Cavagrande del Cassibile – Sicily’s Best-Kept Secret

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.

MAP OF THE CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE 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 11^th to the 9^th 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.

Pin and Save for Later

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN READING

• Sicily Road Trip – A Sensational 7-day Itinerary
• Campervanning in Italy: Your Ultimate Guide
• Road Tripping Around the World
• Palermo Catacombs: Macabre or Meaningful?
• The Alberobello Matera Effect, Two towns not to Miss in Italy