Alcantara’s Gurne and Gorges

Thousand years ago, the river bed was blocked by a lava flow from Etna. As the lava was cooled by the water, it crystallised in the form of columns. Over the next millennia, the river naturally eroded a channel through these columns. The result are these impressive gorges and ravines known by the name of "Gole dell'Alcantara". Instead, the “Alcantara’s Gurne” are typical ponds surrounded by populus, powny paks, willows and neriums.

The trail starts from the town center of Francavilla. It deals with a fairly flat itinerary, during which you can admire typical vegetation such the Downy Oaks or the lichens on lava stones. With a bit of luck, you will also see herons and water snakes.

Once you leaved the oak-wood you will reach a walkway, from which you can admire the Gurne and the Gole. The tour ends with a slight climb, along the side of the mountain on which stands the castle of Francavilla di Sicilia. You will finally arrive to a wonderful panoramic viewpoint, from which you will admire the confluence between the Zavianni River and the Alcantara River, the village of Francavilla and the sixteenth-century Capuchin Convent.

Length: 3 Km
Journey time: about 3 hours
Difficulty level: easy
Difference in height:80m

Vulcanetto Of Mojo Mount

Mojo Mount represents a volcanic cone belonging to the Etna complex, but far from the main volcano.
The path begins with a short uphill stretch of lava stone. It is characterized by olive groves, oaks, chestnut trees, brooms and other spontaneous species of local flora. Once arrived on the crater edge, you will follow a ring route that allows you to walk along its entire circumference, from where you can admire the amazing landscape of the Mount Etna, Mounts Peloritani and Alcantara Valley.

You will then descend into the inner part of Mojo Mount, where millennia ago there was the Volcano eruptive mouth and where are there majestic chestnut trees today.

It is possible to combine this excursion with that of Alcantara little Gorges, or with that of Castiglione di Sicilia city centre.

Length: 3 Km
Journey time: about 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Difference in height: 140m
Maximum height: 700m asl

There are no images in the gallery.

Alcantara Little Gorges

The path develops along the banks of the Alcantara river. From here you will observe the basalt lava outcrops of Etna.

Riparian vegetation and cultivated areas will alternate on the journey along which you will admire the Cuba of Castiglione, dedicated to Santa Domenica.

It is possible to combine this excursion with that of Mojo Mount, or with that of Castiglione di Sicilia city centre.

Length: 4 km
Journey time: about 2 hours
Difficulty: easy

Difference in height: 30m 
Maximum height: 440m

Day and time of departure: to be agreed
Meeting Place: ito be agreed
Price: differ according to participant number
Necessary equipment: Comfortable shoes, hat and a bottle of water.

Booking takes place no later than 48 hours prior departure.

For any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us either by email escursioni@associazionepfm.it or phone: +39 3313457538.