Hello everyone! I am Marco Peli, a canyoning guide since 2010, and today I want to share with you some of the best places to practice Canyoning Tuscany. Tuscany is a region rich in natural beauty, and its streams and canyons offer a unique experience for adventure lovers.
List of Torrents for Canyoning in Tuscany
If you are wondering where to canyoneer in Tuscany, know that the list of torrents where to canyoneer is extensive:
Canyoning Tuscany – Rio Selvano
The Rio Selvano canyoning excursion is one of the most popular in Tuscany and offers a complete experience. The adventure begins with a short trek through the forest to reach the canyoning starting point. Once there, you will find yourself immersed in a spectacular natural environment, with waterfalls and crystal-clear pools of water.
Path Characteristics
The Rio Selvano course is varied and offers a number of obstacles and challenges. There are several waterfalls, some of them up to 15 metres high, which require abseiling. Crystal-clear water springs along the route offer opportunities for refreshing dips. In addition, there are natural slides that add fun passages to the hike.
Rio Selvano in short
- Location: Fabbriche di Vallico
- Features: Waterfalls, crystal clear water springs, rope descents up to 15 metres.
- Best period: May to September
- Distance: About 1 km
- Difficulty: Medium
- Height difference: 150 metres
The hike is also suitable for inexperienced people as long as they are in good physical condition and motivated to get involved. As always, being accompanied by an experienced guide is a guarantee of safety and stress-free fun.
In summary, the Rio Selvano is an excellent choice for those seeking a complete canyoning experience in Tuscany, offering a combination of adventure, natural beauty and fun. Perfect for an outing with friends or to celebrate a hen or birthday party in an unusual way.
Canyoning Tuscany – Rio Buti
Rio Buti is a hidden gem of Tuscany, located in the municipality of Vaiano a few kilometres from the centre of Florence. This canyoning course is less well known than other canyoning routes in Tuscany, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more intimate and less crowded experience. The hike starts with a safety briefing and the distribution of equipment. After a short walk through the Calvana woods, you reach the starting point of the canyoning route.
Path Characteristics
The route along the Rio Buti is varied and offers a perfect descent for those seeking a first canyoning experience. The torrent is characterised by several waterfalls, some of which are up to 15 metres high, which provide an introduction to rope abseiling techniques. In addition, there are numerous jumps and dives into deep pools of water, adding an element of excitement to the experience.
The surrounding vegetation is lush and offers a natural and peaceful environment, ideal for enjoying the beauty of nature. The rocks along the route are often covered with moss, adding a touch of colour to the landscape.
Canyoning Rio Buti in brief
- Location: Near Vaiano, in the province of Prato
- Best period: Spring and Autumn
- Distance: About 1 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Discovery
- Height difference: 150 metres
The optional nature of all obstacles, which are easy to avoid, makes the descent ideal even for the most timid. The guide’s role will be to inspire confidence in overcoming limits and fears by teaching the techniques necessary to descend the torrent and adapting the descent to the needs of all group members.
In conclusion, Rio Buti is an excellent destination for a first canyoning experience with the family. A beautiful corner of nature at a short distance from the city that can also be discovered by children, since the descent is feasible from 8 years of age
Canyoning Tuscany – Torrente Serra
The Torrente Serra is another hidden jewel of Tuscany, located between the beaches of Versilia and the Apuan Alps, in the province of Lucca. This torrent offers a complete and fun canyoning experience, ideal for those who want to spend a few hours in an extraordinary natural setting. The hike begins with a safety briefing and distribution of necessary equipment. After a short trek through a lush forest, you reach the starting point of the trail.
Path Characteristics
The route along the Torrente Serra is varied and offers a series of natural obstacles that make it a complete canyoning experience. There are some short waterfalls, ideal for initiating yourself into rope rappelling technique. In addition, the creek offers some plunges into crystal-clear pools of water and an extraordinary 12-meter slide that makes the experience even more exciting.
The extraordinarily diverse and rich surrounding vegetation combined with the clarity and emerald color of the pools give the descent an extremely fascinating and surprising tropical character.
Serra torrent canyoning in brief
- Location: Versilia, province of Lucca
- Best period: Spring and Autumn
- Distance: less than 1 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Discovery
- Height difference: 150 metres
Given the moderate difficulty of the route, the descent is suitable for everyone as long as they are motivated and in good physical condition. The guide provides all the necessary equipment and through knowledge and experience is a guarantee for a safe and fun experience.
In conclusion, the Torrente Serra is an excellent destination for those who want to discover an unusual and magnificent corner of Tuscany through a fun and varied activity such as canyoning.
Canyoning Tuscany – Orrido di Botri
The Orrido di Botri is often described as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Tuscany, and for good reason. This spectacular gorge was carved out over millennia by the Rio Pelago and offers a truly unique canyoning experience. The hike starts with a safety briefing and the distribution of equipment. From there, you proceed on foot along a path that leads to the entrance of the gorge.
Canyoning Bagni di Lucca – Characteristics of the route
The route through the Botri Gorge while not presenting major technical difficulties is physically demanding given the length of the descent. The very length of the gorge makes the route accessible only to people who already have canyoneering experience. The gorge is narrow and the rock walls rise for hundreds of metres, creating an almost surreal ambience. Along the way, there are several waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water.
One of the most fascinating features of Canyoning Orrido di Botri is its biodiversity. The nature reserve is home to numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the area.
Canyoning Orrido di Botri in brief
- Location: Bagni di Lucca, in the province of Lucca
- Characteristics: A spectacular gorge carved by the Rio Pelago, surrounded by wild nature.
- Best time: Summer
- Distance: approx. 4 km
- Difficulty: Sporty
- Height difference: 540 meters
Due to the length of the route, it is strongly recommended to undertake this adventure accompanied by an experienced guide. The necessary equipment is provided and the guides ensure that all safety aspects are covered.
In conclusion, canyoning in the Orrido di Botri offers an intense and rewarding canyoning experience, perfect for experienced adventurers looking for a challenge. With its breathtaking waterfalls, crystal-clear pools of water and extraordinary biodiversity, it is a destination that will not disappoint.
Canyoning Tuscany – Turrite di San Rocco
Turrite di San Rocco is an ideal destination for those new to canyoning or for those looking for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. The excursion begins with a preliminary meeting to discuss safety regulations and to distribute the necessary equipment. Next, a short walk through the quaint village of Focchia will take you to the entrance of the canyon, where the real adventure begins.
Path Characteristics
The Turrite di San Rocco trail is characterised by a series of small waterfalls and natural slides, making it particularly fun and suitable for youngsters. There are no major obstacles or particularly difficult passages, which makes it accessible even to those with no previous canyoning experience. However, there are some sections where you can learn the technique of rappelling.
Pools of water along the trail provide excellent opportunities for dips of varying heights and are especially pleasant during hot summer days. The surrounding vegetation is lush and offers a pleasant contrast to the grey rocks of the canyon.
Turrite di San Rocco in brief
- Location: Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca
- Features: Fresh and fun aquatic adventures.
- Best Period: from Spring to Fall
- Distance: About 1 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Discovery
- Height difference: 100 metres
The route, while not presenting any major technical difficulties, takes place in an isolated and wild little-visited valley that adds an element of adventure to the descent.
In summary, Turrite di San Rocco is an excellent option for those seeking a first canyoneering experience, particularly suitable for young children. With its natural slides, pools of water and natural beauty, it is a place that offers fun and relaxation for the whole family.
Canyoning Tuscany – La Pendolina
The Pendolina is a famous waterfall of about 70 meters in the heart of Garfagnana in the valley opposite that of Rio Selvano. The route features what is surely the highest and most impressive rope rappel in Tuscany. The excursion begins with a safety briefing and the distribution of the equipment provided by the guide. After a fairly strenuous 45-minute walk through ancient chestnut groves and pastures, the starting point of the canyoning trail is reached.
Path Characteristics
The trail takes us to the final part of the stream that gives rise to the Pendolina waterfall. A series of small rappels allow us to brush up on rope descent technique and review some of the more technical aspects. The path leads us fairly quickly and smoothly to the final chaining. Suddenly the descent opens on the final great vertical: a rope descent of about 70 meters in full vacuum that brings us to the end of the descent .
The route is certainly marked strongly by the large final rappel, the high point of an otherwise easy descent. This waterfall requires some experience in rope rappelling so as to enjoy it serenely and safely.
La Pendolina in brief
- Location: Fabbriche di Vallico, province of Lucca
- Features: Great adrenaline rappel
- Best Period: from Spring to Fall
- Distance: less than 1 km
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Expert
- Height difference: 200 metres
Because of the technical complexity of such a high rappel, the course is reserved for people who already have rope abseiling experience and can handle the adrenaline rush given by the void. The techniques and materials chosen by the guide combined with your awareness are a guarantee of an experience that is certainly adrenaline-pumping but lived safely.
In conclusion, La Pendolina offers a somewhat uneven journey but with an absolutely unique and memorable climax. Not a very long descent but one that will indelibly mark your memories
Canyoning Tuscany – Torrente Ania
If you want to practice Canyoning in Garfagnana, you cannot miss the Ania Creek.
One of the most fascinating places in Tuscany to practice canyoning. Located near the famous Barga, this creek offers a complete experience combining adventure, natural beauty and fun. The excursion begins with a detailed briefing on safety and canyoning techniques, followed by the distribution of equipment. Once ready, a walk of about 40 minutes takes us to the creek’s entry point, where the adventure begins.
Path Characteristics
The descent of Ania Torrent features a series of natural obstacles that make it a complete canyoning experience. The constant presence of water makes it one of the most watery descents in Tuscany. There are several waterfalls, some of them up to 15 meters high, that require abseiling by rope. In addition, the creek features a magnificent water-carved toboggan that allows for a fun slide.
The trail takes place completely within limestone walls beautifully sculpted by water. The limestone is very white and has extremely characteristic flint veins.
Canyoning Ania Torrent in Brief
- Location: Fornaci di Barga, in the province of Lucca
- Features: Descent of remarkable aesthetic beauty
- Best Period: from Spring to Fall
- Distance: About 1.5 km
- Duration: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Sporty
- Height difference: 130 meters
Due to the aquatic nature of the descent, it is essential to undertake the descent only with the proper flow rate. The guide will know the best time to tackle a sporty but not dangerous descent. Some rope rappels in fact pass under the jet of the waterfall and thus require special attention and management.
In conclusion, the Ania Torrent offers one of the most aesthetic descents in Tuscany, ideal for those who, in addition to adventure, seek the beauty of little-known and little-visited natural environments. Beyond diving, canyoning offers a world of extraordinary experiences to enjoy.
Practical Tips
- Equipment: The guides provide all the necessary technical equipment, but it is advisable to bring hiking shoes or sneakers in good condition, swimsuit and a dry change of clothes, for those who use glasses provide a strap to secure them, for those who use lenses provide a spare pair
- Safety: The guides who accompany you are all licensed and insured. All descents are preceded by a briefing on safety and progression in the creek.
Canyoning in Tuscany
Tuscany is a wonderful region, and discovering it through its streams is also a fascinating experience for canyoning enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are sure to find the route that suits you. Allora, cosa state aspettando? Contact me and let’s dive into the adventure together!
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me. Happy canyoning to all
