Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Alcantara Gorges. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mt. Etna and Alcantara River Full-Day Tour from Taormina

• Mt. Etna and Alcantara River Full-Day Tour from Catania

• Etna Summit Area, Lunch, and Alcantara Tour – Small Groups from Taormina

• Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorges from Taormina

• Etna & Alcantara

Entry to the Alcantara Gorges costs €1.50, which you can pay at the entrance. If you’d rather not go down the tall staircase to the gorges, a lift service is available for €8. Guided day trips to Mt. Etna and the Alcantara Gorges start at US$60 per person.

Yes, the Alcantara Gorges are worth visiting. Shaped over time by Mt. Etna's eruptions, the dramatic basalt gorges are unique to this region of Italy and offer a variety of activities, from swimming or body-rafting in the Alcantara River to relaxing on the pebble beach. Right next to Sicily's top national park, the gorges are best visited on a guided Mt. Etna day trip that takes you to see the volcano's craters and lava flows before cooling off in the Alcantara River—with transportation included so you can focus on the natural scenery.

Per one customer who booked the Mt. Etna and Alcantara River Full-Day Tour from Taormina, "We had the best guide ever, Lorenzo! He was right on time, and from the beginning of the trip till the very end he was enthusiastically explaining a lot and answering all our questions. You could tell that he's really passionate about what he's doing, and besides the gorgeous landscapes and exciting activities, his expertise and enthusiasm is what made our trip genuinely memorable and unforgettable. I'd truly recommend this excursion, my family and I had an incredible experience for life! Thank you!"

At the Alcantara Gorges, you can relax on the pebble beach, hike a botanical trail, get on the water on rented boats and kayaks, or embark on guided excursions. Adventurous visitors can try body rafting or river trekking. Summer is ideal for these activities due to lower water levels and warmer temperatures.

Yes, guided tours of the Alcantara Gorges range from river treks to body rafting trips. The easiest way to visit the gorges from Taormina, Messina, or Catania is on small-group tours with round-trip transport. Many tours also include Mt. Etna hikes, wine tastings, and a ride on the Circumetnea Railway.

The best time to visit the Alcantara Gorges is from April to June and in September and October. These periods offer pleasant weather for exploring and getting in the water. Summer brings more crowds but warmer waters and lower river flow for water activities. The gorges are closed from November to March.

The Alcantara Gorges can be fun for kids, depending on their age and how much they can handle. Older children could enjoy hiking and water activities, but younger children usually need help navigating the rocky terrain. Consider water currents and safety measures when swimming with kids.

Plan to spend at least half a day at the Alcantara Gorges. This allows time for hiking, swimming, and exploring rock formations. If participating in guided tours or additional activities, consider allocating more time—many tours from Taormina, Messina, and Catania take a whole day to visit the gorges, Etna, and other sites.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Alcantara Gorges. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Taormina:

• Taormina Piazza Duomo

• Isola Bella

• Corso Umberto I

• Greek Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Greco)

• Piazza IX Aprile

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Taormina.