CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE NATURE RESERVE, SICILY
In south-eastern Sicily, a mere 40 kilometres from the city of Siracuse and 12 kilometres from Avola, lies the alluring Cavagrande del Cassibile, or Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile.
If cascading waterfalls, sparkling swimming holes, amazing limestone formations or ancient tombs are what you are looking for, then you’ll find it all here.
Cavagrande del Cassibile is a veritable treasure trove of attractions just waiting to be explored and a great addition to any Sicily road trip itinerary.
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MAP OF THE CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE NATURE RESERVE
CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE CANYON INFORMATION
- The Cavagrande del Cassibile Canyon is approximately 10 kilometres in length.
- It is named as such, due to the Cassabile River that meanders through the canyon.
- Cavagrande del Cassibile was first settled in the 11th century BC.
- Not all trails down to the Cassibile River are open. To find which trail is open, contact Syracuse Tourist Information Centre. We followed the Scala Cruci trail.
- From the car park (N36.967529, E15.094256) at the crest of the canyon, the Scala Crucia trail descends 1700m along a winding path down to the Cassibile River.
- Access to the Cavagrande del Cassible Canyon is free.
- From the car park, ancient burial tombs of the Sicel people can be seen on the opposite cliff.
- You should have an average level of fitness and agility.
- The average walking time on the descent was 60 minutes. We took 1hr 20 mins on the ascent.
- Hiking shoes or sturdy walking footwear are recommended.
- Ensure that you take adequate drinking water.
- Summer months are best avoided due to the high temperatures. To plan your trip, check out Sicily’s typical weather here.
- The trail down to Cassibile River may be closed if there are rock slides.
- It was free to park the motorhome overnight, but the park does not have camping facilities -however, it does have a magnificent view.
- You can take an organised Guide Hike to explore the Cavagrande Nature Reserve.
VISITING CAVAGRANDE NATURE RESERVE
You can visit Cavagrande by yourself, as we did, or you can book an organised tour like the one below and be collected from your Sicily accommodation.
We’ve detailed how to visit the Cavagrande del Cassibile Canyon independently further below.
Cavagrande del Cassibile Tour
👣 Explore Cavagrande Nature Reserve with a hike through the reserve and a dip in the pools. (Free cancellation 24 hours before with full refund) ⭐️ 5/5 Star Reviews| ⏰ 4-5 hours | Book Here
Or you might prefer this Hiking Tour in the Cavagande Nature Reserve with a naturalist to discover more about the 700 species and subspecies of plants living in the Canyon.
CAVAGRANDE CANYON BURIAL TOMBS
As mentioned, the northern ravine is dotted with the graves of the pre-historic Sicel people who inhabited Eastern Sicily from the Iron Age (1200 to 600 BC).
The ravines in this area hold around 2000 tombs carved out of rock dating from the 11th to the 9th century BC. You’ll find more information on the Sicel people here.
DESCENT TO CASSIBILE RIVER
The path down towards the river from the car park, (shown on the map above), is gravel and rock. It, therefore, requires a steady and careful approach to navigate the slippery rocks, even when the rocks have steps cut into them.
Although it’s ‘head down’ during the descent, pausing to enjoy those beautiful ravine views is a must.
You’ll be able to spy parts of the Cassibile River and although it doesn’t look that far away, it will still take at least another 40 minutes before the trail starts to flatten out and the river comes into full view.
A slow and steady descent is the best approach, as there’s the uphill to look forward to later on.
Note: The pathway states that the route is closed, however, it seems in the main that this sign is ignored. As long as you are wearing the correct clothing and walking shoes, the path seems no more dangerous than the many hiking paths we have been on.
CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE WATERFALLS AND ROCK POOLS
Nearing the Cassibile River’s edge, the sound of distant waterfalls breaks the silence.
The trail follows the river past some amazing-looking limestone river banks that look as if they must have been man-made. Unbelievably, it is wholly nature’s work.
The crystal, clear waters of the river literally beckon you in for a swim.
Following the rocky path further along the river is a tricky process as the rock faces are quite wet. Slipping and sliding is the order of the day.
Not far past this point is a series of quaint cascading waterfalls. It sounds like a soft caressing melody. Some of these ‘mini-waterfalls’ are only 30 centimetres high but the effect is just mesmerising.
Passing the cascades, the sound of a more substantial waterfall lies ahead. The trick here is to carefully negotiate these slippery, wet rocks as the path forces you up beside the ravine wall. Even taking the utmost care, both of us came unstuck; slipping and falling onto the wet rocks.
A short distance past here is the highest part of the path above the river and gives spectacular views over the 15m waterfall that flows into a large open water hole. It’s worth all that patience and effort.
TIME TO ASCEND THE CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE CANYON
Enjoying every bit of time we had at the Cassibile waterfalls, we knew we had a steep ascent ahead of us. Picking our way back along the same trail, we chipped away at the ascent.
No doubt about it, it’s a steep climb, but taking a few breaks on the way up is a smart move.
Around an hour later, we walked back into the car park and if you time it right, you get to watch the sun cast its last rays over the magical Cavagrande Canyon.
Cavagrande Canyon del Cassibile … That’s a Wrap
The amazing Cavagrande Canyon del Cassibile Nature Reserve has so much diversity and beauty.
Visit it while it remains one of Sicily’s best-kept secrets and you may just have the place to yourself.
Do you know of other magical Sicilian locations that are off the beaten track?
We’d love to hear about them.
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