Cascate di San Fele
Discover the enchanting Cascate di San Fele, a series of free-access waterfalls nestled in Basilicata's serene, hilly forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, full flow
Cascate di San Fele
Best Time
Lush greenery, full flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Cascate di San Fele, a series of free-access waterfalls nestled in Basilicata's serene, hilly forests.
"A really beautiful spot in nature, a set of around 7 waterfalls, completely free to enter."
Navigating the Trails
Trail signs can be old. Download offline maps or bring a compass for better navigation. :world_map:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Hilly, forested terrain requires good hiking boots for a safe and enjoyable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Waterfalls
Various points along the trails
Discover a series of beautiful, cascading waterfalls of varying heights, a true natural wonder.
Forest Trails
Network of paths
Wander through serene, hilly, and forested landscapes connecting the stunning waterfalls.
San Fele Town Access
Near San Fele town
Easily accessible falls just a short walk from the charming town of San Fele.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation Challenges
Best Footwear for Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Navigating the Trails
Trail signs can be old. Download offline maps or bring a compass for better navigation. :world_map:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Hilly, forested terrain requires good hiking boots for a safe and enjoyable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Nature
Enjoy the relaxing walk and discover the beauty of Basilicata's natural landscapes. :evergreen_tree:
Check Accessibility
Some falls may be inaccessible due to landslides; focus on the accessible ones. :information_source:
Tips
from all over the internet
Navigating the Trails
Trail signs can be old. Download offline maps or bring a compass for better navigation. :world_map:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Hilly, forested terrain requires good hiking boots for a safe and enjoyable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Nature
Enjoy the relaxing walk and discover the beauty of Basilicata's natural landscapes. :evergreen_tree:
Check Accessibility
Some falls may be inaccessible due to landslides; focus on the accessible ones. :information_source:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cascate di San Fele as a beautiful and free natural spot with lovely waterfalls and serene forest trails. The easy access from San Fele town is a plus. However, some find the trail signage outdated and difficult to follow, which can impact the exploration experience.
"A really beautiful spot in nature, a set of around 7 waterfalls, a couple of which can’t be accessed because of landslide damage. The ones you can visit are just a short walk from the town of San Fele and are really lovely and completely free to enter. The water is cool and clear, some people were swimming but it was too cold for me!"
J S
"Beautiful spot for a walk in the woods!
We enjoyed a pleasant visit to the falls and viewed some wonderful fall scenery along the way. Some other Italian groups out for the same… made for a great outing!
The signs are pretty old and impossible to read, so no way to “plan” the walk and route. Hence, 4 stars. Otherwise really nice!"
thomas braden
"A very beautiful place, it was relaxing to walk along the trail and discover the small waterfalls, I love Basilicata, it's all to discover!"
Antonia Leardini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cascate di San Fele are located near the town of San Fele in Basilicata, Italy. The most common way to reach them is by car, as public transport options can be limited. From San Fele, the waterfalls are a short walk away.
Parking is generally available in or near the town of San Fele. From there, you can access the trails leading to the waterfalls on foot.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance or consider a taxi service from a nearby larger town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the accessible parts of Cascate di San Fele is completely free. You can enjoy the natural beauty without any admission fees.
As a natural attraction, there are no official opening or closing hours. You can visit the waterfalls during daylight hours.
The trails leading to the accessible waterfalls are free to use. Enjoy the natural scenery without any cost.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Exploring the main accessible waterfalls and enjoying a walk along the trails can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how far you venture.
Facilities are minimal. Restrooms might be available in San Fele town, but it's best to come prepared. There are no cafes directly at the waterfalls.
Some visitors have mentioned swimming, but the water can be quite cold. It's advisable to assess the conditions and your comfort level before attempting to swim.
The network of trails connects the waterfalls. However, signage can be poor, so be prepared for some exploration. Some falls may be inaccessible due to landslides.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the trails offer excellent opportunities to capture the cascading water and the surrounding lush forest. Look for clearings and elevated spots for panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to create a silky water effect, especially in lower light.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, reducing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural colors of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for different types of plants and listen to the sounds of the water. While swimming might be too cold for many, the cool spray from the falls can be refreshing on a warm day. Be mindful of trail conditions and supervise children closely, especially near water.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Be prepared for the potential navigation challenges due to signage and wear appropriate footwear. The opportunity to discover multiple waterfalls in a single outing makes it a fulfilling destination for avid hikers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Waterfalls
Navigating these trails can be an adventure in itself. Several reviews mention that the signage is quite old and difficult to decipher, making it challenging to plan a specific route or identify all the falls. This means that while the main falls are easily reached from San Fele town, venturing to more remote ones might require a bit more effort and preparedness.
For the best experience, sturdy footwear is a must. The terrain can be uneven, and the forest paths can become slippery, especially after rain. Visitors often recommend wearing good hiking boots to ensure safety and comfort as you explore this beautiful Basilicata landscape.
The Geology of Waterfalls
Over vast periods, the constant flow of water wears away the softer rock more quickly, causing the waterfall to gradually recede upstream and increase in height. This ongoing process shapes the landscape, creating the dramatic cascades that attract visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit