Never have I been able to resist that particular sensation only a stream of water can give.
The allure of those winding, wild roads, running through woods, vales and cities have always given me the thrill of adventure and a pure sense of childlike joy. I’ve always liked bathing in those cool and clear waters, swimming keeping only my eyes above the surface, looking at a world that appears different, wild and distant, while the flow was carrying me to the next beach.
That’s what inspired me to wander around Italy for two Summers: I left towns, museums and tourist attractions behind and I followed unbeaten tracks, in forgotten vales, trying to find our grandparents’ beaches and to bring their old, almost forgotten tradition to the surface: swimming in the rivers.
I found what could only be described as little tropical paradises, fascinating yet somewhat creepy ravines (in Italian forre) and caves, colorful lakes. What makes all these places a perfect destination for quick outings or even for a real vacation is that fact that these lakes are easily reached.
I chose the five most fascinating, at least in my opinion, to help you forget the hot weather and to inspire you to live a small adventure.
La grotta urlante di Premilcuore
Literally Premilcuore’s shouting cave. Under an old stone bridge the river is swallowed in a spectacular chasm. This creates a resonating thunderous sound. In the cave underneath there are two natural pools: they are quite deep, so that you can dive from the surrounding rocks.
After the cave there’s a pretty lake, where the sun shines on the clear surface. A magical and entertaining place.
Il torrente Arzino a Cerdevol
Clear water, white rocks and an experience in which swimming will feel more like flying. A pebbled beach and a big rock where you can sunbathe and a big ravine to explore.
Il fiume Taro
L’alta valle del Taro offers many beaches: Many deep green pools are hidden among beech and chestnut trees.
La cascata “Capelli di Venere”
The name literally means “the waterfall of Venus’s hair”.
Thousands rivulets of water lit up by the sun, a turquoise stream in-between luxurious and shiny trees. An unexpected stop in my trip, sure a surprising and spectacular one nonetheless.
La Gurne dell’Alcantara
Often forgotten, the Sicilian hinterland left me breathless: a blooming, wildland with many treasures to uncover.
Le Gurne dell’Alcantara, little uphill from the more famous, but really crowded, Gole, are like a small and completely personal garden of Eden.
Other Places
If you want to discover more places visit the website wildabout.it.
Tags: Adventure, Italy, Travel, Wild Italy, Wild Swimming