Origins of the Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Gorges are a unique natural masterpiece in Sicily. Formed by ancient lava flows cooled by the water of the Alcantara River, they offer a breathtaking spectacle with basalt walls up to 25 meters high, molded into spectacular shapes. Perfect for those who love nature, trekking and water adventures.

The gorge was created by the rapid cooling of the flow that created this type of lava called ‘Basaltic Lava’. This lava is rich in iron, magnesium and calcium but contains little silicon. Because of the rapid cooling, ‘pentagonal prismatics’ and ‘hexagonal prismatics’ arose.

Over the centuries the lava has been smoothed by the flowing waters of the Alcantara River.

However, there are also people who think that the lava was a whole and split as the river flowed. However, this is invalidated by the fact that the two sides of the fissures have a completely different structure and therefore could not even fit together.

The canyon of the Alcantara gorges is about 25 meters deep, and in the narrowest part, the gorge is only 2 meters wide until at the widest points it reaches about 4-5 meters.

How to visit the Alcantara Gorges?

The Alcantara Gorges are one of Sicily’s most fascinating natural wonders and offer different ways to visit, suitable for every type of explorer. Here is how you can best enjoy this experience:

There are two main ways to access the Gorges:

1. Entrance from the Botanical and Geological Park (entrance fee).

This entrance offers scenic walkways and a convenient elevator that will take you directly to the riverbed.
It is the ideal route for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the gorges in an easy way.
The elevator is available at a cost of €8,00 per person, while park admission costs €13.00 per person (€10.00 during low season).

Link Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJw8yo4whqUBqtCB7

2. Public entrance (Municipal staircase)

It is possible to descend from the main road via a long staircase (240 steps) that leads down to the Larderia Gorges (The famous Alcantara Gorges). When the staircase reaches the end, the riverbed widens, creating a kind of basin with sandy banks. From here, if river conditions permit, also considering possible floods, it is possible to ascend the cold waters of the Alcantara by plunging into the spectacular basalt gorge and admire the different geological formations up close.

Located near the main entrance, it offers access via a stone staircase down to the river. This is a more adventurous and authentic option, but it requires walking down (and then up!). The entrance fee via the communal staircase is €2.00 per person. Residents of the Municipality of Motta Camastra, children under the age of 3, and authorized guides are exempt from payment.

Link Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBSwDVHiyF6sbhSS6

Opening Hours Alcantara Gorges

The Alcantara Gorges are generally open to the public from the week before Easter to early November. During this period, opening hours vary depending on the season. These are the global opening hours:

From opening to June 30: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
From July 1 to August 31: 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
From September 1 to about November 3: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Hiking Alcantara Gorges

If you want to visit the gorge in a unique way, you can choose to do Alcantara Bodyrafting in the river. At one time you could also do Canyoning, but this they have banned and so it is now done in another section of the river.

In other parts of the river and the surrounding area you can do these excursions. Keep in mind that in this case you will not enter the Gorge. Of course, you can combine them on your own and discover the gorge, the surrounding nature and small gorges! Which are less touristy, but just as beautiful!

• Alcantara Jumping & bodyrafting
• Alcantara Bodyrafting
• Alcantara quad tour

Practical advice for visitors

A section with useful tips for making the most of the experience:

• Non-slip shoes mandatory for those who want to take a walk in the river.
• Bring a change of clothes and sunscreen.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for water activities, fall for foliage.
• Book in advance: During summer, the gorges can be very crowded. Book popular activities such as body rafting in advance.
• Cold water: Don’t be surprised! The water is very cold, even in summer. If you plan to river trek, better be prepared to dive into really icy water.

5 Curiosities about the Alcantara Gorges

The Alcantara Gorges are not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty, but also full of fascinating curiosities that make them unique throughout the world.

1. Ancient origin – The gorges were formed about 300,000 years ago when a lava flow from Mount Etna poured into the bed of the Alcantara River. The rapid cooling of the water created the spectacular prism-shaped basalt walls we see today.
2. Perfect basalt walls – The rock formations of the gorges often have an almost perfect hexagonal structure, similar to that of the famous Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
3. Name – The name “Alcantara”: Derived from the Arabic “al-Qantarah,” meaning “bridge.” This name was given in Arab times, when an ancient bridge crossed the river.
4. Water temperature – Even at the height of summer, the water temperature always remains between 8°C and 12°C, due to the cold springs that feed the river.
5. Local legends – It is said that the gorges were the refuge of river nymphs and that the river water had purifying powers.

5 Tips for spectacular photographs

1. Photograph in the early morning or late afternoon: The light is softer and creates magical reflections on the water and basalt walls, avoiding the harsh shadows of midday.
2. Capture details of basalt walls: Get close to hexagonal structures and play with geometric lines for artistic shots.
3. Use long shutter speeds for moving water: If you have a camera with manual settings, use long exposure times to get a silky effect on the river water. Bring a small tripod!
4. Play with reflections: Look for spots where the water reflects the sky or gorge walls. The color effects can be surprising.
5. Include people in the photo: To give depth and a sense of scale, take photos with someone standing near the gorge walls. The contrast with the high walls will be striking.