Alcantara Gorges

A volcano can create some pretty interesting terrain, and Sicily’s Mt. Etna is no exception. Some of the geographic impacts of Mt. Etna aren’t even visible above ground, as is the case with some of the Alcantra Gorges.

The Alcantra River runs from Mt. Nebrodi, roughly 32 miles inland from Taormina, and feeds into the Ionian Sea near Giardini-Naxos. Because the river runs through and around volcanic rock, it has carved some intricate paths along the way. Most of them are open and visible, while others snake underground.

The Alcantra Gorges - or “Gole dell’Alcantra” in Italian - are part of the Alcantra River Park. The deepest ravine is more than 200 feet down, most of which is above the river’s water level. The river is a popular tourist retreat, partly since the water is cool year-round and can provide a welcome respite from Sicily’s hot summer temperatures. You can also hike along and down into the canyons - “river trekking” is a popular activity here.

A visit to the Alcantra Gorges can be a good day trip from Taormina if you have your own rental car or you’ve got a private guide who is serving as your escort. The main entrance to the Alcantra River Park is about 12.5 miles from Taormina by car (a roughly 25 minute drive).