Le Gole dell’Alcantara
Suggestive excursions through volcanic canyons, rivers, and natural pools

The Gole dell’Alcantara are an unmissable stop for those staying at Palazzo Sangiorgio in Catania and seeking thrilling adventures in nature.

Also known as Gole di Larderia, these volcanic canyons are up to 25 metres high and 5 metres wide. These natural valleys have been carved by millennia of erosion from the flow of the namesake river, which runs between basaltic lava stone walls formed 300,000 years ago.

The thermal contrast between the cold river water and the lava flows has created irregular prismatic structures with pentagonal and hexagonal shapes, which became indelibly imprinted in the rock as the magmatic mass gradually cooled.

This striking formation of the walls has made the gorges particularly suitable as a stage for evening theatrical performances of Dante's "Inferno," Homer's "Odyssey," "The Trojan Women," and the Bible, as well as a location for film productions such as Matteo Garrone's "Tale of Tales."

Besides the undeniable beauty and uniqueness of these canyons, numerous naturalistic and educational trails are available, suitable even for children. At certain times of the year, one can also embark on adventurous sports excursions such as body rafting, river trekking, bike tours, horseback riding, or quad tours.