Gole di Alcantara - Gole Alcantara Sicily - Taormina Excursion

In the province of Messina, between the municipalities of Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra, there is a fantastic place: the Gole di Alcantara. It is a canyon formed 8,000 years ago by the unusual embrace of the waters of the Alcantara river with jets of incandescent lava from Etna. Walls of basaltic rock up to 25 meters high and 2 to 5 meters wide rise majestically from the riverbed, offering an amazing natural spectacle.

To protect this rare territory, in the 1960s, the Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park was created, which extends into the Alcantara River Park. In the area of Motta Camastra, precisely in the municipality of Fondaco Motta, lies the most impressive and famous gorge of the park, with an extension of over 6 km and easily accessible for the first 3 km. If you visit this place in early summer, you can also walk on a small beach, accessible only when the water level allows it.

The Sentiero delle Gole winds along the left bank of the river and runs through citrus groves and viewpoints. Once you get here you will not be forced to follow a rigorous path: you will have many chances to customize your experience at Gole di Alcantara. Starting from Ponte Mitogio along the river, you can opt for the path that climbs towards Monte Miramare or the one that runs along the Gole di Larderia. River trekking and body rafting are the most exciting activities that you can try inside the park, always in good weather and with favorable weather conditions.