Alcantara River Park in Francavilla di Sicilia

One of the most evocative and particular areas of all of Sicily can certainly be considered the park surrounding Francavilla di Sicilia which includes the so-called Alcantara Gorges. It is an area of ​​considerable naturalistic interest, above all because the millenary action of the waters of the Alcantara river has dug real canyons in the rock which can be visited and explored on foot. Here, then, is everything beautiful that can be done at the Alcantara Francavilla di Sicilia River Park.

History of the Alcantara Francavilla River Park in Sicily

The Alcantara Francavilla di Sicilia River Park was created in 2001 and includes the territory that was once part of the Alcantara nature reserve. The entity includes not only the Alcantara Gorges but also the entire surrounding natural area and some inhabited municipalities such as Calatabiano, Castiglione di Sicilia, Francavilla di Sicilia, Gaggi, Giardini di Naxos, Graniti, Malvagna, Mojo, Motta, Randazzo, Roccella and Taormina. Undeniably, however, the most attractive place in the park is represented by the Alcantara Valley, which is a thousand-year-old river, and the gorges of the same name.

Here the historical evidence attests to the presence of man since the Copper Age and as proof of this there is also a beautiful necropolis in the Marca district area which is quite well preserved and dates back to the early years of the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, then, various dominations followed one another such as that of the Greeks and Normans: everyone has always taken the area into great consideration since it is an extremely strategic position, from whose heights you can control the entire valley and above all very fertile due to the presence of the watercourse.

The characteristics of the Park in Francavilla di Sicilia

Technically the Alcantara Gorges are located in the municipality of Motta Camastra and, together with the Botanical and Geological Park, represent the element that attracts the most tourists. The Gorges are dug by the waters of the Alcantara river within the lava rock that characterizes this area. In particular, the area was probably created thanks to a series of faults that were affected by the tectonic activity of Etna which is obviously located a short distance away. The river flows along a route of approximately 52 km but, at the height of the Gola di Larderia, for approximately 800 meters it flows between rocky walls which are 50 meters high and which create a complex system of rapids and waterfalls which then flow into the surprising Pozza di Venere, one of the most photographed points in the whole park.

A little further away, then, there are those that come in jargon called Gurne, that is, a series of five natural pools that are connected to each other and are the perfect place to relax, swim and enjoy a moment of relaxation away from the noise. It is important to remember that precisely because of their specific characteristics, the Alcantara Gorges They are closed in the period from November to March.

What is possible to do in the surroundings or inside the Park in Francavilla di Sicilia

The Park in Francavilla di Sicilia and in particular the Alcantara Gorges are much loved areas because they allow you to carry out many different activities. First of all, the river is perfect for practicing some typical water sports such as body rafting or canyoning and it is possible to rent all the necessary equipment directly in the park. The less daring, however, will not have to give up an experience of the wildest nature because it is also possible to take a river walk, with or without a guide, along one of the permitted routes. Special and organized excursions can also be carried out by mountain bike or quad, obviously through specific routes for these vehicles.

The Alcantara Francavilla di Sicilia River Park, however, also offers much more. Gastronomy enthusiasts will be able to take a wine tour that includes not only the Etna area but also that of Alcantara and will lead to the discovery of the vines of these areas, with very particular flavours. Finally, it is possible to simply relax in the Gurne, choosing the one that offers the natural landscape most in line with your tastes.

Recommended activities for a tour of the Alcantara Gorges

How is it possible to get to the Alcantara Francavilla di Sicilia River Park

The Alcantara Francavilla di Sicilia River Park is certainly an attraction not to be missed for those visiting the island but they are certainly not easily accessible. The best way to reach your destination is certainly by car: from Catania the reference motorway is the A18 with exit at the Giardini Naxos toll booth. From Taormina, however, the road is the Ss 185 towards Francavilla di Sicilia. Those who prefer to travel by bus can take a direct one that leaves from Taormina and has a stop near the Alcantara Gorges. Those traveling from Catania, however, will first have to take the bus to Giardini di Naxos and then continue with the connection to Taormina and from there follow the previously indicated route. Finally, the closest train station is Taormina, from which you can then continue with the road transport service.