Castelmola, Gaggi, Graniti and Taormina: a historic and artistic heritage, scenic landscape unrivaled, The warm Sicilian hospitality and more! Come and discover our area, between the Alcantara Valley and the charming Costa Jonica!

The Alcantara Valley

The Alcantara Valley, land of incomparable beauty, Nature in its blends 4 elements: Aria, Earth, Fire and Water. The beautiful landscapes, the river itself with its deep gorges, the majestic Etna, the wonderful terrace of Taormina, make this valley a valuable paradise that enchants and fascinates tourists from all over the world.

Inhabited by Greeks, Romani, Arabs, Norman, peoples that marked its history and enriched the cultural and artistic heritage, making it a timeless land.

The lower valley would have originated about a thousand years before the birth of Christ, when the lava spilling from the crater of Mount Mojo would follow the path of the river to dive into the Ionian Sea, forming the peninsula of Cape Schisò.

The first to speak, in the fifth century a.c., is the greek historian Thucydides reports that the town of Naxos which was located at the mouth of the river Akesines, the meaning of which is “healthy river”, name under which the Arab domination, It was changed to "Al Qantarah" (the bridge).

The Valley territory corresponds to the dock where you collect the rainwater of the river Alcantara, born on Randazzo from a source located in 1250 meters in height, to flow, after 48 km, in the Ionian Sea south of Giardini Naxos.

The waters of the river have shaped the topography of the area: mountain ranges and forests of beech and oak alternate with rolling plains interspersed with lakes and ponds seasonal, while the volcanic basin Etna the river becomes impetuous between spectacular and deep gorges, known at the international level. In the '60s born Botanic Park and Geological Alcantara to protect and promote the natural environment of this beautiful area. From 2001 The valley is protected by Earth’Entity Alcantara River Park. Still farming are thriving and crops of citrus and olive trees give rise to excellent products such as liquor, jams, DOP olive oil. Nature trails along the various activities are proposed: rafting, trekking, excursions, educational tours for schools, able to meet the most demanding.