Excursion and visit to the Alcantara Gorges in Sicily

The best time to visit the Alcantara Gorges is in the morning, when the sun illuminates the Alcantara Valley in Sicily. In fact, in the afternoon this stretch of river is in the shade and there is a large crowd of tourists.

The gorges are located in the Alcantara Valley

Between the Etna volcano and the Peloritani mountain range, the site is known for the spectacular basaltic prisms. In the Motta Camastra area, the river flows into a stretch made up of an ancient lava flow. In the territory of Giardini Naxos there was a famous Roman bridge, from which the name of this watercourse originates. To visit the gorges and admire the wonderful basalts of the column, we suggest a walk in the canyon (the water is around 7°C), you can swim (in this case, remember to bring a change of clothes and a towel).

Trip planning

Pick-up/drop-off with an NCC vehicle with a dedicated driver. The guide will take you to the Case Perrotta organic farm, where the farmer will show you the different crops, depending on the period of visit, and the varieties of olives. The ideal period to attend the olive and cherry harvest is between October and November. Visit the Alcantara Gorges with a walk in the lava canyon. Visits to the Case Perrotta organic farm. Etna olive oil tasting. Lunch preparation and simple cooking class. Lunch at the Case Perrotta organic farm. Visit of the Chestnut of the Hundred Horses on Etna.

Taste the olive oil from Etna

After the farm tour, you will taste and compare different olive oils. The closure guides you in identifying the defects and the quality of the different olive oils. There will also be guided compilation of a sensory analysis form.

Sicilian cooking lesson

Under the direction of the chef, you will actively participate in the preparation of your dishes and you will receive all the necessary information so that you can autonomously repeat the recipes of Italian cuisine, full of flavors. The dishes you prepare are tasted during lunch.

Visit to the Chestnut of the Hundred Horses on the Etna volcano

After lunch there will be a visit to a millenary chestnut grove, located in Sant'Alfio on the eastern slope of the Etna volcano, near Case Perrotta. The Chestnut of the Hundred Horses is considered the oldest in Europe and is included in the Italian heritage of green monuments. Legend tells of a queen and her 100 knights who would have found refuge under the famous chestnut tree sheltered from a storm.