Five waterfalls of Cerveteri: an easy hike near Rome

Want to escape the chaos of the city? Just 40 km from Rome, there’s a nature-filled trek that will lead you to discover the breathtaking Five Waterfalls of Cerveteri and take a journey back in time through Etruscan wonders.
Curious? 🧐 Keep reading to discover this unique trail.

Trail details

📍 Deportare: Piazzale Necropoli della Banditaccia

⛰️ Arrival: Circular route passing through the 5 waterfalls of Cerveteri

⏱️ Travel time: 4 hours and 54 minutes

📏 Distance: 13.7 km

〽️ Height difference: 189 m

👣 Difficulty: Moderate

Trekking to the Waterfalls of Cerveteri

Starting Point

The route begins from the free parking area of the Banditaccia Necropolis archaeological site, accessible both by car and public transport.

• By car: From Rome, take the highway towards Civitavecchia and exit at Cerveteri/Ladispoli. Follow signs for Cerveteri, then for the Banditaccia Necropolis, where you’ll find ample parking.
• By public transport: Take a train to Ladispoli, then a bus to the center of Cerveteri. From there, walk to the Banditaccia Necropolis.

Banditaccia Necropolis: an Etruscan treasure 🏺

The trek starts at the Banditaccia Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site surrounded by nature. Here, you can admire ancient Etruscan tombs dating back to the 7th century BC.

Pro tip: Don’t rush off to the waterfalls right away—take your time to enjoy the treasures of this area. You’ll breathe in centuries of history… and the scent of moss, as nature has reclaimed its space.

Your first step into history is through the Porta Coperta, a captivating Etruscan archway that feels like a time-travel portal. Cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in a gorge carved by time, surrounded by dense forest that makes you feel like you’re in a secret canyon.

While exploring the site, you’ll also come across the Antiche Ferriere di Cerveteri—an iron forge from the Papal States era, active until the 1600s. Back when Wi-Fi didn’t exist the pinnacle of tech was a pair of blacksmith bellows.

After this historical immersion, you’ll be ready to begin the circular trail exploring the Five Waterfalls of Cerveteri.

The Five Waterfalls and the Via degli Inferi

After the archaeological marvels, the trail runs alongside the Fosso della Mola, a stream that adds a touch of adventure to your hike.

Don’t worry—you can cross it in three ways:

• Waterproof hiking boots: Keep your feet dry and stylish.
• Barefoot: Perfect on a warm day if you want to cool off.
• Plastic bags: A last-minute hack to protect your shoes.

Once past this little obstacle, you’ll reach your first wonder: Cascata del Moro. This waterfall lies at the end of a side path, so you’ll have to retrace your steps to continue the main route.

Next on the route is Cascata dell’Arenile, where water blends with lush vegetation to create a stunning natural scene. The trail is well-marked, so no worries about getting lost.

The third stop is Cascata Braccio di Mare. It’s not the tallest, but its crystal-clear blue waters will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alpine lake in Trentino-Alto Adige.

After a slight climb, you’ll reach Cascata dell’Ospedaletto, another hidden gem among the trees. Finally, the last stretch brings you to Cascata di Castel Giuliano, which you can admire from above—or descend to the riverbed for a view from below.

After taking in these natural marvels, the path leads you back through the ancient Via degli Inferi (don’t worry, no monsters here 👀), a passage carved into the tough rock that once connected the ancient city of Caere to the necropolis. Walking here feels like stepping into a time corridor, with stone walls whispering stories from the distant past.

You’ll end your journey right where you started—back at the Banditaccia Necropolis.

Fun Fact: the Amazon of Lazio 🌿

This area is often called the “Amazon of Lazio” thanks to its thick vegetation and winding streams.
In the 1930s, local hunters claimed to have spotted giant snakes along these paths… Legend or truth? Who knows! During your hike, you’re more likely to spot a harmless grass snake. 🐍

Useful tips 📝

• Bring enough water: There are no fountains along the trail, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
• Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof, since you’ll need to cross a stream.

If you’re looking for nature- and history-packed trekking trails in Lazio, this hike is perfect.

The Five Waterfalls of Cerveteri, just outside Rome, offer breathtaking views and an adventure you won’t forget!

Thanks to parcocerveteritarquinia, etruskey.it, discovertrek.it, eventidellatuscia.it for the photos