Alcantara Gorges

The Alcantara Gorges are a narrow ravine of black volcanic basalt, sculpted over thousands of years where an ancient Etna lava flow met the cold water of the Alcantara river. The columnar rock walls rise up to twenty-five metres and the shallow river runs ice-cold even in August. A staircase and a lift lead down from the valley park, and in summer visitors wade through the shallows in waterproof boots. The surrounding valley is full of citrus groves, small farming villages and viewpoints back towards the volcano. The Alcantara river park is a public protected natural area managed by the Parco Fluviale dell'Alcantara. Some individual entrances, lifts, body-rafting activities and visitor services are operated commercially by independent providers. Check the official park website for access and visitor information before travelling.