Alcantara Gorges: a lava canyon between crystalline waters and ancient legends

The Alcantara River took millennia to carve a canyon through ancient lava flows between Etna and the Nebrodi mountains. These are the Gole dell'Alcantara, a place that surprises with its primordial beauty. The Gorges are located in the Alcantara Gorges Botanical and Geological Park, where the icy water of the river has etched the basalt rocks, creating walls up to 25 meters high. This created a lava corridor where a surreal landscape is formed between natural geometries and water. The surfaces have an elephant skin texture, formed by the rapid cooling of the lava in contact with the water.

In fact, the conformation of the walls is the true protagonist of this canyon, because you feel as if you are walking inside a living sculpture forged by fire and carved by water. The gorges have all possible amenities, and today there is a comfortable way to visit them via an elevator that leads directly to the internal beach, although the more adventurous prefer body rafting, canyoning, or excursions with a river guide that allow you to swim or walk inside the canyon.

The park also offers a botanical area and an interactive geological museum, which is indicated for those who want to discover all the secrets of the park more deeply. According to the legend that envelops this place, Alcantara was inhabited by nymphs and nature spirits, and its waters also had healing powers.

The name Alcantara is not only that of the football player Thiago: Alcantara derives in fact from Al-Qantarah, which means “the bridge” in Arabic, as in antiquity these canyons were crossed by bridges.

The Gole dell'Alcantara are therefore a comfortable experience, but also perfect for those who love extreme adventures. An unforgettable journey into the volcanic heart of the island.

CC BY 2.0 cattan2011