Canyoning · Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
How to choose
All 4 tours run through Rio Selvano, a canyon carved into the Apuan Alps near Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, with prices ranging from 70 € to 80 € and sessions lasting between a half-day and 4.5h. Three operators classify their tours as "Occasionally sporty", meaning wet scrambling, jumps and short rappels at a sustainable pace. One option stands out as strictly "Sporty": ITACA Canyoning's tour at 80 €, built for participants who want to push harder through the gorge. Budget-conscious? Apians offers the entry point at 70 €. If you want maximum time in the canyon, Searching Emotions runs the longest session at 4.5h for 80 €. Decide first on intensity: pick "Occasionally sporty" for a first descent, or go straight to the "Sporty" tour if you've already done a canyon before.
4 offers available
Our picks
Canyon Rio Selvano in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Tuscany
Apians delivers the full Rio Selvano descent at 70 €, the lowest rate across all 4 operators.
Sporty Canyoning in Rio Selvano near Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
ITACA Canyoning's tour is the only one rated "Sporty", built for participants who want a harder push through the canyon.
Intermediate Canyoning in Rio Selvano, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Tuscany
Searching Emotions runs the longest session at 4.5h for 80 €, giving you the most time on the water and rock.
Intermediate Canyoning in Rio Selvano, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Tuscany
Searching Emotions guides in Spanish, Italian and English, the widest language offering of all tours on Rio Selvano.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment in Rio Selvano?
The canyon includes jumps into natural pools and rappels down wet rock faces. The sporty-rated tour with ITACA Canyoning is specifically designed to maximize those high-exposure sequences compared to the standard descent.
Do I need to be afraid of heights to enjoy this?
A degree of comfort with heights helps, but the "Occasionally sporty" tours are paced to let you build confidence before each jump or rappel. Guides brief you on every obstacle before you commit.
Is this canyon suitable for a first canyoning experience?
Yes. Three of the 4 tours are rated "Occasionally sporty", which is the standard entry level for canyoning. No prior experience is required for those sessions.
How cold is the water in Rio Selvano?
Mountain canyon water in the Apuan Alps runs cold even in summer. All operators provide wetsuits, so temperature is managed, but expect a sharp shock on first contact.
What languages do the guides speak?
All tours are available in Italian and English. Toscana Adventure Team and ITACA Canyoning also guide in French. Searching Emotions covers Spanish as well.
When is the best time to do canyoning in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana?
The season runs from May through September. June to August gives the most stable conditions and the warmest air temperatures, which makes the cold water easier to handle.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.9°C | 90.4 mm | Possible |
| February | 6.2°C | 126.6 mm | Possible |
| March | 6.9°C | 151.4 mm | Poor |
| April | 10.4°C | 131.8 mm | Possible |
| May | 13.6°C | 137.6 mm | Possible |
| June | 17.9°C | 94.4 mm | Good |
| July | 21.4°C | 71 mm | Peak |
| August | 22°C | 42.7 mm | Peak |
| September | 18.4°C | 89 mm | Good |
| October | 13.5°C | 133.7 mm | Possible |
| November | 9°C | 208 mm | Poor |
| December | 4.2°C | 87.7 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Operators provide wetsuits, helmets and harnesses. Bring a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, water shoes or old trainers with grip, and a dry change of clothes for after. Sessions run up to 4.5h in cold mountain water, so a windproof layer for the return is worth packing.
Getting there
All meeting points are located on or near Strada Provinciale 37 in Fabbriche di Vallico or Fabbriche di Vergemoli, roughly 20 km southwest of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana via the SS445. A car is the most practical option as public transport to this valley is limited.
See also
Other activities in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Updated March 2026