you have the option to pay for a self guided walking tour & go down to the water, or just go down to the water. The walking tour was easy, gave you some good photo opportunities of the area but overall if you opted to not take it, you wouldn't be missing much. The real beauty is down at the water. Be warned, walking through the water barefoot is extremely painful! I regret not having water shoes. Overall, a great experience though. Wasn't too busy when I went near closing time read more

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Hard to believe that I am the first to write a review of this amazing national (protected) park. The Gole Alcantara is a place for anyone who can enjoy nature at its best, Anyone who would like to understand the beauty that comes from actual lava, anyone who would likes botanical gardens, anyone who just loves to relax, enjoy the sun and the water in a slightly different way than usual. Entering the Gole you first get a small little museum which explains what you are about to see. Also there is a really nice 3D movie with special effects (for the sake of not being one of those spoilers I will not go into any more details) After the movie is finished you enter the botanical gardens which have several parts. First you see all the trees and plants created due to natures reaction to what the Etna drops down. Then you walk through a bit of history where you can see which pre-historical animal were sighted here a long long time ago. And then you enter a lovely peaceful place with fruits and vegetables. Agriculture at its best, while walking above the stream of the Gole. After a good 1.5 hours walking and relaxing and seeing and enjoying you will finally have reached the end of the park......Or so you think.....Cause now the fun can begin....You either walk the 250 stairs downwards or like sane people take the elevator, down to the stream. This stream is a magical stream which broke through the lava and ensured the people from the Toarmina coastal area were saved. This is nature at its best showing us just how powerful water is. This stream has the most beautiful (super cold) clear water which you can walk through. There is also a possibility for guided walking tours which go deeper into the split of the rocks. the streams current is very fast so make sure that if you wander you stay grounded. if not you will fall over with all your belongings. When you are done exploring you can relax on the beach area and enjoy the sun. To me the Gole is one of the most amazing places in Sicily. And that is saying a lot especially considering that Sicily has so much to offer. read more

Gole Alcantara - The river - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Motta Camastra, Maine

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