The River Park of the Alcantara

Author: Serena

This is an extremely fascinating place that is just 25 km far from Taormina. This park is famous for its several rocky gorges created by ancient geological phenomena: many years ago a little volcano erupted some lava forming a furrow. Sinking in the most clayey part of its route, the lava formed two black and imposing basalt columns that are about 50 meters high. Today this furrow is crossed by the Alcantara river whose name comes from the Arab word “Al Qantarah”.

Crossing by foot a part of this river is a very unique experience even if you can do that only from May to September when the water level is low. If you would like to do this excursion you should wear wading boots and breathable waders both for your safety and for facing the very cold river water that is frozen even in summer. During the rest of the year you have to stop at the entry of the gorges. You will be surely surprised by this natural spectacle: the black and prismatic gorges create striking reflections and shadows zones when the sunlight arrives on their surface.