How I Had an Amazing Adventure at Cavagrande del Cassibile: The Epic Canyon You Need to Visit
Sicily is a land of wonders, where nature, history, and culture can blend together in a very unique way. If you are looking for adventure outside of the typical towns worth visiting, this place I will sharing with you is worth it. Cavagrande del Cassibile, natural reserve that hosts one of the biggest canyons in Europe. I will share with you my experience of exploring this stunning place, and why you should add it to your Sicilian Travel bucket list.
What is Cavagrande del Cassibile?
Cavagrande is a natural reserve that covers an area about 2,760 hectares, between the towns of Avola, Noto, and Siracusa. The reserve is named after the Cassibile river, which flows through the limestone cliffs creating a spectacular canyon, deep up to 250 meters in some points. To the locals, the canyon is named the “cave”, because of its shape and presence of many caves along the walls.
How to get to Cavagrande
Cavagrande is located here. There are several ways to access the canyon, and I started at Scala Cruci, which has a parking area, restrooms, and a bar. It is the most common way to get there. The hike down takes about an hour to an hour-and-half, and it is not for the faint-hearted. You need to wear appropriate footwear, sunscreens, and carry plenty of water and snacks. I did see people doing it with ice coolers, flip-flops, and small children, which my hat goes off for them.
The trail is officially closed to the public due to dangerous conditions, but there is an information center where you can ask for advice if you decide to go anyway. There is a gate and fence that you will have to jump.
Alternatively, you can take the Carrubella trail, which is the only one officially open, but it is less spectacular and longer. It starts from the same parking lot as the Scala Cruci, but on the opposite side, and it takes about two and a half hours to reach the bottom of the canyo. Just jump fence. 😉
What to do at Cavagrande
Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Cassibile river, which flows through the limestone cliffs and creates waterfalls and pools where you can swim and relax. The water is cold and crystal clear, and the scenery is breathtaking. You can explore the canyon and discover its hidden treasures, such as the Grotta dei Briganti, a large cave that was used by the Byzantines and the Arabs, or the necropolis of Cassibile, an archaeological site with thousands of graves dating back to the 11th century B.C.
You can also spot some rare plants and animals, such as the oriental plane tree and the trout macro-stigma. If you are lucky, you might even see some wild horses roaming around the canyon.
How to go back?
Get ready for it. The hardest part of the adventure is going back up the Scala Cruci. It is a strenuous climb that can take up to two hours, depending on your fitness level. You need to pace yourself and take breaks whenever you need to. The best time to start the ascent is in the late afternoon, when the sun is less intense and the canyon is less crowded. You will be exhausted but satisfied when you reach the top and enjoy the sunset over the canyon.
Why you should visit Cavagrande del Cassibile
Cavagrande del Cassibile is a place that you will never forget. It is a challenge, but also a reward. It is a way to connect with nature and yourself. It is an adventure that you will want to share with others, which I did. If you are looking for something different and exciting in Sicily, I highly recommend you to visit the canyon of Cavagrande del Cassibile. You will not regret it.
