Cascata del Toce

It started as a grey day. Not sure if we should wait for better weather to make the 2 hour drive from Anzola to Formazza to check out the Cascata del Toce but we left anyway.

Am I ever glad we did.

The mist and occasional rain did nothing to take away from the surrounding grey stone and intense green of the landscape. If anything, the stone and slate roofed houses seemed more in place in the diffused light of an overcast day.

The drive used to take much longer but with the addition of several extensive tunnels, it is much shorter. The road still narrows considerably in places, through villages, along the cliff edge and across the occasional single lane bridge.

In Formazza and along the way, there are more places to stay than I had thought but would secure a reservation for next time. The locals are very proud of their cuisine (surprise surprise) and many local specialities (Ossolani and Piemontese) showed up on menus at both places we stopped. The local beers are good as well although I think I'd prefer all but the Nora in the winter months..


From the top of the waterfall, looking into the Formazza Valley, I felt as if I were at the top of Italy. It is true mountain territory. And while there may be a mere 500 or so inhabitants, it is definitely worth a look.

Ciao!