Gole dell'Alcantara

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Datos rápidos: The river here cuts through a 50-meter deep canyon of hexagonal basalt columns, formed when molten lava from Mount Etna flash-cooled against the river water. Water temperatures hover around 4-6°C year-round thanks to mountain snowmelt, so prepare for a serious chill.

Destacados: Stand at the bottom and look up at the 30-meter walls of perfectly geometric basalt columns, each one a hexagonal prism formed 8,000 years ago when lava hit the river at exactly the right temperature. The gorge narrows to just 2 meters wide in some spots, with sunlight hitting the water only between 11 AM and 2 PM.

Consejos de expertos

• Rent water shoes at the entrance for €3 instead of ruining your sneakers the volcanic rock is slippery and sharp.
• Skip the elevator and take the 200-step staircase down you will save €8 and the walk is easy.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch you will want photos from inside the water where the columns look most dramatic.
• Arrive right at opening time (8:30 AM) in summer to avoid the worst crowds and have the gorge to yourself for the first hour.

Información práctica

Indicaciones

Sitio web oficial

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