Alcantara River Park

The Alcantara River Park is an interesting attraction approximately 15 minutes away from Giardini Naxos. It is famous for the gorges within the park, which have corroded the rock through geological phenomena. All this took place when, a long time ago, a small volcano erupted and spurted out a mass of lava which formed a huge crack. In an area with dense clay, the lava sunk and formed two large black columns of basalt 50 meters high. The Alcantara River now flows between this crack. A visit to the Gole dell’Alcantara, and walking along the small stretch of river bed is a truly unique experience. However, it can only be done from May to September when the water level lowers. The sight is amazing. The freezing waters, gorges, dark and brilliant geological structures, all create wonderful reflections of light and shadows as soon as the sun hits the surface.