If you like nature, panoramic views and trekking you should have a trip to Cavagrande del Cassibile during your holiday in Sicily. It's a huge nature reserve which surrounds the canyon formed by the little Cassibile river. The Canyon is about 10 Km long and has steep stone walls, over 300 m high in some points. Cavagrande is located few kilometers from the little town of Avola, southern of Syracuse. The main access point to the canyon is the little road which passes near Avola antica, a town destroyed by a terrible earthquake in the year 1693.
It's not necessary to do a tiring excursion to enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the province of Syracuse till the sea or look down in the canyon to admire the little lakes and the curves of the little Cassibile river. Spring is a great season to visit the nature reserve because the temperatures are mild and the landscape is fullfilled with flowers. During the summer months it's also possible to have a bath in the fresh little lakes which are located at the base of the canyon. There are also archeological remains like the impressive "Grotta dei Briganti", or the prehistoric Cassibile necropolis, at the end of the canyon. There are a lot of pathways with different difficulty grades which permit the visit to Cavagrande. If you are visiting Cava Grande the first time, we suggest the "Scala cruci" pathway which starts at the Belvedere and arrives at the little lakes.
How to arrive
There are no busses or other public transports which permit to arrive at Cavagrande from Avola or other Sicilian towns. You'll need a car or an organized tour. The most impressive part of the canyon is the belvedere of Avola antica, from where the "Scala cruci" pathway starts to arrive at the lakes of Avola and at the little waterfalls at the base of the canyon.
To arrive at Cava Grande from north (Syracuse) or south (Ragusa), take the freeway Siracusa-Gela and take the exit Avola. From there take the SS115 to Avola. Turn right (first exit) at the roundabout and drive till a tunnel. Turn right before the tunnel and follow the road signs to "Cavagrande del Cassibile".
Opening hours and tickets
The access to Cavagrande del Cassibile is free. The visit is only possible using the official pathways of the corpo forestale.
The most famous pathway is "Scala cruci". Here is also a control point of the park rangers. The pathway is open every day. The opening hours vary according to the light hours. During the summer the pathway is open to visitors from 7.30 am to 7 pm. Closed shoes are required to access the pathway. In case of bad weather, the rangers will close the pathway. At the control point it's also possible to take brochure or maps of Cavagrande. It's also possible to download a scan on our website. For further information please contact the reserve direction (Azienda Foreste) at the phone number +39 0931 67450. At the belvedere is also located a little snack point/restaurant.
"Scala cruci" pathway and lakes of Avola
This pathway has a steep slope and we suggest to consider the difficulty before you walk down in the canyon. Close shoes (e.g. tennis, trekking) are mandatory. The pathway is 1700 m long and reaches the laghetti di Avola (lakes of Avola) formed by the Cassibile river. It's possible to have a bath in the lake and refresh under the water of the little waterfalls.
Useful links:
Photo credits: S.Leggio/Sicilystockphoto.com; C.Columba/Flickr
