riserva naturale cavagrande del cassibile

This is a beautiful natural place, you go down a windy road then to a dusty car park with little or no signage. Then down a little track, the walk has fantastic views of this ancient cannon. Then once at the bottom WOW its fantastic. Cool water and natural pools to enjoy. The kids loved it. It was so natural the day we went we saw some "naturalists" in their natural state. (i.e. the nude) but given the location and environment this seemed very normal and it was just ciao and on we went.

Out B&B owner phoned several times for information about closure to the tourst information there but mo one picked up the phoneSo we decided to go anyway.After a long trip to the Canyon- we got a detailed map description of the B&B owner- we finally reached the canyon to see is was closed.Too dangerous the park boy told us that day, there obvously had been some fire weeks ago, but the rest looked still pretty from a distance.We where very disapappointed and went to Syracuse instead.I can advise you, go to necropoli di Panntalica instead, forget the canyon..

The paths down to Cavagrande were closed when we got there, after disastrous fires in late June 2014. Plenty of disappointed visitors at the entrance looking down towards the stunning lakes far below, but the path is not safe so the guards can't let people in. 'Come back next year' was the advice.

We found a small note about the Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile in our guidebook (also known as Laghetti Di Cavagrande- sometimes it is just signed Cavagrande) and were so glad that we checked it out. If you'd like to combine a short hike with a refreshing swim, it is a real gem. It is free but you have to sign in with the park attendant. The walk down to the gorge takes about 30 mins and is all steep steps and turns on rocky terrain. Have water with you (or take down a whole picnic lunch). I walked with hiking sandals and was fine. At the bottom there are the principal pools - a series of 3 or 4 (depending on how you count) fresh water pools after a brief hike going right, or other pools, going left. We didn't visit these other pools but get a sense that they were more shallow (but probably more private as well).At the principal pools there is a bit of shade, flat areas on stones to spread towels, and cascading water falls leading to pools, some quite deep. The water is on the cool side but not cold, and deep enough is some places to dive in. There were lots of tadpoles in the shallower sections (June). It seems popular with tourists in the know (during the week there were a fair number of people but it wasn't crowded) and local twenty somethings (we went again on a Sunday and there were lots and lots of them). With a picnic lunch, some towels and a few hours ahead of you, it is pure heaven. The walk up is about 45 mins to an hour, depending on how many breaks you take. There is a bar/cafe up top (for ice cream or some other treat) and a vendor selling fruit. A certain level of fitness helps but I saw someone walk down in a leg brace! Where there is a will there is a way.

Truly stunning. Nature at it's most beautiful. I can't recommend a visit enough. However, it is a very testing walk (especially in high temperatures). It's a long way down, and it feels like a much longer way back up! Speaking as a 57 year old bloke who's body is not a temple, all I can say is that if I can, then you can! - And it'll be well worth it. Make sure you bring your swimming gear.

A bit of a crazy mountain drive but a wonderful view once you get there. Plus a FREE sight for once in Sicily!

It's a different kind of attraction in the town of AvolaOne of the most important rivers of the southeast, is considered the Canyon of Sicily. It is the spring of one of the most famous Sicilian water brands, Cavagrande.

Without a map or anything to go off my husband & I set out to find this place .... Bad start. Make sure you know where you're going. Amateur error on our part.After driving around in circles for some time & then up an unsigned dirt road for a long time, we ended up stumbling upon (by pure chance) a small sign for some swimming holes. We could see the main walking tracks on the other side of where we were but decided to head down anyway. It was magical. Being the start of winter there was no one else around so we had the entire place to ourselves. We packed a picnic lunch which was lovely. The water took our breath away, so cold but very refreshing after the walk down. Very recommended!

It is, indeed, a beautiful place, but you must be well equipped. We went there in June, 2013, it was already hot outside, and I got quite sick at returning (not a nice experience..). You must have appropiate shoes, enough water, something to cover your head, and be prepared for a long walk (about 2-3 km till the small lakes, on a difficult road..). I would not recommend this place for families with children (the road is not easy). Oh, and no bathrooms on the road!

Steep walk down to the Laghetti (small pools) where one can have a refreshing swim. Go early to avoid the crowds, and the sun. Very uneven stairs and terrain, hard on the knees, but glad to have made it.

A truly breathtaking gorge. The walk down needs care and the walk up needs some puff! It's well worth it though and not as tough as it looks. Trekking poles are useful

If you want to experience some activity during your holiday and , at the same time , enjoy the beautiful Sicilian nature , you cannot miss a visit to Cavagrande . It's a huge canyon on which a large balcony allows you to enjoy a breathtaking view on the valley below.The more energetic will walk down to the river flowing on its bottom and they will find a luxurious vegetation of flowered leanders and local spontaneous plants . The more lazy ones will have a wonderful look at the landscape from the balcony above .In all a great experience !

Its one of the best views I have ever experienced in my life. To arrive to this canyon there is a steep path, however for me going down was manageable but coming back up was very hard. For sure I will remember it for the rest of life, both for the wonderful views and the for the walk back!!!

Very interesting and a large site. Various areas were closed off on the day but plenty still to be seen. The ticket office is miles away from the site which was odd, but the visit was well worth it.

Take water and suntan lotion with you when you go. You can manage with sandals, but I suggest jogging shoes or similar. The steep path goes down in to a deep canyon. It takes time to walk down and back up. If you have problems with knees, don't go there. You don't need to be an ironman to go there but take it easy. And remember to drink. Absolutely worth a visit!