Catafurco waterfall in Galati Mamertino

North Eastern Sicily, Metropolitan City of Messina, on the border with Nebrodi Park: here, a few kilometers away from the ancient one village of Galati Mamertino, scrolls the San Basilio stream with its tributaries. Along the route of one of these, just a short distance from the village, there is the Catafurco waterfall, a spectacle of nature where the water leaps for tens of meters and plunges into the placid body of water known as the Muffler of the Giants, name that owes to the strong rumble caused by the swirling water of the stream.

Other sites that wind around the stream also prove to be interesting and mysterious attractions to explore, with their stories halfway between reality and legend: the Grotto of the Tear of Mary, the Ruins of Don Custodio's Casotto and, not far away, the Mangalaviti forest with its beech forest.

The history of the Catafurco waterfall can be read in the rock, where the erosion caused by the passage of water year after year, century after century, has produced in Galati Mamertino one of the most evocative natural sceneries of north-eastern Sicily.

The conformation of the Catafurco waterfall and what to see

Passing the center of Galati Mamertino, you arrive near the Catafurco waterfall, hidden and protected by the Mediterranean scrub. One of the tributaries of the San Basilio stream passes here and the area can only be visited on foot. From here, after having parked the car, walk along the mule track that descends into the valley, wandering among the stone pagghiaras and continuing along the valley floor, where the waterfall is hidden among the rocks. Below the leap, the waters are channeled into a clear and transparent natural pool. The leap is about 30 meters and offers visitors a truly unforgettable show.

What to do near the Catafurco waterfall and in the surroundings

Entering the valley up to the Catafurco waterfall, you will discover one of the natural spectacles most fascinating in the area: water, rock and vegetation, simple elements which, combined together along the course of the stream, will amaze you and give you peace and relaxation.

A excursion to the Catafurco waterfall it could be the perfect opportunity to organize even a longer holiday in Sicily, to discover the natural and artistic beauties of the Messina area. In fact, a few kilometers from the waterfall is the small mountain village of Galatians Mamertinus (800 meters above sea level) of ancient Arab origins, which still today offers visitors surprising architectural beauties such as the Mother Church from the XNUMXth century, in the hamlet of San Basilio. Of great tourist interest they are also St James square, Prince's Palace and castle ruins.
If you choose the center of Galati for your accommodation, you will find a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere of relaxation and all the services you need on holiday, from hotels to restaurants!

In the surroundings of Galati Mamertino you can also visit other attractions such as the Museum of Sicilian Costume and Fashion, the splendid San Filippo Fragalà Abbey and of course the Nebrodi Park. Those who can't give up the Sicilian sea will be able to reach it Capo d'Orlando in less than half an hour by car, to spend wonderful hours on the beach.

After each stop on your island tour, don't forget to taste the specialty of the place: in the Messina area you will find delicious Sicilian cannoli and almond paste, but also savory dishes such as prawns with mint or Messina-style cod.

How is it possible to get to the Catafurco waterfall

The Catafurco waterfall is located about 8,2 km south of Galati Mamertino. To arrive in the town in the province of Messina, choose the car or the train.
By car:, from the A20 Messina-Buonfornello motorway, take the Rocca di Capri Leone exit, about 9 km from the centre; on the train, get off at the S. Agata di Militello station and continue for the next 12 km by bus or shuttle to Galati Mamertino.

Images of fat baby, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons