UPDATED MAR 2020. I’ve really loved being able to share a different side of Italy to what is usually shared in tourist magazines. Before moving here, I had only seen pictures of the main sights such as The Colosseum, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Grand Canal in Venice. I didn’t know of the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that are here. Now I sure know that I will never run out of nature activities in north Italy. There is just so much to see and do and it truly is a nature lovers paradise. Today, I’m sharing a guide to Torrente Canali – an awesome turquoise pool in the mountains.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The EPIC Torrente Canali
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for visiting Torrente Canali
Where is it located?
Trento, about 2 hours drive from Vicenza.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes.
Is there a cost?
Yes, for parking. Bring coins.
What should you bring with you?
- Good walking shoes if you want to hike in the area (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Waterproof camera (I LOVE my GoPro with this compact selfie stick for adventures)
- Snacks or lunch
- Coins for parking
- Water bottle (I like this one for adventures)
- Sunscreen
- Lightweight towel to sit on
)
for adventures)
)
to sit on
How to get to Torrente Canali
Here are the coordinates for the parking area: ‘46°11’58.2″N 11°51’57.1″E‘
You can also use Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino in Google Maps and choose the one at Via Castelpietra, 2 loc. Val Canali.
It will get you close to the water. As you come around a bend and go over a bridge, you will see a parking area on the right. Parking here will cost you a nominal fee, which you pay at one of the meters, and leave the ticket on your dashboard.
From memory, the cost of parking was about €1.50 per hour so it’s good to have some coins with you for that.
Nearby hiking
Once you arrive you will notice that there is a lot to explore and it’s a great area for hikers and bushwalkers.
There are a few trails to choose from that take you throughout the mountain area. I hiked one trail which followed the water upstream towards the mountains and it was well maintained and also very easy to follow.
My two little dogs were with me and they did well on it too.
I can’t speak for all the trails but I can say that there is at least one that is kid and dog-friendly and for that one all you need to do is follow the water.
What to expect at Torrente Canali
The turquoise pond itself required no hiking to get to.
Instead, once you park the car all you need to do is look over the bridge and you will see that beautiful blue water reflecting back at you. It’s easy to walk down and sit on the grassy edge from there.
The water was quite cold. Scratch that, the water was freezing!
While I was there, I saw the occasional person walk into about hip depth for a photo, then get out quickly but that was about it. Mostly, everyone was spending their time on the banks – enjoying picnics, sunning themselves, or just hanging out with their family.
A group of children threw stones into the water nearby and tested themselves by dipping their toes into the chilly blue waterhole. It’s definitely a family-friendly outdoor area.
I was one of the few who got in the water to take some pictures. Even if I only went into about mid-calf depth and stayed in for a little while getting the snaps from all the angles I wanted.
My feet went numb so fast in the water too so finding my footing while walking out was interesting. The things I do for this blog I swear!
Torrente Canali is a great outdoor spot with gorgeous views.
Other places to see nearby
National Park of the Belluno Dolomites is another nature area nearby with hikes and nature areas to spend time in. Lago di Senaiga is an off the beaten path hike and lake in the area.
If you don’t mind a little drive, Lago di Tovel and Lago di Tenno are two more beautiful lakes that are short drives away. Falzarego Pass is about 2 hours away and has a lot of nice hiking trails.
I wrote a big list of Dolomites Day Trips here for more places that you’ll be able to take day trips to as well.
Where to stay
If you’d like to make a weekend out of it, I recommend staying at the Berry House Agriturismo. I stayed here and it was such a nice treat in the mountains.
It’s a pet-friendly, kid-friendly agriturismo that oozes all the rustic, boho vibes. There are animals to pet which was especially popular with the kids staying there, and it’s in a beautiful mountain setting.
The food is made fresh from ingredients from the farm and local area and was all delicious. I especially loved the breakfasts here each morning.
Berry House
I hope this can help you plan an adventure out to Torrente Canali.
As with any outdoor adventures, remember to check the weather forecast, use your best judgment as to whether this is a good outing for you, and take your trash with you.
If you found this useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!
Wow the colour of that pool is stunning! I like your realism in admitting it was way too cold to get into- proud of you for wading in a bit to snap photos for us. Nice to know about another hidden corner of Italy.
It really was an incredible color, I couldn’t believe it! The frozen feet were worth it for the photos and Im glad you enjoyed the post.
This is great and your photos are stunning. You have really personal vibe about your writing. Very enjoyable read.
Thank you for the kind words – you just made my day!
This place looks beautiful and you’ve left me really inspired to visit. I’ve never been to Italy, but this is certainly different from any pictures of Italy I’ve ever seen before. Shows that there is much more to Italy than the famous tourist attractions and that there is beautiful nature there too 🙂
It showed me that too, all I really knew about Italy was the main tourist areas but once I started exploring I found a whole different side to it.
That looks amazing! I haven’t been to Italy in a long time but when I go back, this could definitely end up on the list
Come on back 🙂
Italy is so beautiful but the only thing I dislike is having to drive to get to these beauties 🙁 And yeah, I don’t like to drive (though I have a license).
I haven’t made it to the north yet, but explored a lot of Puglia.
True, a lot of things I have found like this have been driving adventures. I can’t wait to explore south of where we are and Puglia is on my list!
Wow!! That is my favorite color of blue and I love when I see water that shade ☺️ I had no idea this existed in Italy !
Me either, just kind of stumbled upon it. But it sure was a treasure to find!
What a lovely pretty place. I’d love to visit someday. xo