The Gole dell’Alcantara Gorge is one of the most fascinating natural sites in the Taormina area.

Here, the river has exposed solidified lava flows from Mount Etna, which have cracked into regular basalt columns. The canyon walls reach heights of up to 30 metres.

In my opinion, the Alcantara Gorge is well worth a visit, especially on a hot day. It isn’t a hike through the gorge lasting several hours, like the Samaria Gorge in Crete, for example.

The main attraction is the descent to the river and the walk along the ice-cold riverbed between the basalt walls.

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a typical visit. You can easily combine a trip to Alcantara with a visit to Taormina or a trip to Mount Etna.

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Which entrance to the gorge should you choose?

There are two different entrances to Alcantara. Both lead to the main riverbed, but differ significantly in price and the range of services on offer.

Municipal entrance – 2 eur

For most visitors, we recommend the inexpensive Ingresso Comunale. You reach the river via a long flight of steps and can then walk along the bank and through the shallow riverbed.

• Admission: 2 eur
• children under 3 years: free
• Lift: no
• Facilities and changing rooms: no
• Municipal entrance on the map

The village entrance is open from early April to late October:

• April to June: 9.00 am–6.30 pm
• July and August: 8.30 am–7.30 pm
• September: 9.00–18.00
• October: 9.00–17.00

Opening hours may vary depending on the weather, visitor numbers and river conditions. Up-to-date information is published by the municipality of Motta Camastra.

Private park with a lift – 30 eur

About 150 metres from the village entrance lies a private botanical and geological park. It no longer offers a separate, low-cost lift ticket and now only sells a complete package.

• Adults: 30 eur
• children aged 5 to 10: 25 eur
• Open daily: 9.00–18.00

The price includes the lift to the river and back, a visit to the botanical park, the WaterWay scenic trail, the multimedia exhibition, the Spray Park and the hire of high protective boots.

We would recommend the private entry option if you are unable to manage the long staircase or wish to make the most of the entire park. However, the rocky riverbed itself is not wheelchair-accessible. In our view, the surcharge compared to the standard entry fee does not make sense for a standard visit to the gorge.

You can find further details on the private park’s official website.

 

How the visit works

After the descent, you’ll arrive at a rocky beach at the mouth of the narrowest part of the gorge. You can continue on foot upstream as far as the current water level and flow allow. After heavy rain, parts of the riverbed may be inaccessible.

Please bring:

• water shoes with sturdy soles
• swimwear, a towel and a change of dry clothes
• a waterproof phone case

Flip-flops are not suitable, as the rocks are slippery and uneven. The water is very cold, even in the middle of summer.

In July and August, it’s best to arrive in the morning. You don’t need to book basic admission in advance.

River trekking and body rafting

You don’t need a guide for a simple walk along the riverbed. Guided tours are organised for longer activities, during which you’ll be provided with a wetsuit, helmet and other equipment.

• River trekking: from 40 eur
• body rafting: from 45 eur
• body rafting organised by the private park: 65 eur

Individual activities vary in length, difficulty and starting point. The private park’s programme has an age restriction of 16 to 62 years, and participants must be in good physical condition.

During the peak season, we recommend booking at least a few days in advance.

• Compare river trekking and body rafting in the Alcantara Gorge

Is an organised trip worth it?

If you’re staying in Taormina or have hired a car, visit the gorge on your own. The return bus from Taormina and the municipal entrance fee together cost just 8,40 eur.

An organised trip makes sense in two situations:

• you’re staying in Catania and don’t want to hire a car
• you want to combine Alcantara with Mount Etna in a single day

Full-day trips with transport from Catania, Taormina or Giardini Naxos start at around 85 eur. The standard price for smaller guided groups ranges between 90 and 130 eur. Always check that admission to the gorge is included in the price.

• Compare trips to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorge

 

How to get to the Alcantara Gorge

By car

The gorge is situated on the SS185 road between Giardini Naxos and Francavilla di Sicilia.

• Taormina: 21 km and about 35 minutes
• Catania: 55 km and about 1 hour
• Giardini Naxos: 15 km and about 25 minutes

There is a large free car park next to the private park. From there, continue for about 150 metres along the road to the public entrance.

If travelling by car, please also read the section on Car hire in Sicily.

By bus from Taormina

Direct Interbus services depart from the main bus terminal in Taormina.

• Destination: Gole Alcantara
• journey time: 55 minutes
• One-way ticket: 3,20 eur

On weekdays, the timetable usually shows 3 services from Taormina and 4 services back.

A convenient morning bus leaves at 9.15 am and the last return service at 5.15 pm. Timetables are seasonal, so please check the specific dates before travelling and, ideally, buy a return ticket straight away.

There is no direct train service to the gorge. Public transport from Catania involves several changes and can be time-consuming, so a hire car or an organised tour is a more practical option.

Further information can be found in the section on Transport in Sicily.

Accommodation near the Alcantara Gorge

Most travellers visit Alcantara as part of a day trip. Choose the best place to stay according to your mode of transport:

• Without a car: Taormina – the most convenient base with a direct bus service.
• By the sea and more affordable: Giardini Naxos – particularly suitable if travelling by car.
• In the countryside: Motta Camastra – small guesthouses and rural apartments just a few minutes from the gorge.

Staying in the Alcantara Valley is particularly worthwhile if you’re travelling by car and also wish to visit the northern slopes of Mount Etna, the vineyards and the towns of Castiglione di Sicilia or Randazzo.

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