+39 090 213 5672 booking@discovermessina.com
This private experience will make you discover the natural beauties of the Alcantara River Park, that marking the border between the cities of Messina and Catania, has shaped its valley into unique scenarios of stunning beauties and surprising nature sites.
Like a pearl in a shell of rocks, the quiet village of Motta Camastra overlooks the beautiful Alcantara Valley from the top of its 1387 ft.
But the most remarkable aspect about this village is the impressive Flysch rocks that characterize the territory of the whole Alcantara valley and that you will find in Motta Camastra just entering the town and walking the streets or hiking up to Rocca Mancusa.
With a nice hike we will also discover the spectacular natural landscape of the “gurne” of the Alcantara with its beautiful contrast between the grey of the lava and the crystal waters of the river. In summer time you can also take a bath in cold Alcantara.
Lunch break will make you try some typical delicacies of our Sicily.
“Hey there! We are Chiara, Katia, Mariarita and Sara. We can’t wait to show you the natural beauty of the Alcantara Valley. The rocks of Motta Camastra are impressive and you will also love the fresh waters of the Gurne Alcantara, especially in the summertime!”
Motta Camastra: this village overlooks the beautiful Alcantara Valley from the top of its 423 mt. Off the most beaten tourist paths, this village is known for the important production of walnuts, the so-called “nuci da Motta”. But the most remarkable aspect about this village are the impressive Flysch rocks that characterize the territory of the whole Alcantara valley and that you will find just entering the town and walking the streets.
Alcantara River Park: we will have the opportunity to visit the incredible Alcantara River Park. We will avoid the most crowded spots to prefer a walk along the so-called “gurne”, natural round ponds shaped by the river over its lava bed.
Hikes: with your expert and local guide, you can choose the activity level of your hike. For those who are not afraid of steep walks, in Motta Camastra we can hike up to Rocca Mancusa to appreciate a wider view on the village and see more rock formations of geological interest. A second nature hike will take us to discvoer the spectacular “gurne”, natural round ponds shaped by the river over its basaltic lava bed.
Guided tour of Motta Camastra: with your guide, In Motta Camastra we will experience a urban trekking: here we will appreciate rocky houses and you will see for yourself how this extraordinary sandstone rock is skilfully used to decorate doors and windows. From the main square you are going to have a breathtaking view on the valley and on Mt. Etna.
Geology: discover the typical sandstone rock formations, with its stratifications and cavities on which houses are built in Motta Camastra. The prehistoric basaltic lava of the Alcantara River Park will impress you.
Nature: explore with a relaxing hike the banks of the Alcantara river. Water plants, basaltic lava and the fairy gurne, round ponds shaped in the lava by the crystal waters of the river.
Starting from your accommodation we will reach first the village of Motta Camastra where we are going to do an urban trek exploring streets and alleyways discovering houses built on the rocks and the beautiful view of the Alcantara Valley from the central square. After the visit, you will have a sample of a treat prepared by locals with home-grown walnuts. Before leaving, possibility to do a hike from the town to Rocca Mancusa (optional).
Lunch break at a local restaurant to taste the typical delicacies of the area, in a nice spot not far from our second
In the afternoon we will reach by van the town of Francavilla and from there we will start our peaceful hike along the banks of the Alcantara River. Along the way we are going to reach some beautiful points of view on the river, where you can see the famous lava ponds called "gurne" and a small waterfall formed by the river.
English, French
Don’t forget to wear proper hiking or comfortable shoes. Swimsuit and towel in the summertime.
Our Sicily experiences will start from your accommodation located in North Eastern Sicily.
Fantastic
Sarah was my tour guide. She came with George the photographer. They were punctual, polite and
accommodating. Alcantara was beautiful scenery. They even took us to pharmacy after the tour. I would
recommend this tour to anyone. Thank you Sarah and George.
