Alcantara gorge is a deep cleft in the rocks and cliffs, formed as a result of the repeated eruptions of mount Etna and close to Taormina in Eastern Sicily. At the bottom of the gorge the amazing beauty of the river with the same name which ran from may to August is significantly reduced in volume, but doesn't dry out completely. While the river is always cool and attracts hundreds of refreshment on hot summer days. The length of the river is 52 km and the basin area is 573 sq. km. Its source is on the southern slopes of the Nebrodi mountain range at an altitude of 1250 meters.

The name of the river comes from the Arabic word "al-Kantara", which means "bridge," in ancient Roman times, through the water of the stream was spanned by a bridge, later discovered by the Saracens. Several thousand years ago the river bed during the eruption of mount Etna was blocked by the lava. Since lava when combined with water, cooled down much faster than under natural conditions, it crystallized in the form of columns. Then, for many hundreds of years, the river had cut their way through these columns, resulting in and had formed a great and formidable Alcantara gorge with a depth of 25 meters and a width of 2 to 5 meters. In 2001 this area was included in the homonymous river Park.

The whole valley of the Alcantara covered with wonderful shrubs and flowers that delight even experienced botanists. And to manage the scenic area can be, up on a specially equipped observation deck, which is open from seven in the morning until seven at night. Special impression on tourists produces the gorge itself – sharp cliffs of basalt bizarre, numerous waterfalls, crashing on the rocks and flying millions of spray, leave an unforgettable impression.