Map of the Alcantara Gorges

The Alcantara gorges are a beautiful natural site located near Francavilla di Sicilia (ME) in the Alcantara Valley.
It is a veritable canyon excavated in an ancient lava flow with deep gorges – up to 25 meters deep and up to 5 meters wide – in which flows the river Alcantara.
There are several theories about the formation of these canyons: some argue that was the power of water that carved the canyon, but the best hypothesis argues that the ancient lava flow was split in two after a strong earthquake motion and only after this event the water of the river began to flow in the Alcantara Gorges.
The river – whose name derives from the Arabic “Al Qantarah” that means “bridge” – rises at 1250 meters on Nebrodi mounts and ends, after about 50 km, at Cape Schisò.

The whole area is now under the control of the “Alcantara River Park Authority” to preserve the pristine landscape and protect the important and rare plant and animal species living there.

The Alcantara gorges represent an indispensable destination for nature lovers and walk along the gorges is an unforgettable experience.
This is possible only when water is low and only in summer because of the cold temperature of the river. We reccomend you to rent boots to avoid getting wet.
In the other periods of the year, you can only reach the entrance of the gorges by the stairs or you can take the elevator that starts from the parking car.

Visiting the gorges, you will be marvelled from the contrasts of light, from its clear water, from waterfalls and calm lakes, from caves and from black basaltic rocks with strange shapes.

Useful information

To reach the Alcantara Gorges, you will take the exit “Taormina-Giardini Naxos” of the highway A18 Messina-Catania and continue on State 185 street to Francavilla di Sicilia for about 13 km.
When you will arrive to destination, you will see a large parking where you can leave your car, a restaurant, bars and special places to do camping.
For those arriving from the north of Sicily, take the highway Messina-Palermo, exit at “Falcone” and then follow for Francavilla di Sicilia, or – if you wish to delve in the Regional Park of Nebrodi – exit at S. Agata di Militello and continue towards of San Fratello, Cesarò, Randazzo, Castiglione di Sicilia and Francavilla di Sicilia.

For further information, visiting the site of the “Alcantara River Park“.