Gorge Alcantara

📘 Recap of This Guide

This guide provides everything you need before visiting the Alcantara Gorge. Below is a quick overview of the main topics covered in each paragraph:

The Alcantara Valley and the Gorges

• 🏞️ Landscape overview of the valley and rural villages
• 🌋 How Mount Etna influences soil, biodiversity and agriculture
• 🗺️ Where the gorge is located and why this area is unique

The Canyon of the Alcantara Gorges

• 🧊 How the basalt columns were formed
• 🚶 What to expect when walking inside the gorge
• ⚠️ Safety notes and river temperature explained

What to Do at the Alcantara Gorge

• 🥾 Family riverwalks and easy hiking routes
• 🌊 Where swimming is possible and equipment you need
• 🚴 Other outdoor experiences across the valley

When to Visit the Alcantara Gorge

• 🌤 Best months and hours to enjoy the gorge
• 📊 Monthly water temperatures (mobile-friendly)
• 🕒 How to avoid crowds during high season

How to Get to the Alcantara River Park

• 🚗 Directions from Taormina and Catania
• 🚌 Bus routes and practical travel notes
• 🅿️ Parking areas and entrances

All to know about the Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Valley and the Gorges

Located on the east coast of the island of Sicily, we find the beautiful Alcantara valley and the scenic Alcantara Gorges that enclose one of the most extensive biodiversity in the whole of the Mediterranean basin. The Alcantara Valley and the gorge form at the intersection between the fertile north-west flank of Mount Etna, an active volcano, and the lush south est side of the Nebrodi mountains range, the Sicilian Apennine.

The beautiful city of Randazzo at an altitude of seven hundred meters above sea level marks the beginning of the Alcantara Valley, while the end of the Valley is in the coastal town of Giardini Naxos, where the Alcantara river meets the mediterranean sea. Like the rest of the Island of Sicily, even the Alcantara valley has seen all the major civilizations of the mediterranean sea of the last three thousand years, leaving a cultural and architectonic mark of their passage. The hillside villages dotting the flanks of the Alcantara valley treasure some hidden historical gems to be discovered away from mass tourism.

The Gorge of the Alcantara (Gole Alcantara in Italian) inside the Botanical and Geological park in the territory of Motta Camastra displays the most fascinating and complex geology of the whole Valley. Funneled inside the Canyon walls flows the Alcantara river. The soil of this part of Sicily, thanks to Mount Etna's frequent eruptions, is super fertile, benefiting the agriculture and the production of some of the finest wines of Italy. The geographical proximity of the Gorges of the Alcantara to the coastal town of Taormina and the marine park of Isola Bella, and the opportunity to enjoy a holiday away from the crowded coastal towns have put The Alcantara Valley and Mount Etna on the radar of a new generation of traveler eager to get off the Beaten Path and to experience a vacation in touch with the real Sicilian rural Culture.

Understanding the Landscape of Alcantara Valley

• 🏞️ Volcanic soils enriched by Mount Etna eruptions

• 🌿 Mediterranean vegetation and rural vineyards

• 📌 Landscape shaped by river erosion and mountain climate

 

The Canyon of the alcantara Gorges

The Gorge of the Alcantara and the Alcantara river park are the big attractions of the Valley. The spectacular Alcantara Gorge is not far from the famous coastal towns of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. The geological history of the gorges is strictly linked to the tectonic activity of this part of Sicily and three lava flows ( 9000-25000 K.A.) from a fault system connected to Mount Etna. The columnar basalts visible in the Gorges are those of the less ancient flow ( 9000 K.A.) formed by the rapid cooling of the external part of the lava flow that came into contact with the river water, while the internal core had a very long cooling, estimated in some decades.

The incredible rock formations of the Alcantara Gorges with the columnar joints of basalt and walls high up to 25 meters are the main tourist attraction. The crystal clear Alcantara river flows for a total length of 52 km. but reaches the peak of his wilderness and beauty when it gets channeled inside the 800 meters of the Gorge, creating some rapids and forming the picturesque small waterfall of Venus Pool. Whoever decides to visit this Canyon will view the breathtaking landscape of the beautiful Alcantara Gorge and the river, two of the most spectacular places on the island of Sicily.

A hidden jewel of the Alcantara river not far from the gorges is the "Gurne lakes," a series of five wonderfully natural pools to live a Sicily Adventure with a Body Rafting excursion and explore the countryside, off the beaten path. The protection and administration of the Alcantara Gorges are the responsibility of the Alcantara River Park which is located in the municipality of Francavilla di Sicilia.

How the Basalt Columns Formed

• 🏞️ Geometric prisms created by rapid lava cooling

• 🔍 Distinct patterns showing different cooling stages

• 🧊 Water contact accelerated the formation

• 📌 One of the clearest basaltic examples in the Mediterranean

Walking Inside the Gorge: What to Expect

• 👣 Shallow sections suitable for most visitors

• 🏞️ Narrow passages carved by erosion

• 🌊 Gentle rapids near the entrance

• 👟 Mandatory river shoes

⚠️ Safety Notes for Visiting Alcantara Gorge

• ⚠️ The riverbed is slippery — always wear river shoes

• 🧊 Water temperature averages ~10°C

• 🌊 Avoid deeper areas where currents intensify

• 🚫 Do not climb the basalt walls

• 🌧️ Avoid visiting during rain: flash flood risk

Water Temperature and Safety Notes

• 🧊 Year-round water temperature: ~10°C

• ⚠️ Cold shock possible

• ✔️ Short exposure recommended

• 👟 Strong footwear recommended

What to do at the Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Gorge offers many different activities and excursions as much as the river and the Alcantara Valley. For a more detailed list of activities, you can check our article about the Best tours at the Gorges of Alcantara. The river offers the possibility to enjoy some river sports like Body Rafting. Families can go walking along the Canyon with a Riverwalk excursion with whom is possible to see the stunning rock formations of the Alcantara gorges and enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the river. The surroundings around the gorges offer a famous Mountain bike trail with whom to admire the fantastic colorful Sicilian countryside and to get to the gurne. Quad excursions are also available.

The Hike from the town of Castiglione di Sicilia to the natural pools of the Gurne is a new tour since 2022. For the more relaxed the Etna wine tour gives you the chance to discover the flanks of the highest active volcano of Europe, enjoy a tasty lunch, and in the afternoon chill out by the river's banks. It's always a good idea to check for the availability of tours, especially around July and August when there is the highest demand for excursions in the Alcantara valley. Most of the tours to the Gorges depart from Taormina, Giardini Naxos, and Catania; however, it is not impossible to arrange without extra charge a transfer from other towns close to the Alcantara gorge.

Short Riverwalks for Families

• 👣 Flat accessible paths

• 📌 Viewpoints overlooking canyon walls

• 🌿 Shaded areas ideal in summer

River Hiking Routes (Easy Level)

• 🥾 Suitable for beginners

• 🌊 Calm pools

• 🔍 Geological textures visible up close

Swimming: What You Need to Know

• 🌊 Swimming allowed in shallow areas

• 🧊 Cold even in summer

• 👟 River shoes required

👕 What to Wear at the Alcantara Gorges

• 👟 River shoes (mandatory)

• 🩳 Quick-dry swimwear

• 👖 Neoprene socks

• 🧥 Light windproof layer

• 🎒 Dry bag

When to visit The Alcantara Gorges and the Alcantara Valley

The climate of this part Sicily is relatively mild all throughout the year. Between April and June in the Alcantara Valley, the temperature can range between 20 and 28 degrees celcius and makes the ideal time to explore the countryside. The bonus is that in this part of the year the Alcantara gorges are not busy, especially between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year. Temperatures in the mid-day often exceed 36 degrees celcius, and the Alcantara gorges are super busy.

At the same time, the Alcantara valley still offers plenty of places along with the river banks and in the mountain villages where to relax and escape the crowds of holidaymakers. September and October are two months in which temperatures still in the highs twenties while most of the tourists are gone. From November to March the Alcantara river Park and the gorges are closed, while it is still possible to visit the Valley and lots of pretty hillside villages dotting the flanks of the hills enclosing the river. In July and August avoid visiting the Canyon of the Alcantara on a Sunday because it can be jam-packed. Remember that the 14th and 15th of August is a National holiday in Italy and traffic jams are common on the road of Sicily, and the Alcantara gorges become so busy that you can hardly walk.

Best Time of Day to Visit

• 🕒 Best hours: before 11 a.m.

• 📸 Best light for photos

• 🚶 Weekdays less crowded

📊 Average Alcantara River Water Temperature (Monthly)

• January: 8–9°C — Gorge closed

• February: 8–9°C — Gorge closed

• March: 9–10°C — Gorge closed

• April: 10°C — Very cold

• May: 10–11°C — Cold

• June: 11–12°C — Manageable

• July: 12–13°C — Most comfortable

• August: 12–14°C — Warmest

• September: 11–12°C — Good

• October: 10–11°C — Cold

• November: 9–10°C — Gorge closed

• December: 8–9°C — Gorge closed

Alcantara river park opening hours 2026

The public gate and stairs are closed between the beginning of November and the end of March.

• April to May: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• June to September: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• October: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Alcantara river Park Prices 2026

• Public stairs: €2.00

• Children up to 3 years: free

• Private lift: €8.00

How to get to the Alcantara River Park

How to get from the Alcantara Gorge from Taormina

Who's heading to the beautiful Alcantara from Taormina will drive for 30 minutes along the SS185 towards Francavilla di Sicilia. In August, it can take up to one hour.

Driving Notes from Taormina

• 🚗 30 minutes average

• 🕒 Delays in August

• 📍 Follow signs to Francavilla di Sicilia

How to get to the Alcantara Gorge From Catania

From Catania, it takes 50 minutes via the A18 motorway, exit Giardini Naxos. From here follow signs to Francavilla di Sicilia.

Travel Time Considerations

• 🕒 Travel time doubles in August

• 🚗 A18 is the fastest route

• 📌 Allow extra time for return

Bus from Taormina to Alcantara gorge

Interbus runs three daily services. The stop is inside a private car park; the public entrance is 20 meters away.

Bus from Catania to the Alcantara Gorges

There is no direct bus; change required at Taormina train station.

Alcantara Gorges parking lots

Two parking areas are available:

• Parking lot Botanic Park (private, donation requested)
• Parking lot Pubblic (public, hourly rate)

A small free area may be available right of the stairs except in August.

Alcantara Gorge FAq

Can I go swimming in the Gorge?

Yes, but bring river shoes.

How cold is the water of the Alcantara river?

Around 10°C.

Is there parking?

Yes—three areas near the entrance.

Can I go hiking inside the Alcantara Gorge?

You can explore the first 50 meters; beyond that, a guide is required.

Can I sleep or camp inside the Gorge?

No, there are no accommodations available.

Can I camp in the Alcantara gorge?

No, is a protected area and the river banks are too small to put up a tent. Be careful a flash flood can hit at any time, and the river banks will be swiped by the force of the Alcantara river.

Is there a beach?

Yes, a small pebble beach.

Are there places to eat?

A kiosk near the private entrance; restaurants near the public entrance.

Can I touch the incredible rock formations of the Alcantara Gorge?

Yes, it's possible to touch the walls of the Canyon, but it's severely prohibited to write or ruins these majestic volcanic rocks.

Is it safe to visit the Alcantara Gorges with children?

Yes, in the first accessible section. Avoid deeper areas.

How long does a visit take?

Usually 1–2 hours, 3+ with excursions.

Alcantara Gorge: Quick Recap

What you will see

• Basalt columns

• Narrow corridors

• Clear pools

• Venus Pool

• Rural scenery

Useful info

• Water ~10°C

• Best hours: before 11 a.m.

• Gorge closed Nov–Mar

• River shoes recommended

• Public stairs: €2

Activities

• Body rafting

• Riverwalk

• Trek to the Gurne

• Etna + River tours