Things to Do
Facts checked: July 2026. Because the falls’ water is dam-controlled and guaranteed, this valley runs adventure sports when other rivers are too low – Grade IV rafting under a Roman waterfall is the headline.
The Valnerina is one of central Italy’s genuine adventure clusters, and it has a structural advantage most don’t: the river is fed by scheduled dam releases, so the water is there when the timetable says – no waiting for rain. Four things sit within about 25 minutes of us.
Rafting and canyoning on the Nera
The signature activity: rafting the Nera below Marmore, timed to the water releases, with sections up to Grade IV. Licensed operators supply wetsuits, helmets and guides; there are gentler “soft” floats for younger paddlers and families as well as the full white-water run. Established operators to book with include Rafting Marmore, Umbria Rafting e Canoa and Rafting Nera River – confirm current pricing and timetables direct with the operator. All the verified background – age limits, how it’s timed to the releases – is on our falls activity page. Rafting and canyoning → · how you get in the river legally →
Climbing at Ferentillo
Ferentillo is a well-known sport-climbing destination – the crags above the village (Precetto and Gabbio sides) hold a large number of bolted routes across a wide range of grades, on good limestone, with a long season thanks to the sheltered aspect (crag overview: Visit Ferentillo; umbriatourism). The rock is free to climb if you’re equipped and experienced; for a guided session or a first climb, Exploring Umbria run half-day guided climbs at Ferentillo with an expert guide and all the safety gear, suitable for beginners (age 8+), April–October, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Ferentillo village →
The Umbria Activity Park
At Scheggino, up the Valnerina, the Umbria Activity Park offers tree-top rope courses, zip lines and family adventure activities in the cool of the mountains – book and check opening season and prices on the official site, umbriactivitypark.it (note: this is the correct operator – not the “.com” name that sometimes appears in old listings). Scheggino →
Horse riding at Torre Orsina
Jolly Horse, the riding school at Torre Orsina just above the valley, offers lessons and guided hacks on the hill trails – a lovely way to see the country above the gorge (reviews & contact) – confirm booking and child suitability direct with the stable. Torre Orsina →
We’ll book it for you
For guests, we pre-arrange the rafting and the other activities before you arrive, timed around the falls’ release schedule so the logistics actually work – which, with a water timetable to plan around, genuinely helps.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go rafting at Marmore Falls?
Yes – licensed operators run rafting on the Nera below the falls, timed to the scheduled water releases, with grades up to IV and gentler floats for families. See our rafting page for verified ages and prices.
Is there rock climbing near Marmore Falls?
Yes – Ferentillo, a short drive up the valley, is a recognised sport-climbing area with many bolted routes and a long season. We don’t publish route counts or guide lists here, because both change – ask us and we’ll point you to who’s active for your dates.