Le Gole dell'Alcantara
Le Gole dell'Alcantara
4
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4.0
1,170 reviews
Excellent
605
Very good
321
Average
127
Poor
51
Terrible
66
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JJKFETP
Elmhurst, IL209 contributions
July 2022
I followed the advice of older reviews and did the 1,50 euro option instead of walking to the bright, colorful billboard saying "Ingresso/Entrance". I paid for my ticket, was not pressured at the info point to do any of the add-on activities, and found that the stairs down are not very many and not a challenge at all compared to what one finds in Italy. I noticed that people were heading to the right in the direction of the current, so I started going that way. Eventually, some people gave up on advancing further, but I went all the way to where a little waterfall is.
The scenery is quite riveting when you slow yourself way down to very calmly take it in. I arrived about 11:00 and, having done the walk in the water to the waterfall, went the opposite way to find some shade to read. I did find a place that was relatively quiet. By about 1 PM, though, the place got an influx of people and became more crowded.
I took the regular public bus without any problems. The return bus was only about five or seven minutes late to pick us up.
This is a spot unlike any I'd experienced, and I hardly paid any money to enjoy it.
The scenery is quite riveting when you slow yourself way down to very calmly take it in. I arrived about 11:00 and, having done the walk in the water to the waterfall, went the opposite way to find some shade to read. I did find a place that was relatively quiet. By about 1 PM, though, the place got an influx of people and became more crowded.
I took the regular public bus without any problems. The return bus was only about five or seven minutes late to pick us up.
This is a spot unlike any I'd experienced, and I hardly paid any money to enjoy it.
Written 4 July 2022
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.
George B
47 contributions
June 2021
Everytime I visit Sicily and am in the north-east side of the Island I make sure to visit Le Gole dell'Alcantara. This year I visited twice the Gole and every time I find something different to do. Last time I visited was end of June which was really hot and did not feel like walking around the foot paths but enjoying the water activities provided it was refreshing. There is also good parking area and a nice restaurant which is reasonably priced too.
Written 3 August 2021
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.
Ally.x Wright
Dorchester, UK217 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Thank you to the previous trip advisor reviews that we followed which meant a really reasonably priced day out. We travelled by interbus from Taormina. The trip there was seemless although we did have to wait 45 minutes for the return bus at 2pm. The cost was €5.10 for a return ticket. We walked straight up the road from the bus stop towards the cafe and bought our tickets for the municipal entrance for €1.50 each. My husband then purchased a lift ticket up from the beach for €4 as there are over 230 steps. You have to buy this at the top. The gorge was stunning and as good as the images on line. First we turned right and walked up the gorge. Sea shoes and swim suits are a must. After this we walked to the left and found a spot on a beach a bit further down. We spent about 2.5 hours here and had gelato up the top before waiting for the return bus. A great day out which I would recommend if you have the patience for Sicilian bus drivers!
Written 29 July 2022
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.
jeanphiii
nancy14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Typical tourist trap, based on a beautiful site.
Read the other comment, you can access the river just further in the village for 1.5 euros.
We did the offical "trekking", 30 euros per personn, only in italian even if we said at payement that we speak "only" english german and french... The "guide" do his show in Italian, in an overcrowded site, even italian people of the group were angry of the price regarding what is done by the "guide" (low knowledge, doesn't wait the group to start, but very dedicated to take pictures that he sell 10 euros at the end....).
Also a shame about the sanitary rules, equipments and helmets goes from groups to groups without any action, a shame...
Read the other comment, you can access the river just further in the village for 1.5 euros.
We did the offical "trekking", 30 euros per personn, only in italian even if we said at payement that we speak "only" english german and french... The "guide" do his show in Italian, in an overcrowded site, even italian people of the group were angry of the price regarding what is done by the "guide" (low knowledge, doesn't wait the group to start, but very dedicated to take pictures that he sell 10 euros at the end....).
Also a shame about the sanitary rules, equipments and helmets goes from groups to groups without any action, a shame...
Written 16 August 2021
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.
Joelyn C
United Kingdom96 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
Lovely place to visit for a half day. Although we’d seen tips to walk up to the public entrance for a cheaper option we opted to park in the main car park (voluntary donation for parking) and pay the entrance fee of 13 euros each which included the elevator and access to the botanical gardens. We enjoyed a wander round the gardens which gave you lovely spots to look down into the gorges and took about an hour although we didn’t do the longer of the routes offered.
The gorge itself was spectacular and although bracing the water wasn’t as cold as expected. It is quite forceful in places, mainly pebbly underfoot with some slippy submerged rocks in places, Great fun to walk up the gorge and the rock formations are stunning. It wasn’t too busy whilst we were there and I doubt the experience would be different if the water was packed with people.
I’d definitely opt for a guided trip next time where full gear and helmets are provided because that looked brilliant to be able to go further up and then flow down with the water.
Top tip - flip flops are not a good idea in this water!! Saw several floating off downstream!! Shop sells proper water shoes.
2nd tip - when we visited the toilets at the site were accessible before you had to pay for entry, there is a snack bar in the bottom of the gorge itself and looked like toilets were available too
Last tip - either take valuables in a good waterproof bag for in a backpack or get a holiday lockbox to attach to the fences in the gorge
The gorge itself was spectacular and although bracing the water wasn’t as cold as expected. It is quite forceful in places, mainly pebbly underfoot with some slippy submerged rocks in places, Great fun to walk up the gorge and the rock formations are stunning. It wasn’t too busy whilst we were there and I doubt the experience would be different if the water was packed with people.
I’d definitely opt for a guided trip next time where full gear and helmets are provided because that looked brilliant to be able to go further up and then flow down with the water.
Top tip - flip flops are not a good idea in this water!! Saw several floating off downstream!! Shop sells proper water shoes.
2nd tip - when we visited the toilets at the site were accessible before you had to pay for entry, there is a snack bar in the bottom of the gorge itself and looked like toilets were available too
Last tip - either take valuables in a good waterproof bag for in a backpack or get a holiday lockbox to attach to the fences in the gorge
Written 6 July 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.
Mindfully Nuts
London, UK561 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Take the steps if you are able to easily walk down a few flights if stairs. It took us about 5 minutes to get down and we paid 1.5 euro each to use the staircase. There is a lift you can use for 8 euro (not worth it unless you really need it for disability/pram).
The river is cold and feet go a little numb but it’s easy to walk it and water was mostly below knee level when we visited.
You can then rest on the ‘beach’ and either sunbathe or chill on in the shade.
Lovely experience immersed in nature! Easily accessible for most.
The river is cold and feet go a little numb but it’s easy to walk it and water was mostly below knee level when we visited.
You can then rest on the ‘beach’ and either sunbathe or chill on in the shade.
Lovely experience immersed in nature! Easily accessible for most.
Written 5 September 2020
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.
Traveler40457423917
2 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
SPECTACULAR and I said it all.
The Alcantara gorges give life to a unique place and I don't get excited for a little; I recommend the walking ticket to be able to admire the landscape of the gorges even from above and all along a route full of plants described and curiosities about the gorges in the various panoramic points. After the route you can go down to the beach of the gorges and from there explore far and wide, you will refresh yourself a lot 😂 but it feels great even with so many people because there is also space to relax further along the river.
In my opinion, not to be missed is the museum at the entrance to the route, really well done, full of descriptions and curiosities about the botanical, geological and faunal aspect of the gorges.
The Alcantara gorges give life to a unique place and I don't get excited for a little; I recommend the walking ticket to be able to admire the landscape of the gorges even from above and all along a route full of plants described and curiosities about the gorges in the various panoramic points. After the route you can go down to the beach of the gorges and from there explore far and wide, you will refresh yourself a lot 😂 but it feels great even with so many people because there is also space to relax further along the river.
In my opinion, not to be missed is the museum at the entrance to the route, really well done, full of descriptions and curiosities about the botanical, geological and faunal aspect of the gorges.
Written 26 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.
Corinne H
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We visited the Gole dell Alcantara by taking part in River Canyoning with Sicily Green Adventures. It was fantastic! You get given wet suits and all the necessary protection gear and then get taken quite far inside the Gole. Much better than the crowded area at the beginning. We did the 9am trip which meant we had the place to ourselves but when we finished 2 hours later, it was packed. The experience was a bit scary in places but Francesco and Roberto looked after everyone and made the day great. Our kids 10 and 13 year olds loved it.
Written 12 August 2022
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.
Davide V
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
Check the weather very well before leaving! The chosen activity must be paid for at the box office, but if the weather worsens and does not allow, the whole thing is canceled. The problem is that you will know this before the time of the activity itself and therefore you may have to wait in vain and go home without having done anything fancy. They refund only the cost of the activity, not all the ticket, the rest is the cost of the tour in the garden that you could not do because of bad weather (the moral of the story, in two we left 26 € given to glory...). Super crowded place, looks like a supermarket with a river passing by.
Go very early in the morning and cross your fingers that not the slightest drop of rain falls.
Not recommended for those who love to do something adventurous...
Go very early in the morning and cross your fingers that not the slightest drop of rain falls.
Not recommended for those who love to do something adventurous...
Automatically translated
Written 19 August 2024
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.
Giorgia S
Rubiera, Italy140 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
The place is wonderful, but there is confusion about the two entrances and what you can see so I will clarify: the most characteristic place, the one in all the photos, is accessible by a staircase of about 250 steps that you have to climb down on the way out and upwards on the way back. This staircase is accessible from the municipal entrance for a cost of €2/person. There are no time limits. You can even spend all day bathing on the stony banks of the river.
Another thing is the botanical and geological park. Entrance costs €13/person just to access the routes around the characteristic place. Then there is the possibility of going down in the lift instead of taking the steps for €8/person. From here a series of possible activities develop such as river trekking, rafting, etc. Which have other dedicated costs.
Honestly, I find both the lift and especially the entrance to the park too expensive. We took our steps, our walk in the cold waters of the river in the gorge (rock shoes highly recommended), and we returned to the car.
You can park for free down the road on the bends after or before the entrance. Otherwise there is paid parking in front of the two entrances for a cost of €2 or €3.
Another thing is the botanical and geological park. Entrance costs €13/person just to access the routes around the characteristic place. Then there is the possibility of going down in the lift instead of taking the steps for €8/person. From here a series of possible activities develop such as river trekking, rafting, etc. Which have other dedicated costs.
Honestly, I find both the lift and especially the entrance to the park too expensive. We took our steps, our walk in the cold waters of the river in the gorge (rock shoes highly recommended), and we returned to the car.
You can park for free down the road on the bends after or before the entrance. Otherwise there is paid parking in front of the two entrances for a cost of €2 or €3.
Written 20 June 2024
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.
Certo, lungo la scalinata ci sono però le conviene partire attrezzata, non conosco i prezzi ma probabilmente si approfotteranno della situazione
Written 31 August 2024
Footprints370180
Catania, Italy
se entro dall'ingresso comunale e mi porto degli stivali da casa, posso comunque entrare nel fiume e visitare le gole oppure bisogna obbligatoriamente farlo pagando il parco geologico più avanti? grazie
Written 31 August 2022
Ingresso pubblico Gole Alcantara --> Coordinate (Latitudine: 37.87910870761553, Longitudine: 15.175251387723023).
Inoltre seguendo le indicazioni di google, se sale a 100mt dopo il curvone o se viene dall'altra parte quindi scende prima del curvone trova una traversa con strada in terra battuta può anche parcheggiare li gratuitamente. Saluti.
Written 3 September 2020
Volevo andare alle gole il 31 luglio e pernottare una notte per poi ripartire il 1° di agosto. Siamo 6 adulti e vorremmo optare per un appartamento.
Grazie mille per i suggerimenti 😃
Written 21 July 2020
Volevo visitare le gole dell Alcantara ai primi di ottobre. Come
stagione è consigliabile? Ho capito che posso entrare con un biglietto ingresso comunale ma quando scendo c è un percorso da fare a piedi nell acqua? Oppure ci sono dei percorsi a piedi anche dall alto?
Consigliate di andare al mattino o al pomeriggio?
Lo stesso giorno visiteremmo l etna.
Quali consigli potreste darmi?
Grazie
Written 13 June 2020
Volevo sapere se la parte a destra della scalinata(la gola) è ancora vietata e transennata come l anno scorso o si può accedere?
Written 2 August 2019
Durante la mia visita si poteva accedere anche nella parte destra della scalinata.
Written 3 August 2019
Wij waren hier eind oktober . Konden geen rafting meer doen , off season , kwamen dus voor niks .. heb dit nergens kunnen lezen ..., in ieder geval niet op hun eigen site die zo lijkt alleen in het Italiaans is
Written 26 October 2018
De cuanto tiempo debo disponer para hacer la visita? Es para saber si lo puedo encajar en la ruta. La idea es hacerlo utilizando el ascensor...
Written 12 September 2018
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