How to visit the Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge in Sicily

Deep in the foothills of Mount Etna, the Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge is one of Sicily’s hidden gems. This unique landscape, formed from numerous eruptions thousands of years ago and carved out by the Alcantara river is a fantastic alternative to the beach and a hot spot for adventure seekers. Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, it is an easy day trip from Catania, Messina and nearby Taormina.

Unique rock column formations of the lava of Etna volcano, in Gole Alcantara, Sicily, Italy

The Alcantara Gorges are possible one of the most beautiful natural wonders we have visited in Sicily (the other being Cava Grande near Avola which is similar). It is said the riverbed of this hidden gem dates back well over 300,000 years, formed from multiple eruptions from Mount Etna. Its 50 meter high walls of crystallised lava stands as a reminder of the force of the Alcantara River that carved its way through the rock with its icy cold water, leaving behind an incredible natural work of art and unique landscape.

The Gola is approximately 400 metres in length, but only a small section of it is accessible to the general public for safety reasons. For this reason, it is advised to only visit the area open for public or to use guided tours to explore the area above the Gole. 

How to get to Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge from Taormina, Catania and Messina?

Gole Alcantara is a 30 minute drive from Taormina (approx 20km) and a 50 minute drive from Catania and Messina. The location is now marked on Google Maps (thanks to its growing popularity) which now makes it much easier to find. On the map below I have marked the main entrance which is part of the Botanical and Geological Garden. Here is where you’ll find the large car park. Parking is technically free although it appears they now ask you for a donation. 

Address: Via Nazionale, 5, Motta Camastra, Messina

Basalt rocks and pristine water of Gole Alcantara gorges in Sicily, Italy

How much is the entrance admission fee for Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge?

There are two main entrances to the Alcantara Gorge. The main entrance (which is marked on the map above) is the one most people use. This is where the main car park is located, an information point, tour starting point for river activities, restaurant and ticket office. Since this is owned privately, you’ll pay more here for admission. 

This main entrance is where you can also take the elevator down to the Alcantara Gorge instead of walking (a preferred option for some families with young children). The admission for this entrance is €13.00 per adult and €9.00 children from 6-12. This price includes the lift.

In my opinion the extra money for the elevator is not worth the money! For entrance only to use the lift the price is €8.00 per adult and €5.00 children from 6-12. 

Go to the cheaper local entrance at Gole Alcantara

150 metres further up the road past the main entrance is another entrance to the gorge. This entrance is used by locals mostly, it only has stairs (but are relatively easy to walk but are steep in areas) and the entrance admission is much less approximately €1.50 per adult. At the time of writing, children were free to enter. 

Opening Hours for Gole Alcantara

The gorge is open everyday from 8:00 am in the morning until 7:00 pm in the evening. On a few occasions it has been known to shut around 8:00 pm in the evenings in the summer months. 

See the official website for updates on opening hours and available activities due to COVID – 19.

When is the best time to visit Gole Alcantara Gorge Sicily?

The Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge used to be one of the island’s secret hidden sights that only locals knew about. This was the case when I first visited in 2010. Since then, the gorge has become more popular and has now become a full on attraction.

Due to its popularity it can get quite busy in the peak summer months, especially in August when most Italian’s take their vacation. If you visit in this period, I would suggest visiting early morning (especially if you want to take photos with fewer people) and beat the tour groups. 

The best time to visit the Alcantara Gorge is perhaps in the shoulder seasons, between May/June and then September/October time. There will be fewer crowds and perhaps a more relaxing experience. 

Numb Nipples and Cramped Calves! 

While the gorge at Alcantara is a fantastic alternative to the beach during the peak Sicilian summers, visitors should prepare themselves for the really cold water. The water is a flowing fresh water river therefore it is much colder than the sea. While you can simply paddle or sit in the shallows, some parts of the river gets quite deep and very cold. 

Young Children

While there are some shallow and calm areas in the gole, young children should be watched at all times. Even as adults we were knocked off our feet by uneven river beds and swept down river. 

Gole Alcantara Gorge Sicily
We visited the first time in the month of July and it was fairly busy.

Things to do at Gole Alacantara

You may be surprised to hear that there are many activities and things to do at Gole Alcantara. Despite being a natural wonder, the area has developed greatly in the past years becoming a full service tourist site. As such, it is no longer “just locals” who visit. There are now many guided activities available, walking tours, splash park etc. If you aren’t interested in any of that, you can of course roam free and enjoy river trekking at your own pace or simply relax in the fresh waters and “beach” areas. 

Please note: I have not partaken in any of the below activities myself. Each visit to Gole dell’Alcantara has been on my own terms without a guide. Below is just some information on available activities on site. 

Here you can find a link to the brochure of activities and a map of the gorge in English.

Walking Trails

There are 4 main walking trails you can follow which offer numerous outlook viewpoints for great photographs of the gorges as well as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural scenery of the Alcantara. For those interested, the area is a habitat for a number of animals including kingfishers, weasels, martens and wild cats and a plethora of beautiful flora such as wild orchids, poppies, ancient olive trees and citrus fields. Some trails do lead you through the water so appropriate water shoes are required.

Bike Tours

If you happen to be on the sporty side you may want to take part in the Alcantara Gorges Bike Tour which follows 3 of the main trails in the botanical park and along the top of the gorge. 

River Trekking

This activity is always carried out with specialist river guides. You are provided with special protective river dungarees/overalls and then guided through the huge boulders, lava rocks and waterfalls of the fresh river. This tour is only available for children over the age of 12 of safety reasons. 

Body Rafting

Body rafting is one of the most popular activities at Alcantara. You are supplied with wetsuits, helmet and life jackets and led through the gorges with river specialists who will guide you through some of the faster paced gullies and cascades where you can let yourself be carried away by the waters, experiencing the wonder of the gorges with the maximum amount of adrenaline! 

Nordic Walking 

For those who enjoy longer strolls, Nordic walking is available (you must pre-book) which will take you along the top of the gorge, to the legendary source of Venus and into the gorge itself. 

All necessary equipment for organised tours is provided on site and included in the cost. Most tours also include the cost of the elevator down to the main beach also. For a full list of activities and walking trail information, see the official website here

The Wandering Wanderluster Recommends

Gole alcantara Sicily
My favorite spot - a natural sun lounger! From my visit in 2013.

Top Tips for Visitors to Gole Alcantara

  • You must be physically fit enough to visit. While the descend to the gorge is via steps with a railing (in parts) going back up after a day in the sun can be exhausting. There is an elevator but you have to pay for it as opposed to free entrance if you walk.
  • Take plenty of drinking water or pay a premium on site.
  • Bring suitable water shoe footwear. The river bed can be sharp in areas and walking barefoot is not advised.
  • Be aware of leeches
  • Please take any rubbish with you and respect the environment. This is a natural habitat and a beautiful place so let’s keep it that way! 

Otherwise have an amazing visit!!!

Related Posts

Scenic sight in Modica with the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Duomo of San Giorgio in the background. Sicily, southern Italy.
Top day trips from catania

Staying in Catania? Find out what the top 16 day trips from Catania are, where to find them and how to get there!

Read More
Old street in Taormina, Sicily, Italy
7 DAY SICILY ITINERARY

Read my tried and tested 7 day Sicily itinerary covering the east and southern coast!

Read More
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO SICILY

After 10 years of spending the summers in Sicily, I’ve complied a list of the things you must know before travelling to Sicily.

Read More

3 thoughts on “How to visit the Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge in Sicily

  1. Alli says:

    That stone boulder is the perfect spot to take a break and warm up! I hope despite the chilliness that you were able to feel super refreshed still 🙂 And kudos to you for jumping in that rapid!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *