Little Gorges of Alcantara

Overview

The Piccole Gole — the “Little Gorges” — are a lesser-known but equally captivating section of the Alcantara canyon, located upstream from the famous main gorges. Here the river narrows between modest basalt walls, creating an intimate, shaded corridor where the water runs clear and shallow over polished stone. The walk is short, flat, and well-suited to families with young children or anyone who wants a quiet alternative to the busier stretches downstream.

The Trail

San Nicola Bridge to the Little Gorges

The itinerary begins at the medieval San Nicola bridge, a graceful stone span that has crossed the Alcantara for centuries. From the bridge, a level path follows the left bank of the river through a corridor of willows, poplars, and giant reeds. The riverbed here is wide and braided, with gravel bars where grey wagtails and dippers can often be seen.

After roughly 500 metres, the valley sides close in and the basalt appears. The Little Gorges are not as deep or dramatic as their famous cousins near Motta Camastra, but they have a quiet beauty all their own:

• Sculpted basalt walls rising three to five metres above the water, adorned with ferns and mosses.
• Small cascades where the river drops over ledges, creating pools ideal for paddling in summer.
• A canopy of vegetation that filters the sunlight into dappled green patterns on the water surface.

Detour: The Byzantine Cuba

Before or after visiting the gorges, take the signed footpath that climbs gently from the bridge towards the Cuba of Santa Domenica. This tiny chapel, built between the sixth and seventh centuries, is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in eastern Sicily. Its brick dome and cruciform plan are remarkably well preserved, and the setting — on a low bluff above the river, with Etna as a backdrop — is unforgettable.

Flora and Fauna

The riparian woodland along this stretch is among the best preserved in the valley. Look for:

• Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane), one of Sicily’s rarest native trees, surviving here in a handful of ancient specimens.
• Kingfishers, which patrol the deeper pools.
• Freshwater crabs hiding under stones at the water’s edge.

Practical Tips

• Footwear: Flat shoes or sandals are fine for the main path. If you plan to wade into the gorges, bring water shoes with good grip.
• Best season: Late spring through early autumn. The gorges can be partly flooded after heavy rain — check conditions locally.
• Duration: 30 to 45 minutes for the gorges alone; add another 30 minutes for the Cuba detour.
• Parking: A small car park is available near the San Nicola bridge.
• Refreshments: The nearest bars are in Castiglione di Sicilia, about 1.5 km uphill.
• Photography: The gorges are most photogenic in the early morning, when the low sun catches the water through the canopy.