Gorges of Alcantara - Le gole dell'Alcantara

A spectacular canyon

One of the most fascinating places in Sicily is without any doubt the Gorges of Alcantara.
The Gorges are located in the Alcantara Valley (Francavilla di Sicilia, province of Messina). Even if they are not so well known as other touristic places​ they offer a great spectacle, one of the best in the world. They are a true canyon, originated from the ​cooling of ancient lava flows, in the centre​ of the canyon​ flow the frozen waters of the Alcantara River.

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Origin of the name

The name of the river, and of the valley derive from the word, "Al Qantarah" an Arabian world, that is referred to the name of a bridge built by the Romans, during the Arabian​ domination, capable of resisting​ to the force of the river that still todayoffers​r an impressive spectacle.

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The legend

The Alcantara waters are incredibly frosty! The legend tells that the God Volcano had fallen in love with the Goddess Venus and as present for his beloved had permanently heated the waters of Alcantara where Venus loved to bathe. This love stoy had a tragic end and the God Vulcan, in a moment of anger, made icy the waters of the river in order to punish Venus for her betrayal. From that moment story goes that the cold waters of the gorges restore virility to men and virginity to women that immerge themselves in its cold waters.

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The best period to visit the gorges?

It is possible to visit the gorges both in summer and winter through two paths along its length, furthermore there are banners and tables along the gorges with numerous that provide useful information and descriptions of the sites.
In winter, when waters rise in level, the Gorges offer a fascinating and unforgettable scenario of the flooding river.

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In summer, the gorges can be traversed when the water is low for a little part, extended for 50 and 200m. Since the beginning of the journey the water level easily reaches the waist, and often it is necessary to walk down certain parts of the path swimming.

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At the entrance it is possible to rent a pair of boots that adhere to the body with water pressure and allow not to bathe in the (perennial) cold waters of the river. Normally the riverbed is practicable from May to September and the path is less difficoult. The rest of the year can only be reached at the mouth of the gorges.

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Activities

As far as sports activities are concerned, in the territory of the Park it is possible to practice different sports that do not influence the environment and allow the visitor to live a great experience and to get a closer contact, with the Surrounding environment.
Trekking lovers can deal with different trails, admire closely the lava rock formations and live sensations that just the Alcantara gorges can give.

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Furthermore, ​you can practice:

• Body rafting
• Canyoning in the Alcantara River
• Adventures in quad Etna and Alcantara
• Alcantara in bicycle
• Etna and Alcantara in jeep

Tips

If you decide to visit the gorges you'd better to wear suitable and sporty clothing, suitable footwear (recommended for running or trekking) a protection from sun during summer and a protection from rainy and cold during winter time;
It's better to follow always the marked paths, the delimitations and the fences.
Do not leave the trails and the paths specifically marked.
Do not immerse in river waters without suitable protective equipment for cold waters (boots, slippers, scuba suit or dive skin);
All the equipment can be rented directly inside the Park of the Alcantara Gorges.

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GPS Coordinates: 37.885681, 15.165465

Enjoy!

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