Description of the attraction
The Alcantara Gorge is a deep crevice in rocks and cliffs formed by the repeated eruptions of Mount Etna and located near Taormina, in eastern Sicily. A river with the same name flows along the bottom of the gorge of amazing beauty, which from May to August significantly decreases in volume, but does not dry up completely. At the same time, the water in the river is always cool, which attracts hundreds of people who want to refresh themselves on hot summer days. The river is only 52 km long, and the basin area is 573 sq. Km. Its source is located on the southern slopes of the Nebrodi mountain range at an altitude of 1250 meters.
The name of the river comes from the Arabic word "al-Kantarah", which means "bridge" - in ancient Roman times, a bridge was thrown across the stream, later discovered by the Saracens. Several thousand years ago, the riverbed was blocked by lava during the eruption of Etna. Since lava, when combined with water, cooled much faster than it happens in natural conditions, it crystallized in the form of columns. Then, over many hundreds of years, the river made its way through these columns, as a result of which the majestic and formidable Alcantara gorge was formed, up to 25 meters deep and 2 to 5 meters wide. In 2001, this territory was included in the river park of the same name.
The entire Alcantara valley is covered with amazing shrubs and flowers that will delight even experienced "botanists". And you can take a look around the entire picturesque area by going up to a specially equipped observation deck, which is open from seven in the morning to seven in the evening. The gorge itself makes a special impression on tourists - sharp cliffs of bizarre basalt, numerous waterfalls crashing against stones and scattering millions of splashes, leave an unforgettable impression.
