An unmissable spot for lovers of nature and adventure trips, the Gorges of the Alcantara constitute a canyon created by the phenomenon of old lava flows having set and then having been carved out by the waters of the River Alcantara. This is in the province of Messina, close to Francavilla di Sicilia.
If you want to spend the day doing something different, Sicilying has got a couple of suggestions for Alcantara Gorge Tour. It is in fact possible to practice a range of different sports on this stretch of river with no negative impacts on the surrounding nature.
It’s a chance to experience the Park in a different way, indeed, to enter fully in contact with your surroundings:
1. Canyoning in the River Alcantara
Trekking and climbing along the river accompanied by an authorised guide. Once at the Gorges of the Alcantara you’ll put on all the necessary equipment (wetsuit, helmet and life jacket). Then it’s time to walk to the departure point, to then descend into the canyon, where at some points you will use rope as a support. You will pass by natural slides, always in complete safety with the assistence of a highly qualified guide.
2. Adventures in ATV quad bike
An off-road itinerary in quad bike with a guide to discover Mount Etna and the Alcantara valley. Sicilying offers you 4 different options: two short Alcantara gorge tour (of 1 hour and 2.5 hours) in the Alcantara valley; a tour of Montagna Grande (the highest peak of the Peloritani mountains), a totally off-road trip of approximately 3 hours; or the Etna trail (of 4.5 hours), cruising along the lava rock in sight of the volcano. You are free to drive the quad bike on your own or with a passenger: each quad bike can transport up to two people. The quad bike driver must have a driver’s license B, or if 16 years or older, be a holder of an A1 quad drivers license.
3. Jeep tour
Trekking and off-road on Etna between the craters and lava flow caves. In a 4×4 you will reach the eastern slopes of Etna, passing Zafferana Etnea and Milo. From there, following dirt tracks, you’ll head to the Bove Valley. In wintertime you will reach the valley walking with snowshoes, along wooded paths in the snow. Continuing on mainly tarmacked road, you will encounter old lava flows and ancient woodland, you’ll see over 300 inactive craters, lunar landscapes and unspoilt nature. We’ll then go down “inside” the volcano, visiting a lava flow cave. Then it’s time to stop for a bit and talk about all we’ve seen, all in the company of some Etna wines and traditional local foods.
4. Body rafting
Trekking along the Alcantara river lets you see the fascinating lava formations. Sicilying suggests a trip along the Alcantara river with an authorised guide. Once at the Gorges of the Alcantara you’ll put on all the necessary equipment (wetsuit, helmet and life jacket) and then it’s time to go body rafting along the river, admiring the volcanic rock walls that surround the river as you go. The trail is about 2.5 km, between stretches in and out of the water. At some points you will swim along in the river and you will get pulled along by the current. Once arrived at the end point a minibus will pick you up and get you back to the departure point.
5. Hydrospeed
Have you ever heard of Hydrospeed? It is not very well known but we assure you it is great fun! The hydrospeed is a sort of floating bob which will allow you with the least effort to experience the river while cherishing the landscape of the canyon. Your guide will give you all of the necessary equipment and you will only need to relax and let the water lead you on.
6. Trekking and wine tasting
For the lovers of nature and wine, this is an opportunity that you cannot miss!
The activity will start with a nice walk among though vineyards and olive groves of this estate at 350 m above sea level deep in the Alcantara Valley. You will visit the area dedicated to the wheat threshing and from here you will start a trek to discover the archeological site of Rocca Pizzicata.
As you get back a tasting of wine and extra-virgin olive oil will be waiting for you along with a buffet of typical products of the area.
For all of this and much more you can count on our help to organize incredible holidays in Sicily!