Alcantara River
Alcantara is one of the four most important rivers in Sicily and a perfect place for daily hiking. It starts on Etna at 1250 m and through the north slopes reaches the Mediterranean sea by Giardini Naxos. Thanks to its mineral filled waters the valley from Randazzo to Taormina is green and fertile. The most famous part, called Gorges, you find in Motta Camastra close to Francavilla di Sicilia. The river is filled with Etna stones, small waterfalls and lakes with running water. By its waterfalls the river gives a spectacular natural show where the water has formed the stone into different shapes. During low water periods it is possible to enter inside the basalts where the most breathtaking natural scenes are to be found.
|
Alcantara Gorges - Lava Forms and Columnar Basalt Formations
Alcantara Gorges is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily to visit. This place is formed by 8000 years of lava flows that has poured a river stream starting from Etna. Suits well for families and for adventurers. Here you can body raft, hike and enjoy several guided excursions by foot, bike, or mini ATV's organized by EDEs certified partners. The start point has a big parking, farmers market, souvenir shops and restaurants. There is an elevator that brings you to the Gole Beach or you can use the stairs.
This area suits well all year around. Please see our excurions and off-road tours below.
Things to see: 1) the Balcony of the Ninfes, 2) Prato, 3) the tunnel of Indian Figs, 4) balcony and amphitheater of the Muse, 5) Naos, 6) the Balcony of Venere, 7) Toboga and Grand Canyon Terrass, 8) the Gole Beach, 9) Platano Beach, 10) Lavinazza, 11) the Cave of Deers 12) River View
Red Path: The Gorges Path goes through a bothanic garden, geological park and offers several view points over the Alcantara River. In Ancient times the path was used for agriculture where you still pass citrus fields, pear trees, olive farms and the tunnel of Indian figs. The path is great to visit also during winter.
Hiking time: 1 hour. Easy.
Purple Path: The Eleonora Path goes to the east where you find lava monoliths, natural sculptures shapes by water, natural water treatment basins, citrus fields and go down to the Platano beach. From the Platano beach you can body craft up to the Gole beach. Do not miss the Cave of Deers.
Hiking time: 1 hour. Easy.
Blue Path: River Trekking Path makes you reach the inner part of the Gorges with hiking boots and waders to protect you from the cold water and spikes of rock. The lava walls are unique and gives a charismatic shape. Just let the river streams make you lead back to start point.
Trekking Time: 1 hour. Medium.
Yellow Path: Body Rafting makes you visit east part of the Gorges and in some parts be transported by the river. In the return through the river, waterfalls and lava walls and rocks. This area has also mythological traces with the love story between God Volcan and Goddess Venus. For love Volcan sacred the water of Alcantara where Venus loved to bath. But with the betraying ending of their love, Volcan in his anger punished Venus by making the waters ice cold. By taking the bath here says to return men viral and women to virgins.
Trekking Time: Minumum 1,5 hours. Medium. Not suitable for children.
Green Path: Canoying. This path transports you by the river or by rock climbing to the west of Alcantara. Here you see unique vegetation hanging from lava cliffs, several high waterfalls running down to the river and ravines. The water is rapid.
Trekking Time: 2 hours. Hard. Not suitable for children.
Center Opentime: 8am until sunset.
RIF: GolAlc
Off Road Tours
With a certified local partner we offer special off road tours by Alcantara River, close to Etna and Northeast Sicily. You can choose by ATV, Jeep, Crossbike, Mountain Bike, Trekking, River Trekking, Mountain Climbing and much more.
The Big Mountain Tour - Grande Montagna
|