We propose you an itinerary that let you discover one of the most spectacular natural monuments in Europe: the Alcantara gorges, where you can admire the naturalistic aspects of great beauty, including the columnar basalts and the river flora and fauna.
A place where geological events of relevant intensity have given origin to these sculptures of nature.
The itinerary includes a visit to the small gorges of the Alcantara river in Castiglione di Sicilia, the Gurne (little lakes) of the Alcantara river and finally the columnar basalts located in the descent of the municipality entrance of the Alcantara River Gorges.
Difficulty level: Easy -Medium
Duration: 6 hours – 9.00 – 15.00
Trekking: Easy tour to visit natural paths of the Alcantara valley, Naturalist guide
Walk: Total lenght : 4 km
top view and close up view of Alcantara river, columnar basalts, little gorges of the Alcantara river, hollowed out lakes from the erosion of the river, Byzantine church.
Trekking excursion to the Alcantara Gorges to discover natural environments of extraordinary charm.
With this itinerary, departing from Catania you will discover one of the most spectacular natural landmark in Europe, the Alcantara Gorges.
Trekking at the Alcantara gorges includes a path in a nature trail that does not present particular difficulties and is also suitable for less experienced hikers.
With this guided trekking excursion, together with our naturalist guides you will cross a part of the Alcantara River Park: a protected nature reserve where you can admire the flora and fauna typical of this area.
Walking surrounded by nature, you will visit one of the most evocative areas that distinguish the Alcantara valley.
The Alcantara Valley extends from north to south from the Peloritani Mounts to the volcanic areas of Etna and from west to east from the Nebrodi mountains to the coast of the Ionian Sea.
The valley which hosts the river basin of the Alcantara River, collects the rainwater and snowfall that feed its flow and forms a natural setting of enchanting beauty.
Continuing on a dirt trail, between enchanting uncontaminated scenery, you will reach the famous Alcantara Gorges.
These marvelous sculptures of nature have developed as a result of geological and geothermal events of considerable intensity.
The impressive Alcantara Gorges up to 25 meters high, look like a majestic natural canyon dug by water over thousands of years. The basaltic lava walls are covered with solidified magma formations in hexagonal, pentagonal and prismatic shapes.
You will be able to observe the suggestive columnar basalts produced by the rapid cooling of the incandescent lava in contact with the cold water of the river and listen to the exhaustive explanations of the naturalist guides who will explain the peculiarities of this amazing place.
The trekking excursion to the Alcantara gorges also includes a visit to the Gurne of the Alcantara river: small lakes of cold, crystal clear water, hollowed out from the erosion of the river waters.
After the trekking to the Gurne of the Alcantara, the tour continues towards the town of Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania), where you can admire a Byzantine Cuba: the rural church built of limestone and blocks of lava, the typical materials of these territories.
For its beauty and uniqueness and for its ancient origins, the small church was studied by the famous architect and archaeologist Sebastiano Agati and in 1909 it was declared a National Monument.
Trekking to the Alcantara Gorges is an Etna excursion suitable for the whole family.
Departure time: 9.00
Duration: approx. 6hours
Lunch: No
Tasting: No
Dinner: No
Difficulty level: Easy
Activity carried out on foot on dirt track
Recommended period: April – October
Suitable for:
couples
families with children (yrs 10+ )
small groups
Not recommended for:
Pregnant women
Travelers with reduced mobility
Travelers with cardio respiratory diseasesDonne in gravidanza
According to the season: rucksack , trekking shoes, comfortable clothing, , windbreaker or waterproof jacket, fleece, hat, sunscreen, spare shirt, water (2 litres), energy foods.
Additional charge will be applied to pick-ups & drop-offs from some locations outside Catania shown below (the list of locations is not exhaustive). The cost of the additional is to be shared by the number of paying passengers picked up from a given location.
CATANIA AIRPORT + € 40
ACITREZZA E ACICASTELLO + € 55
ACIREALE + € 60
SAN GREGORIO DI CATANIA + € 30
TAORMINA: + € 150
SIGONELLA + € 90
MOTTA SANT’ANASTASIA: + € 60
COSTA SARACENA: + € 120
RIPOSTO: + € 75
GIARRE: + € 70
MASCALI: + € 90
LINGUAGLOSSA: + € 130
Do you want to use your own means of transport * during this Tour?
For you and your family a 25% discount!
The discount is applicable for a minimum of 4 participants
Within 2 days of the scheduled tour date, the customer is refunded 100%. of the amount paid for the reservation, excluding any bank commission charges.
Adult € 45 per person min 10 pax
Adult €49 per person min 5 pax
Adult €55 per person min 4 pax
Adult €65 per person min 2 pax
Adult €130 per person min 1 pax
Children up to 12 yrs €35 pax
Request your discount code for bookings of 4 or more people, click on the blue messenger button!
Dear Customer, we inform you that every Sunday in October our tours on the Etna volcano will undergo some changes both in the departure time, route and in the itinerary.
The tasting in Zafferana etnea will not be carried out due to a Gastronomic event that does not allow the regular transit within the municipality of Zafferana etnea.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
The fee includes: registration to our association, transfer A / R, guide. Payment method: Credit Card, PayPal account.
Do you need assistance during your booking? Contact us in chat or email.
In case of adverse weather condition the tour could undergo changes.
The excursion will be taken at lower altitude.
If you have any queries, questions or need clarification about some aspects of the tour program outlined above, please try read the section EXCURSIONS in our F.A.Q.s page, before booking. Booking terms and Condition – Cancellation Policy, click here.
The activities outlined above are intended for Excursions in Sicily members only.
However, because the cost of the tour includes, in addition to the insurance quota, even the membership fee, the Excursions in Sicily membership is automatically acquired.
Within 2 days of the scheduled tour date, the customer is refunded 100%. of the amount paid for the reservation, excluding any bank commission charges.
Soemin Viaggi by Fevi Tour srl
Via Maggiore G. Galliano, 23 – 90143 Palermo
REA: 411693
Licenza n° 123/S7 cat. A illimitata
P.Iva 06731780828
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Associazione Naturalistica e Culturale Excursions in Sicily – C.F. 93169900870
The activities are intented for Excursions in Sicily Members Only
