The Alcantara Gorge at a glance
The Alcantara is a river that has cut through basalt, a dark volcanic rock. The best-known narrow stretch, the Gole di contrada Larderia, is about 400 m long. Its walls of basalt prisms (columns of regular shape) rise up to 50 m. The gorge lies near the village of Motta Camastra.
There are two ways in, and they are separate offers: the municipal access, and a private botanical and geological park with packages. Many visitors mix the two up, so decide which one you want before you travel. This is an independent guide, not the website of the river park, the municipality or the private operator.
Two entrances, compared
Prices and hours as published for the 2026 season.
| Option | Price | Hours and season | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal access, Motta Camastra | €2 per person | 9 am to 6:30 pm, 4 April to 31 October 2026 | – |
| Private park, full tour (Tour Completo) | Adults €30, children 5 to 10 years €25 | 9 am to 6 pm daily, open until 31 October 2026 | Botanical and geological park, WaterWay viewpoints, multimedia room MOL, Spray Park, lift down and up, waders |
| Private park, body rafting | €65 per person | – | Wetsuit, shoes, life jacket, helmet, guide; return by lift |
The private park is at Via Nazionale 5, Motta Camastra. Its Spray Park was announced to open on 1 July 2026, so it is not a given for every day of the season. For child discounts and what the €2 access covers, ask at the municipal entrance. Prices from earlier years are out of date.
Alcantara and Taormina tours
Day trips to the gorge, often combined with the volcano, plus boat trips, food and cooking classes from Taormina, with live prices and availability.
Safety and rules
The operator warns of cold water, strong currents, sudden rises in the water level, slippery rocks, a riverbed that changes and falling stones. Children must be supervised by adults at all times. Follow the signs, fences and barriers.
No fires, no litter and no picnics are allowed. Staying overnight in the riverbed is discouraged. Because of the natural shape of the ground, the riverbank is not suitable for wheelchairs. The lift does not make the whole riverbed accessible.
Wear shoes you can get wet. The Tour Completo includes waders, and body rafting includes shoes, but bring a towel and a change of clothes in either case.
Planning the day
Season, booking and getting there.
Season
Both the municipality and the private park announce the 2026 season until 31 October. Outside that period the gorge may be closed, so confirm before you travel.
Booking
The private operator takes online bookings up to 24 hours before the trip. For the municipal access, ask on site whether a reservation is needed.
By bus
Interbus names the Alcantara gorge in its hop-on hop-off and regular bus network, with a day ticket at €15. Check the current timetable and the return departure before you go. Interbus also lists excursions that combine Etna and Alcantara from Taormina, Giardini Naxos and Letojanni; confirm the days that run in your month, and see the Etna from Taormina guide.
By car
The gorge is reached by road to Motta Camastra. The private park is at Via Nazionale 5. Check the current rules for parking on arrival.
Which option suits you
A quick guide to the three choices.
A short, cheap visit
The €2 municipal access is the budget route. Ask at the entrance what it includes before you plan the rest of the day around it.
Walking the river with a lift
The Tour Completo at €30 for adults includes the lift, the viewpoints and waders, and suits families with children aged 5 to 10 at €25.
Being in the water
Body rafting at €65 per person is the choice if you want to go into the river with a wetsuit, helmet and a guide. It is a cold-water activity, so confirm age and size limits with the operator.
Combine the gorge with the coast
Other places and practical pages on this site.
A full gorge day with a package leaves little time for anything else. If you have a second day, the Greek theatre, Isola Bella and the cable car are all in Taormina. The village of Castelmola suits an afternoon. For a beach day, see the Giardini Naxos guide and the Taormina beaches page. Etna's own guide is Mount Etna.
Alcantara Gorge: frequently asked questions
How much does the Alcantara Gorge cost?
The municipal access costs €2 per person in the 2026 season. The private park's full tour costs €30 for adults and €25 for children aged 5 to 10, and body rafting costs €65 per person.
When is the gorge open?
The municipal access runs from 4 April to 31 October 2026, 9 am to 6:30 pm. The private park lists 9 am to 6 pm daily until 31 October 2026.
Is it safe for children?
Children must be supervised by adults at all times. The water is cold and can rise suddenly, and the rocks are slippery. Age and size limits for the water activities should be checked with the operator.
Can I get there by bus from Taormina?
Interbus lists the gorge in its bus network and runs combined Etna and Alcantara excursions from Taormina. Check the current timetable and the return departure first.
Is visittaormina.org the official site of the gorge?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the river park, the municipality, the private park or any tour provider.