, don't miss the chance to visit the famous balcony of Juliette, and while you're at it, take a look at the statue that is believed to bring good luck.

We cannot forget about the delicious cuisine. In most countries I visit, I notice that the food isn't great in the more commercial areas. But, I can safely say I have never had this problem in Italy and Verona did not disappoint. I'll be more specific.

Right outside the Arena, there are restaurants lined up with chairs outside, usually packed full of people. Two things crossed my mind at this point. One, this is going to be an expensive meal, and two, it probably won't taste very nice. I was so happy to be wrong on both points.

The Verona region (and Italy in general) has delicious cuisine throughout and although I don't usually post about food, this restaurant - Scamperle Alla Rosa, needs a shout-out. It's on the pricey side but the food (and wine) was exquisite. The ambience was also great.

a restaurant we stopped at on the way to verona italy and to the park of waterfalls, room that has sunlight beaming inside three arched windows in rustic look, with outside view of quintessential italian church with bell tower and other buildings surrounding, the gymsy traveller
One of many reasons to visit the Veneto region is the delicious food and great restaurants

For those seeking adventure and nature, the city has numerous options in the form of hiking trails, waterfalls, natural pools, woods, and watercourses. Verona is surrounded by scenic landscapes one of which being the park of waterfalls.

Where is the Park of Waterfalls located?


The easiest way to reach Verona Waterfalls is by car. Although there were several spots along the way where the navigation system had trouble locating us, it was still a clear and sunny day.

Despite this, it’s quite difficult to get lost. Even if you find yourself on winding roads and end up in a village, the locals are usually happy to help with directions.

One of my travel essentials is to use a local sim card so I can use Google translate in case I need an interpreter, it has got me out of so many (potentially difficult) situations.

Related: Travel Essentials for Extended Trips

Verona Waterfalls parking - towards the top of the village, there is a car park available for free. From there, follow the signposted route on foot to reach a downward trail that will lead you to the main entrance of the park.

For the best experience, I highly recommend renting a car for a day or two to visit the park. Discover great rental offers here! If renting a car isn't an option, consider taking a taxi—it's around €40 from Verona city centre. Public buses rarely travel this route, so a taxi is your next best bet for a hassle-free journey.

For more information on opening times and fees, take a look at the official website for more information.

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Exploring the Park of Waterfalls

A Verona waterfalls hike is a must! Explore the park's trails and hiking routes, it's helpful to get an overview of the different itineraries and their degree of difficulty. Let's take a closer look.

The park is an exciting adventure that offers something for everyone, from families with children to avid hikers. With its impressive waterfalls, natural pools, and stunning natural beauty.

The park offers a few itineraries with varying degrees of difficulty, catering to hikers of all skill levels.

For beginners or families with young children, the easy route through the green fields and woods is an excellent choice. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the intermediate route that takes visitors through the caves and along the watercourses is an excellent option. For experienced hikers looking for a real challenge, the difficult route that passes through the rocks and rivers is a must-try. Download a map from the official site.

No matter which itinerary you choose, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of Verona's Parco delle Cascate. Each route crosses the main waterfall but not all routes reach all the waterfalls. You can keep an eye out for the signposts and grab a map at the entrance.

So if you were wondering whether the waterfall park is suitable for families, the answer is yes! However, there are two things to keep in mind. Firstly, there is a very tall waterfall in the park called Bear Falls and to reach the next area, you need to climb up a steel staircase alongside it. This might be challenging for people who have a fear of heights.

Secondly, when you finish exploring the park, you need to walk back up to the car park/village, which can be a strenuous walk. So, it's recommended that you reserve some energy for it. Some visitors, particularly those who are elderly or less physically fit may find this walk the most challenging of the day!

Things to do in the Park of Waterfalls

The day out is very fun. I arrived on a scorching hot day but there is ample shade with the trees and canyon providing cover and so many waterfalls that can cool you off just from the spray of the water.

One of the impressive waterfalls (Black Falls) has a zip-line swing that allows you to attempt to get close to the running water on the other side of the pool. This is great for the more adventurous kids!

While hiking the designated routes in the Park of Waterfalls in Verona, Italy, there are several opportunities to take a break and enjoy a picnic amidst the natural beauty of the park.

Explore the areas that the trails take you past and be sure to keep an eye on your map to discover the impressive Verona Waterfalls and other main attractions along the way. With natural beauty at every turn, you'll want to make sure you have your camera handy to capture all the stunning sights.

The park offers a variety of natural pools and watercourses for visitors to enjoy, providing a refreshing respite from the hike and the heat. It's brilliant for the kids who want to be hands-on and what kid doesn't like to be hands-on in a park?

If you're a fan of wildlife watching, the Park of Waterfalls is the perfect destination for you. With its diverse range of habitats, including lush green fields and tranquil woods, this natural park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, foxes, deer and falcons.

The park also features prehistoric caves that are open to exploration, allowing visitors to discover the hidden beauty of the area. I can understand why some of our ancient ancestors chose this site as a home.

one of the many waterfalls in the park of waterfalls in verona italy, image take from bottom of the waterfall, water flowing down from high splashing on the rocks and creating green mould, thegymsytraveller Verona waterfalls hiking trails
One of many waterfalls in the Parco delle Cascate in Verona, Italy

Tips for Visiting the Park of Waterfalls

If you're planning a trip to the Park of Waterfalls, it's important to consider the time of year you'll be visiting. While I arrived at the tail-end of the summer, which was perfect for me, it may be too warm for some, especially during the height of the season.

Similarly, the winter months can bring their own challenges, with the possibility of muddy tracks after heavy rainfall making the trails more difficult to navigate. No matter what time of year you visit, it's essential to be prepared for the conditions. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, the Park of Waterfalls is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities and hiking adventures.

What shall I bring to the park of waterfalls?

It's important to come prepared with the right gear. Proper footwear is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience, so I recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy trainers. In my personal experience, I've found hiking boots to be the best option as they provide excellent support, are waterproof, and allow your feet to breathe. I've personally used and I recommend these types of boots for any hike in the park, no matter the difficulty level or terrain.

Don't forget to bring a small backpack for some sandwiches, fruit and enough water, but don't overpack, as you'll want to keep your weight down with the amount of walking you'll be doing.

When I visited Italy during the hot summer, I noticed that some of the waterfalls were not as full as they usually are, and a few of them had no water flowing at all, like the one in the picture below. That being said, the photo opportunities are still fantastic, they do have a unique quality to them in a different light. It's unclear whether the water had stopped due to the dry season or if the park had shut off the water supply. So, if you plan on visiting, I recommend going just before the summer heat really sets in to see all the waterfalls at their fullest. Don't miss out on seeing them in all their gushing glory!

opening to a passage of water that would usually be gushing through a huge crack in the rocks, only a trickle is seen in this instance but still shows a stunning view of nature and its formations, thegymsytraveller hiking in verona italy
A dry waterfall in the Molina Parco delle Cascate

Final Thoughts on the Park of Waterfalls, Verona

The Park of Waterfalls is still relatively unknown. I understand because, for most people visiting the city of Verona, the chances are that you'll be there for a few days and want to make the most of the beautiful city. I'm not judging, I love it too. If you're an adventurous traveller with some extra time on your hands, looking for 'hiking near Verona' then this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore the best spots near Verona.

It is a stunning area to visit and something a little different for your travel itinerary, but the relaxing nature of the park and the beautiful scenery of the waterfalls will not let you regret the choice of visiting.

The Park of Waterfalls may not be the gardens of Tivoli in Rome but it sure offers a great day out from the nearby city if you wish to get out of the hustle and bustle and breathe in some spectacular nature for the day.

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