When you see the Gorges, you’re immediately led to believe that these incredible gorges are the result of the river’s ceaseless flow; instead, they were formed by the cooling of basaltic lava flows. As the lava cooled rapidly, it created these unique shapes—so strange that you’ll feel as if you’ve landed on another planet.
The gorges are true canyons, up to 25 meters high and ranging from 5 to 2 meters wide.
The Alcantara Gorges
One of the best-known and most beautiful places in Eastern Sicily. They were formed by the river, which carved out the canyon in the basalt rocks.
Al qantarah
The river’s name has Arabic origins and refers to an ancient bridge that spanned it; in fact, the Arabic word “Al qantarah” means “bridge.” The Alcantara River originates in the Nebrodi Mountains and flows into the Ionian Sea; it spans more than 600 km² between the metropolitan areas of Messina and Catania, and passes through several small towns that are part of the Alcantara River Park Authority.
ALCANTARA CANYON
ALCANTARA RIVER PARK
The Alcantara River Park lies partly within the Alcantara watershed. The Alcantara River originates in the eastern part of the Nebrodi Mountains.
The area within the Alcantara River watershed is characterized by a significant hydrographic network consisting of numerous torrential watercourses that wind through narrow, steep valleys separated by hilly and mountainous ridges (Petrolo, San Cataldo, San Paolo, Fortino, Roccella, Favoscuro). The water is freezing; you won’t be able to stay in it for very long. Fortunately, there are small beaches where you can catch your breath and warm your feet during your exploration. You’ll feel as if you’re in fairyland, in a fantasy world.
CANYONING and BODY RAFTING
Inside this park, in addition to the entrance to the gorges, visitors can enjoy various activities and take an elevator up to and down from the gorges.
The proposed activities include:
Canyoning: You hike up the Gorges Trail, and on the way back, you let the river carry you past small waterfalls and rapids.
Body-Rafting: Man fährt flussaufwärts gegen die Strömung; sobald man die Quelle erreicht hat, kehrt man zurück und lässt sich dabei mit einer Schwimmweste vom Fluss mitreißen. Kosten ca. 40 Euro, Dauer 2 Stunden.
River trekking: Wearing waterproof overalls, you hike up the river. Cost: about 30 euros; duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
