Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Gorges, located in the Alcantara River Park in Sicily, Italy, are a natural wonder formed by walls of lava basalt carved into various shapes, with sheer cliffs towering up to 50 meters high and narrowing down to just a few meters. The gorges owe their existence to the Alcantara River, which flows down the northern slopes of Mount Etna, from the Nebrodi Mountains to the Ionian Sea coast. Visitors can relax on the small pebble beach, enjoy the sun, listen to the sound of the flowing water, and admire its imposing walls. For the more adventurous, there are guided excursions, such as Body Rafting and River Trekking, which allow exploration of the most beautiful and hidden corners of the canyon. The gorges are also home to a unique geological formation, with columnar basalts visible in the walls, formed by the rapid cooling of lava flows from Mount Etna. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers a glimpse into the island's rural culture, with nearby hillside villages and towns, such as Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia, showcasing historical gems and traditional markets