The Alcantara Gorges

One of the best known and most wonderful places in Eastern Sicily. Their formation took place thanks to the jume that uncovered the canyon in basaltic rocks.

Al qantarah

The name of the river has Arab origins and refers to an ancient bridge that crossed it; in fact, the Arabic word “ Al qantarah ” means “bridge”. The Alcantara river originates in the Nebrodi mountains and has its mouth in the Ionian Sea; it extends for more than 600 km² between the metropolitan cities of Messina and Catania, and crosses several villages united in the Alcantara River Park Authority.

Alcantara Canyon

alcantara Seeing the Gorges , one is immediately led to think that these incredible gorges are the result of the incessant flow of the river, instead they were originated by the cooling of basaltic lava flows. As the lava cooled rapidly, it created these unique formations—so strange that it will feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
The gorges are true canyons, up to 25 meters high and ranging in width from 5 to 2 meters.

Alcantara River Park

gole alcantara The territory of the Alcantara River Park falls in part in the Alcantara catchment area. The Alcantara river rises from the eastern sector of the Nebrodi Mountains.

The area within the Alcantara river basin is characterized by an important hydrographic network made up of numerous torrent-like streams that cut through narrow and steep valleys separated by hilly and mountainous ridges (Petrolo, San Cataldo, San Paolo, Fortino, Roccella, Favoscuro). The water is icy cold—you won’t be able to resist for long. Fortunately, there are small beaches that will allow you to catch your breath and warm your feet during your exploration. You will feel like you are in fairyland, in a fantastic world.

Canyoning e Body rafting

body-rafting-gole-alcantara- Inside this park, in addition to the entrance to the gorges, various activities are offered and the ascent and descent to the gorges by lift.

Among the proposed activities are:

Canyoning : you go up the path of the Gorges on foot, the return is carried out by letting yourself be carried away by the waters of the river between waterfalls, rapids, … ..

Body rafting : you go up the river against the current, when you arrive at the source you return letting yourself be carried away by the waters of the river wearing a life jacket. Cost about 40 euros, duration 2 hours.

River trekking : wearing waterproof dungarees you go up the river. Cost about 30 euros, duration about 1 hour and 30 minutes.