cavagrande del cassibile

It was a tough walk downwards and upwards, but worth the challenge. It's a long stone-stepping steep hill-climb with natural spring water at the bottom. Nice natural park. Rough stepping, and there is no way back if you lose courage, other than going back up. I recommend it, but be sure you'll make it to the bottom and then back up. Nobody can help you if you can't make it. I would suggest a kind of chair lift for any emergencies that might happen.

We were massively disappointed after driving for a few hours only to be told that it was closed. This is true for the main route into the Cavagrande but you can drive a few more minutes inland and get into the gorge a little further down the road. When the road forks take the right hand road then you'll see a little turning on the right with a painted wooden sign. Follow the dirt track, park up and walk through the farmhouse yard and follow the track. The pools are not the main one you can see from the official car park but there's plenty of pools to take a dip in and the water is hugely refreshing. Its well worth the walk.

Very disappointed we could not visit as all the trails are closed after a fire end of June 2014. We were told by the authorities it would be months/ years before re opening. So the rating is a bit irrelevant for my review but worth checking it's reopened before making the trip if you see this in 2014.

Amazing place in my lovely Sicily, I go there every year to have a nice walk and enjoy landscapes and lakes. Just get ready as the climbing up is not that easy, but definitely worth it.

It's the unofficial Grand Canyon of Sicily. There are 2 official routes down(1 on each side of the canyon) but there are actually many more along the canyon. It's a small canyon with a beautiful scenery and a stream(the Cassibile river) that has cascades and small lakes all along it. The main lakes are also the ones easier to get at. The main route starts from a parking lot with a local restaurant/bed and breakfast, and goes down in a criss cross manner. For an unexperienced visitor it will take about 40-50 minutes but for some of the local kids it's a matter of making a record... Which is currently 7 minutes to go down and 15 up. Once you get to the floor of the canyon you will enjoy the fresh water, a natural "jacuzzi waterfall" and some great spots to rest. Downstream and upstream there are quite a few other lakes, the biggest of all being actually just a few minutes downstream, but not very easy to reach. If you want to visit the reserve, you should wear proper trekking shoes(converse and flip flops? Nope, no way you are going down there), a hat, swimming suit and suncream. It's also preferrable to bring a few bottles of water and lunch with you, as the best way to visit this place is to just spend the whole day there. To visit the other lakes it is preferrable to get in touch with one of the local environmental associations, that organize guided tours every weekend during the summer, as well as seminars with school kids. I strongly reccomend this place to anyone in good health and with a love for nature. They will definitely NOT regret it!

The views are breath taking and the place is beautiful. One can also have a glimpse of the Sicilian wild life including birds. The pools are beautiful.

Local Sicilians told us Cavagrande rivals the Grand Canyon. I've never been to the grand canyon, but I'd rather go back to Cavagrande first. The moderate decent and ascent keep out all the boring people. Once we reached the bottom (about 40 min) we explored a little bit upstream and then headed in the direction of the "laghetti" (pools). It's beautiful enough to just look at but once you dive in, the feeling is like being in love. Fruit stand in the parking lot might not always be there, but if it is, reward yourself. You've come to the right place.

We really enjoyed our climb down (45 minutes) to the crisp, completely clear, freshwater pools at the bottom of Cavagrande del Cassibile. There are beautiful, bright green lizards crawling around along the way down. The way up was a bit more difficult (~ 1 hour), but rewarding once you make it to the top. Another highly recommended, natural gem of Sicily.

First. How to get there: in Cassibile follow Avola Antiqua. Then you follow signs. Splendid view when walking down. At the river there is a tiny source dripping out of the mountain (on the right side near a small waterfall) to drink or fill up a bottle. Wait until 5 o clock to go back up again: you can climb in the shade then which makes a huge difference when it's a hot sunny day!

Be prepared for a strenuous walk down. The path is not flat, stoney and you have to be very careful not to sprain your ankle. But the views down there are really rewarding. Then the hike up, well, its steep, and tiring. Take plenty of water.

We came here in July 2011. Both my wife and I are under 30 and at the time our kids were 5 and 7. We travelled over 180 miles to get here and it was definitely worth. I wish I had got here in the morning and spent the whole day enjoy this beautiful place.......but beauty comes at a price... It takes around 45 mins to walk down the mountain and around 70 mins to walk up. This coupled with the heat and fatigue makes the return journey a real struggle. Make sure you wear good quality trainers to go up and down. You can do it in flip flops but if you are carrying bags/children footwear can make a big difference.You'll need your own packed lunch as they dont serve anything down here. It literally is a pure untouched nature spotI'll be coming back here at the next opportunityEven if you are 300 miles away from this place its worthwhile it if you can get 3 hours of quality relaxing at this amazing place

Come here if you are interested in Mediterranean flora: the diversity between top and bottom of the gorge is remarkable.Spring and autumn are likely the best seasons to visit this place and weekdays are recommended to avoid disturbing crowds.

I started at the parking spot in the hills above Avola and went all the way down to the valley for the "laghetti". It was a hot summer day and I enjoyed the cool water among lots of young folk from the area. Great for a swim and a getaway.

At the top of mountain, this gorge is very deep, pools to swim in at the bottom, we were told, but the steep walk down, not to mention the climb back up, is for the young and VERY fit.

a great walk downwards. fantastic nature and crystal water. loved it