+39 090 213 5672 booking@discovermessina.com
- Home
- About Us
- Day tours from Taormina
- Shore Excursions 2026
- Roots tourism
- Tour Search
- Travel blog
This Mt Etna and Alcantara Gorge tour will make you discover the natural beauties of the Alcantara River Park, which marks the border between the cities of Messina and Catania, and has shaped its valley into unique scenarios of stunning beauty and surprising nature sites.
In the first part of the Mt Etna and Alcantara Gorge tour, we will take you to explore some of Mt Etna’s extinct craters, formed by ancient lava eruptions. From there, the amazing coastal view will take your breath away. During a thrilling hike, your professional, passionate local guide will share extensive knowledge about the origin of Mt Etna, different types of eruptions, and lava rocks of Mt Etna.
Take amazing pictures of the summit area from a safe distance, and if you are lucky, you may also witness the degassing activity of the central craters.
The second part of the day will be focused on the Alcantara Gorge tour. We will reach the most famous point, the Alcantara Gorge. After switching into your bathing suits and water shoes, you will get right down to the riverbank effortlessly by elevator. Here you will find yourself in front of the most spectacular geological formations: grey basaltic lava columns make a surprising contrast with the crystal water of the river. It is now time to enjoy some leisure moments, walking into the lava canyon in the chilly water, and to capture the beauty of the place in pictures we believe will stay on your wallpaper for quite some time!
Mt Etna:
Did you know that Mt Etna has more than 200 extinct craters on its slopes? With this tour you will get the possibility to explore some of them, located in the Northern side of the Mountain.
Alcantara River Park:
We will have the opportunity to visit the incredible Alcantara River Park. The lava canyon has been shaped by prehistoric eruptions of Mt Etna and are now one of the landmarks of the Alcantara Valley.
Hike:
With your expert and local guide, you will start an hike from 1600 mt above sea level. You will walk on the edge of extinct craters made during the eruption of 1865. From there, you will feel like on top of the world as you appreciate a great coastal view and impressive view of the central craters from far.
Leisure:
You will have some time to relax on the riverbank at the Alcantara Gorge. Wear your swimsuit and take a walk into the canyon to explore from closer the basaltic lava formations of
Geology:
Discover the different kind of lava rocks with your professional guide, both on Mt Etna and at during the Alcantara Gorge tour. The prehistoric basaltic lava of the Alcantara River Park will impress you.
Nature:
During the Etna and Alcantara Gorge tour, you will explore and learn more also about the typical plants and wildlife of the area.
Starting from your accommodation, we will first reach the departure point on Mt Etna, situated at 1600 mt above sea level. Here you will follow your expert guide and turn every step into a fascinating discovery, learning about local flora and fauna, and Etna's history, geology, and eruptions.
After reaching the Alcantara River Park, you will have the possibility to buy something to eat before visiting the Gorge.
After the hike on Mt Etna, the stop for the Alcantara Gorge tour will represent a delightful opportunity to take a break from the hot Sicilian sun and enjoy jaw-dropping scenery, exploring the internal part of the canyon through the icy-cold water.
English
Don’t forget to wear proper hiking or comfortable shoes. Swimsuit and towel in the summertime. Watershoes are recommended for walking in the river.
We will pick you up at your accommodation in Taormina or nearby areas. If your hotel is located in the pedestrian area or in a narrow street, we will set the most convenient meeting point to meet.
