Canyoning · Taormina
How to choose
Both tours run through the Alcantara Gorges with Sicilia Adventure at 70 € and an "Occasionally sporty" physical level, so the price gap isn't the deciding factor here. The real split is time in the canyon: the River Trekking option wraps up in 3.5h, making it the right call if you want a solid taste of the basalt gorge without a full-day commitment. The Canyoning tour runs 5h and delivers deeper exposure to the canyon system, with more technical sections of wading, scrambling and water immersion through the lava-carved rock. Both are guided in English and Italian. Pick the 3.5h tour for a first contact with the Alcantara river terrain, and go straight for the 5h if you want the full technical experience.
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Our picks
River Trekking in the Alcantara Gorges near Taormina
At 70 € for 3.5h, the River Trekking tour delivers a direct read on the Alcantara canyon terrain without overcommitting your day.
Canyoning in the Alcantara Gorges near Taormina
The 5h Canyoning tour gives you the longest sustained exposure to the basalt gorge, technical water sections and the full canyon progression, at the same 70 € price.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment in the Alcantara Gorges?
Pushing through the narrow basalt corridors where the cold water channels at speed between the canyon walls is the peak physical rush. The lava rock closes in on both sides, the current pushes hard, and there's no dry path around it.
How cold is the water in the Alcantara Gorges?
The Alcantara river runs cold even in summer due to its volcanic rock environment and shaded gorge sections. Wetsuits are provided by the operator for both tours, so you stay in the water without shutting down.
Do you need to be afraid of heights for canyoning here?
The Alcantara Gorges are a river canyon, not a cliff-jump venue. The challenge is water pressure, terrain scrambling and narrow passages, not vertical drops. The physical level is rated "Occasionally sporty", not extreme.
When is the best time to do this?
The season runs May through September. July and August bring the warmest air temperatures, which makes the cold water hit harder but more refreshing. May and September offer lower crowds and the river at a livelier flow.
Is the 5h canyoning tour significantly harder than the 3.5h river trek?
Both tours share the same "Occasionally sporty" physical rating, so the 5h option is longer and more immersive, not necessarily more dangerous. Expect more canyon sections, more time in the water and a higher total physical output.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.8°C | 74.4 mm | Good |
| February | 12.4°C | 60.2 mm | Good |
| March | 12.9°C | 138.2 mm | Possible |
| April | 15.5°C | 100.7 mm | Good |
| May | 19.4°C | 73.3 mm | Good |
| June | 24°C | 37.3 mm | Peak |
| July | 26.8°C | 33.5 mm | Peak |
| August | 27.7°C | 21.1 mm | Peak |
| September | 24.8°C | 96.6 mm | Peak |
| October | 20.2°C | 99.2 mm | Peak |
| November | 16.6°C | 113.4 mm | Good |
| December | 11.3°C | 96.7 mm | Good |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a change of dry clothes for after, both tours involve sustained water immersion. The "Occasionally sporty" rating across 3.5h to 5h means solid footwear with grip matters, though the operator typically provides wetsuits and water shoes.
Getting there
Both tours offer pick-up from accommodations along the Ionian Riviera between Taormina and Catania, or you can make your own way to Piazza Umberto, Zafferana Etnea, in the Metropolitan City of Catania.
See also
Other activities in Taormina
Updated March 2026