The Alcantara Gorges, also called Larderia Gorges, represent one of the most suggestive and less known place in Eastern Sicily. This paradise is located between the provinces of Messina and Catania, more precisely between the municipalities of Castiglione della Sicilia and Motta Camastra. The canyon was formed by the lava stone erosion, which took place over thousands of years by the Alcantara river, one of the most important rivers in Sicily. The most impressive and famous gorge of Alcantara is located in Fondaco Motta and is more than 6 km long, but only the first 3km can be reachable.
The lava stone walls, eroded by Alcantara, date back to more than 8000 years ago! In fact they are the result of lava flows open at that time and in more recent times as a result of volcanic eruptions, which have created overlapping different prismatic forms of the lava stone itself.
The territory of the Alcantara Gorges obtained in 2010 the European recognition of European Destination of Excellence
(EDEN).
The access routes to the gorges are different and varied: you can choose between a visit to the small gorges, the path of the Gole di Larderia and the of Montagna Grande, the path of Castiglione di Sicilia, the path of the Castello di Calatabiano or the one that runs along the banks of Alcantara. The difficulty levels are different, to give the possibility to beginners and advanced to enjoy this wonderful place.
Even if you are not an expert in walking, the Alcantara Gorges are worth a visit for its crazy panoramic views and its naturalistic landscape.
For sports lovers, the activities proposed are many. There is, in fact, the possibility of practicing canoying, body rafting, kayaking, trekking in the gorges and quad excursions. In addition, you can organize bike tours, hiking between Etna and the gorges, wine tastings and much more!
This little hidden paradise can be easily reached from our villas in Eastern Sicily, such as Villa La Boeme, Torre Isola Bella, Villa Angelina and Villa Torre Etnea.
