Nature lovers will surely know the Alcantara Gorges, a must-see attraction in Sicily. They, located about 20 km from Taormina, inside the Alcantara River Park, are real canyons formed by black lava walls up to 50 meters high, from the typical prismatic shape taken by the rocks during the cooling process . Inside the gorges flow the crystal clear waters of the Alcantara river, in a surreal landscape, pure thanks to the hidden position that has preserved its existence intact.
Until the 1950s, in fact, the site was completely unknown. Why have even the inhabitants of the area been hidden for so long? Because of the dangerousness of the descent along the ridge overlooking the river, which discouraged any attempt, making them unexplored. The Alcantara Gorges are born from the ancient eruption, by the Mojo crater, north of Etna, of an enormous quantity of lava that made its way to the sea. The path of the lava river is followed by a stream that, by making its way, has freed two high basalt walls, characterized by fascinating prismatic shapes: the Alcantara river and the homonymous valley, whose names originate in the period of Arab domination.
The name Al Qantarah refers to the arched bridge built by the Romans and capable of resisting the full floods of the river. The Alcantara Gorges, also called Gorges of Larderia, 400 meters long, up to 50 meters high and between 2 and 5 meters wide, are passable when the water is low, for a stretch between 50 and 200 meters, equipping themselves, at the entrance, with boots and dungarees, useful to avoid getting wet with the icy waters of the river. The river bed is practicable, normally from May to September, while during the other months of the year it is only possible to arrive at the mouth of the Gorges, making the ascent in the elevator.