Necropoli di Pantalica
Necropoli di Pantalica
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Hiking in the magical Anapo river valley, you come upon steep cliff sides that are dotted with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating from the 13th century BC.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
448 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
111
Average
24
Poor
11
Terrible
15
Zoë v
Hasselt, Belgium36 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazing views and great historical site! A walk to remember and views to cherish forever. Just be mindful during the walk and stay away from the edge at all costs. Upon reaching the river we had to return due to the fire hazard, but we stocked around for a little while because the calming waters were too much of a calming resting spot. Definitely had a great work out over there.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Busker999
Tonbridge, UK1,505 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Think we got this wrong. Followed the rough guide but took us to an entrance that seemed to.not be well looked after. Saw a bit but was rather difficult to navigate and not many signs. Abandoned after an hour but think better entrance on other side
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gk01
United Kingdom149 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
My main reason for writing this review is to try and capture some of the details on finding this place, so people can get there more easily. The necropolis was carved in cliffs in a river gorge, over a vast area, which is part of a nature reserve called "Riserva Naturale Orientata Pantalica, Valle dell'Anapo, Torrente Cava Grande". I didn't find a "Point of Interest" on my TomTom for Pantalica. We realised that it had many approaches, among them, one from Sortino (coming from Catania), another from Ferla (coming from Pallazzolo Acreide). Once we reached Sortino, we started seeing brown (tourism) signs saying "Pantalica". Coming from Catania, if we stayed on the A18, we would, have seen the same signs at the right exit pointing to "Pantalica" and Sortino, but we took an earlier exit for some reason.
Once you pass through the one way system in Sortino, you reach a "T" junction, where there is a sign pointing right "Via Pantalica" and appearing to be more of a continuation from where you are coming. Don't take that (when we went there, there was a road block 100 meters down). Take the left instead, and eventually you should get more Brown boards for "Pantalica". It is still several kilometers after exiting Sortino. You must keep driving till you reach a dead end. On your way, you will pass an information sign with a map of the Nature Reserve (picture attached). Here is the exact location of the "dead end" which is the entrance to the park where you are merely 1 km from the Necropoli Nord, one of the many burial sites.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=37.141675%2c15.037107&hl=en&ll=37.144993%2c15.043159&spn=0.014196%2c0.025148&num=1&t=m&z=15&iwloc=near
This is the link to the street view of this location:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Pantalica%2c+Italy&hl=en&ll=37.141846%2c15.037279&spn=0.022715%2c0.050297&sll=51.503445%2c-0.575105&sspn=0.070951%2c0.201187&oq=pantalica&hnear=Pantalica%2c+Italy&t=m&z=14&layer=c&cbll=37.141772%2c15.037213&panoid=MPVIDFH7Z8gip4XlDTVJhw&cbp=12%2c221.77%2c%2c0%2c13.98
Once you start walking in the clearly marked foot path, after about 600-700 meters, you will come across some burial holes carved in to the rock along the footpath on your right. You will have the gorge and the river on your left. Once you pass these, you will reach a point where there is a sign post, where if you take the path downhill, you will reach the river and possibly be able to cross over to the other side (we didn't try it). But if you carry on at that sign post, for a couple of 100 meters, you will come across the majestic sight of the hundreds of burial holes carved in the rock face on the other side of the gorge. It is a truly amazing site within such a short walk of the parking. But there is a lot more walking you can do in this location and see more burial sites, if you had the time. From the parking we probably spent less than 90 minutes at a very leisurely pace to get there back. Hope this helps.
Once you pass through the one way system in Sortino, you reach a "T" junction, where there is a sign pointing right "Via Pantalica" and appearing to be more of a continuation from where you are coming. Don't take that (when we went there, there was a road block 100 meters down). Take the left instead, and eventually you should get more Brown boards for "Pantalica". It is still several kilometers after exiting Sortino. You must keep driving till you reach a dead end. On your way, you will pass an information sign with a map of the Nature Reserve (picture attached). Here is the exact location of the "dead end" which is the entrance to the park where you are merely 1 km from the Necropoli Nord, one of the many burial sites.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=37.141675%2c15.037107&hl=en&ll=37.144993%2c15.043159&spn=0.014196%2c0.025148&num=1&t=m&z=15&iwloc=near
This is the link to the street view of this location:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Pantalica%2c+Italy&hl=en&ll=37.141846%2c15.037279&spn=0.022715%2c0.050297&sll=51.503445%2c-0.575105&sspn=0.070951%2c0.201187&oq=pantalica&hnear=Pantalica%2c+Italy&t=m&z=14&layer=c&cbll=37.141772%2c15.037213&panoid=MPVIDFH7Z8gip4XlDTVJhw&cbp=12%2c221.77%2c%2c0%2c13.98
Once you start walking in the clearly marked foot path, after about 600-700 meters, you will come across some burial holes carved in to the rock along the footpath on your right. You will have the gorge and the river on your left. Once you pass these, you will reach a point where there is a sign post, where if you take the path downhill, you will reach the river and possibly be able to cross over to the other side (we didn't try it). But if you carry on at that sign post, for a couple of 100 meters, you will come across the majestic sight of the hundreds of burial holes carved in the rock face on the other side of the gorge. It is a truly amazing site within such a short walk of the parking. But there is a lot more walking you can do in this location and see more burial sites, if you had the time. From the parking we probably spent less than 90 minutes at a very leisurely pace to get there back. Hope this helps.
Written 8 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
learningitalianat50
Australian in rural Victoria140 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
Pantalica is an area of canyons and necropoli. There are various entrances to the park. We came via Ferla where you follow the road for 9 km out of town following brown signs to Pantalica. We drove right to the end of the road, past some other parking areas for Pantalica, to a parking area for Necropoli Nord. From here, you can walk down to the river in the gorge below, past tombs and through the wildflowers. It is steep, but quite short to get down to the river, where you can explore the numerous little tracks and the lovely pools.
There are many tombs in the rock, some of which you can enter and others you can see cut into the rock. Or paddle in the river and cascades. Cross the river to find the remains of an aqueduct (acquedotto in Italian, signposted), which you can walk along for a short way and down to the river. Back on the main path, continue to the signposted cave where bat droppings were collected - down steps cut into the rock. Again back on the main path you can continue above the gorge to another car park on the Sortino side of the gorge if you wish.
When you have explored enough, return to the path and retrace your steps to the stream. Cross the stream again and explore the huge cavern with part of the cavern built in to form a small building at the back, then climb back to the car park.
Wear good shoes, take water and perhaps plan a picnic down in the gorge. Allow an hour at least for exploring. It gets very hot here, so go early in the day, or go early in the season when the flowers are out. It was very hot even in the first week of June.
From the Necropolis, it is possible to walk down into the Anapo Gorge by driving back towards Ferla and parking in the car park for the Anaktoron, the palace of the Principe. Walk down the cliff line, past various tombs, which can be explored and past a detour to the Byzantine church of S. Nicolicchio, till the valley floor is reached. On the floor of the gorge are places to picnic and to swim in the river. Here, you join the old railway line along the river to the station at Pantalica (there are toilets here).
From here, you walk along a little and then head up, up, up until finally you reach the rock cut church of S. Micidiario on the top of the cliff line. This is a very hot walk, especially later in the season. From S. Micidario, you can walk along the cliffs and then climb a shorter distance to the car park at the Anaktoron, or walk up to the rock trenches at Filiporto and along the road to the car park at Anaktoron. Either way, it is a hot walk, so take lots of water and go early in the day or in early spring when the flowers are at their best.
It is possible to walk in the Anapo Gorge section that I have described, by entering via Sortino, but we didn't do this part of the walk, so for details go to Gillian Price's book: Walking in Sicily. wnd updated ed. Cicerone, 2012. Or check the internet.
In the season, there may be a charge for entry.
There are many tombs in the rock, some of which you can enter and others you can see cut into the rock. Or paddle in the river and cascades. Cross the river to find the remains of an aqueduct (acquedotto in Italian, signposted), which you can walk along for a short way and down to the river. Back on the main path, continue to the signposted cave where bat droppings were collected - down steps cut into the rock. Again back on the main path you can continue above the gorge to another car park on the Sortino side of the gorge if you wish.
When you have explored enough, return to the path and retrace your steps to the stream. Cross the stream again and explore the huge cavern with part of the cavern built in to form a small building at the back, then climb back to the car park.
Wear good shoes, take water and perhaps plan a picnic down in the gorge. Allow an hour at least for exploring. It gets very hot here, so go early in the day, or go early in the season when the flowers are out. It was very hot even in the first week of June.
From the Necropolis, it is possible to walk down into the Anapo Gorge by driving back towards Ferla and parking in the car park for the Anaktoron, the palace of the Principe. Walk down the cliff line, past various tombs, which can be explored and past a detour to the Byzantine church of S. Nicolicchio, till the valley floor is reached. On the floor of the gorge are places to picnic and to swim in the river. Here, you join the old railway line along the river to the station at Pantalica (there are toilets here).
From here, you walk along a little and then head up, up, up until finally you reach the rock cut church of S. Micidiario on the top of the cliff line. This is a very hot walk, especially later in the season. From S. Micidario, you can walk along the cliffs and then climb a shorter distance to the car park at the Anaktoron, or walk up to the rock trenches at Filiporto and along the road to the car park at Anaktoron. Either way, it is a hot walk, so take lots of water and go early in the day or in early spring when the flowers are at their best.
It is possible to walk in the Anapo Gorge section that I have described, by entering via Sortino, but we didn't do this part of the walk, so for details go to Gillian Price's book: Walking in Sicily. wnd updated ed. Cicerone, 2012. Or check the internet.
In the season, there may be a charge for entry.
Written 11 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jcrossBdV
South Brunswick, NJ783 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
There are two access points: Sortino and Ferla. Because of our location, we started from Sortino.
The car park is tiny, but enough to reverse and park along the road like lots of other visitors.
There is no entrance fee... there is no refreshments available either, so bring water because with all the up and downs you'll need it.
The site is spectacular, even neglecting the Neolithic caves: amazing cricket singing, luscious vegetation, the sound of the water flowing in the bottom, flashes of colours from a variety of flowers. The track follows a donkey path along the edge of the gorge. There are good views of the holes along the path (you can go in, look through... ) and across the gorge. There are side paths to a bats cave (very steep down... and back up) and down to the river. The latter seems to be very popular with the locals, a bit like a beach.
The car park is tiny, but enough to reverse and park along the road like lots of other visitors.
There is no entrance fee... there is no refreshments available either, so bring water because with all the up and downs you'll need it.
The site is spectacular, even neglecting the Neolithic caves: amazing cricket singing, luscious vegetation, the sound of the water flowing in the bottom, flashes of colours from a variety of flowers. The track follows a donkey path along the edge of the gorge. There are good views of the holes along the path (you can go in, look through... ) and across the gorge. There are side paths to a bats cave (very steep down... and back up) and down to the river. The latter seems to be very popular with the locals, a bit like a beach.
Written 25 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cosmopolitan14388
Sicily1 contribution
Pantalica gorge is a wonderful place for a day hike in Sicily. You can even take the kids its so easy. It's about a 1.5 hour drive from Catania, just be on your gaurd the drive is a little scary if your no use to driving in Sicily. I would suggest buying a good map of the Island prior to coming to sicily things can be a little hard to find. Pantalica has a upper trail and lower trail both are very well maintained with beatiful views of the gorge. If your a rock climber there are some really good cave routes in the groge just take the upper trail and you'll see the climbing area. The climbs range from 5.10 to 5.13+. There are over 1000 catacombs in the gorge where the christians use to live thousands of years ago. Very cool!!!! If your planning on a summer visit make sure to bring lots of water, the air temp will be over 100F. On hot days take the lower trail and you will come across some nice fresh water swimming holes. Have fun.
Written 3 July 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montalbano_
979 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
This place is very very interesting for a multitudes of aspects.
Historically talking Pantalica represent one of the most important prehistoric archaeological site.
Over than 5000 graves carved into the rocks.
Naturally is a beautiful place that offers stunning landscapes, the biodiversity, the River, the caves.
The trays to follow are medium difficulties and correct trekking attires is recommended.
Also trekking sticks and bags with a good amount of water to drink, mosquito repellent, sun protection.
Avoid the raining days or very hot temperature consider that there is quite consistent distance to cover from the entrance point to other points of interest.
Cellphone is working even on the bottom of the canyon.
Is not for bikers.
Nature is protected.
Keep clean.
Bring your food and drinks from home as there are not points where to buy.
Take your wastes with you.
Historically talking Pantalica represent one of the most important prehistoric archaeological site.
Over than 5000 graves carved into the rocks.
Naturally is a beautiful place that offers stunning landscapes, the biodiversity, the River, the caves.
The trays to follow are medium difficulties and correct trekking attires is recommended.
Also trekking sticks and bags with a good amount of water to drink, mosquito repellent, sun protection.
Avoid the raining days or very hot temperature consider that there is quite consistent distance to cover from the entrance point to other points of interest.
Cellphone is working even on the bottom of the canyon.
Is not for bikers.
Nature is protected.
Keep clean.
Bring your food and drinks from home as there are not points where to buy.
Take your wastes with you.
Written 30 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
Edinburgh, UK5,184 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Let me explain. Firstly, this is an UNESCO world heritage site. So, expectations can be high. As I said let me explain the following: what you should expect, where to go for your visit and what you can take from it.
If you are going to look at a few (okay, alot) of holes (tombs) cut into rocks then, being honest, you'll come back with very little from the trip. Usually made from the Syracuse area or even Catania.
However, if you are going to go on a great day out to the beautiful Sicilian countryside with an overview of a few tombs along the way then you will be in the right place. Thing is though, where exactly is 'that' place in an extended area of natural beauty?
A review only offers up an opinion. I knew I wanted to visit the area but wasn't too sure where.
Going up past the village of Ferla will take you to the top of gorges looking down on some of the cave tombs from above. A few walks up here can take you into the valley/gorge (although limited). Still good though.
However, there is a major paved/path walkway that goes right through the gorge/valley and has 2 distinctive entrance/exit.
The path goes from a parking area and is approximately 15k long. Ideal from MTB too.
Ingresso Pantalica lato Valle dell'Anapo is marked on google maps (one end of the walk).
The other end is called Ingresso Pantalica lato Sortino (also on google maps). This offers two solid options and might help focus the mind if you know you want to go there but maybe a little unsure exactly where.
The gorge/valley is flanked with cliffs, has the river Anapo running through with crystal clear waters and a natural haven of peace away from the coast or towns.
Enjoy!
If you are going to look at a few (okay, alot) of holes (tombs) cut into rocks then, being honest, you'll come back with very little from the trip. Usually made from the Syracuse area or even Catania.
However, if you are going to go on a great day out to the beautiful Sicilian countryside with an overview of a few tombs along the way then you will be in the right place. Thing is though, where exactly is 'that' place in an extended area of natural beauty?
A review only offers up an opinion. I knew I wanted to visit the area but wasn't too sure where.
Going up past the village of Ferla will take you to the top of gorges looking down on some of the cave tombs from above. A few walks up here can take you into the valley/gorge (although limited). Still good though.
However, there is a major paved/path walkway that goes right through the gorge/valley and has 2 distinctive entrance/exit.
The path goes from a parking area and is approximately 15k long. Ideal from MTB too.
Ingresso Pantalica lato Valle dell'Anapo is marked on google maps (one end of the walk).
The other end is called Ingresso Pantalica lato Sortino (also on google maps). This offers two solid options and might help focus the mind if you know you want to go there but maybe a little unsure exactly where.
The gorge/valley is flanked with cliffs, has the river Anapo running through with crystal clear waters and a natural haven of peace away from the coast or towns.
Enjoy!
Written 12 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david g
Galway, Ireland16 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Words or pictures cannot do this please justice. We were looking for something to do between driving from Siracusa to Catania and saw this briefly mentioned in a guide book and though it would past a few hours. If you drive from the east side drive into Sortino and follow the brown sign posts through the town. There is a visitor centre but it is near deserted. Bring whatever water and food with you. At the car park there is a map and suggested routes. From the car park, walk through the gate and follow an old track about 10 minutes to get to the top of the canyon. The canyon itself is full of tombs dug into the rock. Track all the way down to the river and enjoy a nice swim. The water was cool and clear. Probably the best day we spent on our holiday. The route is a little tricky and good shoes are needed. Generally is was very quiet, probably only saw about 30 other people while we were there.
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paolo70_11
Geneva, Switzerland59 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
In a stunning landscape 40 km far from Syracuse you go 15000 years back in time. It s a peaceful Unesco site with Necropolis hided in an unspoilt idyllic Mediterranean Enviromment. And if you want enjoy it while trekking with Vanni Spataro 0039 349 35 52 539 it s a more enriching experience. Not to miss Visiting small towns around like Ferla, Buscemi and Palazzolo Acreide!
Written 23 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Da quello che leggo non è possibile visitare il sito con il cane, è ancora così?
Written 3 August 2023
Does anyone know how much a taxi from Syracuse to pantalica would be either single trip or return (maybe waiting 3hours?). Many thanks
Written 19 March 2023
Quale ingresso o itinerario sono consigliabili per persone poco atletiche?
Written 6 August 2020
È indifferente da dove si entra perché c’è da scarpinare sullo sterrato!!........
Written 10 August 2020
Do you recall how much the guide charged?
Written 17 August 2019
hI Robb.
Paolo (the guide) charged us around €80 for two people.
We had a great morning with him and will certainly look to use him for other tours on future visits.
Written 18 August 2019
Is it possible to see the necropoli by yourself? How much is the prize for ticket without gide?
Written 13 August 2019
Walking in Pantalica without a guide is free and you can see the grave tombs in different places. High in the walls and sometimes beside the walkingpath.
Written 14 August 2019
Per the online maps I've found so far, there appears to be a road through the valley. It could also be a trail that connects to roads on either end. Does anyone know if you can drive through it (I have bad knees and a weak ankle - climbing and scrambling are pretty much out for me). If no road, is there any relatively level path in from the Ferla side (I've read it's the gentler entrance)?
Written 18 July 2019
Hi, The is no road running through and you must walk. Even the "easier" areas are uneven but there is no need for scrambling or climbing.
I am 61 and have a form of rheumatoid arthritis which affects all of my joints and managed with little difficulty.
If you are wearing supportive shoes/boots and take a stick you should be fine.
The hardest "climbs" we encountered were the equivalent to a flight or two of steep stairs
I would also strongly advise using a guide as you will get so much more out of the trip this way and they can advise further (we used a great guy called Paolo and you will find his deatils on my review of the site).
I did not use a stick or staff but you may want to consider it
Written 18 July 2019
Ciao a tutti vorrei sapere con attendibilità se a Pantalica è ammesso l' ingresso ai cani
Written 23 April 2019
nn ne sono sicura, ma essendo un parco credo invece sia possibile, cmq puoi sempre telefonare e domandare a loro ce è la cosa più logica, ciaooo
Written 31 May 2019
Salve,c è un periodo preferibile per visitare pantalica?il percorso è fatto tutto di sentieri? grazie
Written 29 September 2018
Ciao, io ci sono stato in giugno, ma credo che si possa visitare bene in qualunque periodo dell'anno.I sentieri sono abbastanza agibili, tranne qualche tratto in pietra scavata, un pò disconnessi e bisogna prestare attenzione, comunque ci sono stato con la famiglia e non ho avuto problemi.
Personalmente ho però evitato di visitare la grotta dei pipistrelli, l'accesso era veramente scosceso e sull'orlo del precipizio.
La vista vale la pena
Written 1 October 2018
Ciao, vorrei sapere da quale accesso sei arrivato al sito. Da Ferla o da sortino? Quale e' piu' adatto per la visita con bambino di 10 anni?
Written 6 September 2018
Io sono arrivato da Sortino. Dal parcheggio forse c’è un po’ più di strada/sentiero da fare ma sicuramente è più agevole e meno scosceso. Io ci sono stato con le mie figlie di13 e 15 anni e non hanno avuto problemi.
Written 1 October 2018
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