The Gole dell'Alcantara are a dramatic series of gorges carved by the Alcantara river through ancient basalt lava flows from Mount Etna. The sheer canyon walls, formed into striking prismatic columns, rise up to 50 metres high in places.
In summer you can wade into the gorge itself, though the water is bracingly cold even in August. The botanical and geological park at the entrance offers easier walks along the rim. The gorges are about halfway between Taormina and the Etna area, making them a natural stop on a day trip between the two.