The Alcantara Gorges, which are located between the municipalities of Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra, are a popular destination that nature lovers cannot renounce, and for those who want to admire a unique spectacle in the world.
The Alcantara river originates in the Nebrodi Mountains and along its course has shaped, eroding Etna black lava for thousands of years, the characteristic lava “ravines”.
In several sections, these lava walls have created vertical shear walls, and are known by the name of “columnar basalts”, which are the result of the contractions of the very slow cooling of thick lava bodies.
The gorges create a geological landscape unique in the world.
In summer, it is possible to go inside the gorges accompanied by the guide, to admire the unique beauties of the Alcantara river.
The Alcantara Gorges are part of the “Gole Alcantara” Botanical and Geological Park, which in turn is included in the Alcantara river park.
Note:
You can take the excursion to the Alcantara Gorges, combining it with the one on Mount Etna in a single day.
For the safety of hikers, the guide can modify the excursion if adverse weather and volcanic conditions should occur, or for any other reason that could compromise the success of the excursion
