Marmarico Waterfalls: the water that flies in the silence of Locride

If you think that cold waterfalls hidden in dense, fairytale-like forests are only found in Northern Europe, think again: in the wildest and most authentic heart of the Reggio Calabria hinterland, in the Stilaro Valley, just a few kilometers from the village of Bivongi, water plunges dramatically — here lie the Marmarico Waterfalls, the highest in Calabria and among the most impressive in Southern Italy, with a drop of 114 meters.

“Marmarico” in Greek means “that sparkles,” perfectly capturing the play of light created as water falls in delicate silver threads. The name evokes the silent soul of the place, broken only by the sound of the cascading water, where peace and untouched nature reign supreme.

The waterfall can be reached on foot via a hiking trail of about 2 hours round trip, starting from Bivongi, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the landscape. In summer, an off-road shuttle is available for those who prefer to admire the scenery without fatigue. The path passes through vast fields and old abandoned mills, with streams that seem to freeze time. Along the way, reminiscent of an urban exploration documentary, one can encounter the remains of the ancient Decauville railway, once used for timber transport.

Once there, visitors are captivated by a natural emerald pool, continuously fed by the waterfall. The water is icy, and the brave often take a swim, especially in summer when cooling off is a delight. A true cathedral in nature, surrounded by spectacular rocks and cascades.

For those interested in spirituality (or even for the curious), just a few kilometers away lies the Certosa di Serra San Bruno, one of Southern Italy’s most important monasteries. Local cuisine is simple but sincere, featuring local cured meats, mushrooms, and the typical Greek wine of Bianco.

By car, from Reggio Calabria or Catanzaro, reach Bivongi via the SS110 or SP9. As mentioned, during summer an off-road shuttle runs from the village center to the waterfall access point. For hikers seeking a challenge, the trail starts from the locality called Guida and is well marked.

(Cover photo credits: Official Tourism Calabria Site)