A canyon of basalt columns with an icy river at the bottom
Between Etna and Taormina, the Alcantara river flows through a spectacular gorge carved into an ancient lava flow. When the lava cooled, it split into regular prisms and columns of basalt, which the river later eroded, creating walls up to 25 metres high that look like giant organ pipes. The name comes from the Arabic al-qantara, "the bridge".
The Gole dell'Alcantara can be reached by lift or by stairs from the visitor park in Motta Camastra, or from the free public access nearby. In summer you can walk into the river with waders, or simply wade in the icy water, around 8 to 10°C even in August, between the basalt walls. Further up the valley the regional river park offers walks among citrus groves and the medieval villages of Francavilla and Castiglione di Sicilia.
Tip: bring water shoes; body rafting and river trekking excursions run in the summer months. The light inside the gorge is best around midday.
Where it is
More things to see in Sicily
Where to stay near Motta Camastra
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.