The thrill of walking into the depths of the canyon and climbing over the waterfall on metal ladders is certainly memorable for trekking enthusiasts. It’s perfect for those seeking a wild yet accessible environment.
The Vajo Borago Waterfall is one of the hidden natural treasures just outside Verona, located inside a canyon carved into the Borago Valley, easily reachable from the hamlet of Avesa.
It is not a continuously active waterfall. The stream that once flowed has completely reduced its flow, and today water flows only during and after rainfall.
The stream bed is generally dry, but in case of rainfall, the water can flow, temporarily creating a waterfall.
For most of the year, the Vajo Borago is dry and resembles a canyon with rocky walls and a valley floor composed of silt, gravel, and pebbles.
The route is distinguished by its spectacular rock walls, its rich vegetation of ferns and mosses, and its cool environment even in the hottest months thanks to the dense forest cover and the humid valley floor.
Starting from Avesa, a beautiful hamlet a few kilometers from the center of Verona, you will enter a magical and wild place: the Vajo Borago, a ravine carved by the force of the water with imposing vertical walls. It starts on European trail no. 5.
The nature trail follows the bed of the ancient Borago stream. A narrow valley rich in biodiversity, mosses, ferns, and rare plants, with temperature inversions that create a unique microclimate.
The most evocative stretch is the one leading to the main waterfall (also known as “Covolo Tondo”), surpassed via several flights of metal stairs fixed to the rock. The hike takes about 2–2.5 hours uphill to the waterfall (4–5 km).
You walk initially on asphalt and then on dirt, up to the stream bed, before entering the canyon.
A short but thrilling metal ladder will allow you to “climb over” the waterfall.
The highlight is the encounter with the “hall,” the gorge carved by the water, and the waterfall wall, which can only be overcome via a series of metal ladders.
Difficulty
Medium, with some challenging and exposed sections. Not suitable for small children or those with a fear of heights, as the trail is slippery in the steepest sections, and there are steps and exposed passages.
Parking
Available on Via del Borago in Avesa, but spaces are limited: it’s best to arrive early.
Not recommended for small children or those unaccustomed to mountain hiking due to exposed sections and metal ladders.
With a bit of luck, you might even encounter rare amphibians.
Location Avesa
Verona
Veneto – Italy
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