Leave the beaten track behind you and take a walk along the less travelled paths.Our 7 Hidden Waterfalls list is perfect for people wanting more of a relaxed adventure,
The Valle delle Ferriere is a unique place, hidden and protected by the Lattari Mountains, in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. It is an area rich in vegetation, with waterfalls and streams, which create a very cool environment even in summer. It is ideal for those who love trekking, and immerse themselves in the colors and scents of the Mediterranean scrub.
The place owes its fame to the travelers of the Grand Tour, who in the nineteenth century enhanced the natural beauty of this romantic landscape, made even more interesting by the presence of ancient factories for the production of handmade paper and iron.
In the innermost part of the Valley there is the Oriented Natural Reserve, where thanks to a particular microclimate, very rare plants survive, such as the thermophilic ferns pteris aquilina and woodwardia radicans, known by botanists since the 18th century.
It is possible to reach the Valle delle Ferriere easily on foot from Amalfi, or from the village of Pontone with an hour’s walk. However there are at least three other paths that lead to the valley, starting from Ravello, from the village of Pogerola or even from Agerola.
Desert Oasis in Morocco
Even the short drive to from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls, through desert, past palm groves and the Grand Atlas Mountains, is a spectacle. And then you arrive at the tiered cascade flowing over umber rock with greenery all around. You can take a 10 DH boat ride straight underneath the mouth of the waterfall and get absolutely drenched by the thundering water (remember to leave your phone with your guide), before swimming in the waterfall pool while wild macaque monkeys watch from the rocks. Riad Romance is a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of Marrakech.
Rocky gorges in South Africa
The Augrabies Falls in South Africa shares its name with the surrounding national park, a region of rocky gorges, sun-seared, spikey quiver trees (native succulents), ochre earth and the fast-flowing, fittingly-named Orange River. The river splits in several directions before plunging down a 60 metre-high cascade, causing the indigenous Khoi to call this place Aukoerebis, meaning ‘place of great noise’. Watch this impressive display from one of various viewing decks and visit in the evening to see the Falls illuminated from 8-10pm. Check into the highly rated, nearby Palmhof Chalets
Fairy-tale forest falls in Bulgaria
With terraced pools of jade-green water, gathering at its base and a gentle white noise generated by the cascade, Krushuna Falls is an ethereal kind of place. In the middle of the Bulgarian forest, lit by dappled sunlight, you can take a dip in the mineral water, which has been found to have a healing power for skin conditions and various other ailments. Or explore the mossy rocks, caves and stepping stones, perhaps climbing to the top of the 20 metre-high waterfall to have a picnic lunch at the top. Stay in rural comfort at Guest House Bigora.
Lakeside falls in Russia
Though Russia‘s Korbu Waterfall in the Altai Mountains isn’t particularly enormous or unusual, the boat trips that take you across Teletskoe Lake are a wonderful experience. Choose between a fast, powerful boat or bigger, leisurely-paced craft (the difference is a few hours in length) and enjoy passing through this region of superb natural beauty. After anchoring ashore, you’ll get to explore the lakeside area around the falls and taste some local fare from the food stalls dotted around. Stay in a wooden chalet in the woods at Usad’ba v ghorakh.
Alpine falls in Switzerland
Mainland Europe’s largest waterfall, Rhine Falls in the Swiss town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall has 700,000 litres of water flow over it per second. There are a few viewing points to witness the water ferociously roaring over the 150 metre-wide, 23 metre-high precipice. The most popular is the ‘Känzeli’ observation platform on the left shore, which you can access through Laufen Castle, or you can take a boat trip but be warned – you will get wet. Stay in Guesthouse Les Mignardises, a flower-covered, timbered historic building close to the Rhine Falls.
There’s something rather special about a hidden waterfall, it feels that little bit more personal – like a secret only you know about.I hope you enjoyed our 7 hidden waterfalls list
