Places
Hike·Easy·Scenic·Popular
Gole dell'Alcantara, Messina
Sicily
The Gole dell'Alcantara near Motta Camastra cut through ancient Etna lava flows creating a slot canyon of hexagonal basalt columns (organ pipes) — the river forces through a gap only 5 m wide in places. Wading the river in summer (water temperature 13°C) is the classic experience. The basalt columns are extraordinary — formed by slow cooling of lava. Dogs on leash on the canyon path.
Duration
2 hours
Distance
4 km
Elevation
+50 m
Best season
May – October
Highlights
- Hexagonal basalt organ-pipe columns — formed by slow cooling of Etna lava
- River narrows to 5 m between basalt walls
- Wading the 13°C Alcantara through the canyon in summer
With your dog
Gorge; dogs on leash.
