The Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve is one of the most beautiful and famous protected naturalistic areas in the province of Syracuse, also famous for the enchanting lakes of Avola. The Cavagrande reserve is located south of the capital, a few kilometers from the town of Avola. Established in 1990, this natural park extends for almost 2700 hectares. Cavagrande with its wild panoramas well represents the typical landscape of south-eastern Sicily with the limestone plateau of the Iblei mountains, cut by a series of quarries, not created artificially but real canyons dug by the waterways that cross them. Cavagrande is the largest and most evocative of the canyons of the Iblei mountains, thanks also to its imposing sheer rock walls which in some points reach a height of 500m and above all thanks to the enchanting views of the small lakes that the Cassibile river forms in several places of the quarry. Nowadays the quarry, owned by the Sicilian region, is accessible to the public and many visitors go there in all seasons to enjoy the beauty of its nature trails or to seek refreshment at the river's edge.

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​Visit the Cavagrande del Cassibile reserve

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• Warnings

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Cavagrande is a naturalistic area, managed by the region and with equipped routes. The very nature of the canyon with its differences in height and rough paths makes the visit inadvisable for elderly people or people with joint problems. In these cases it is advisable to linger on the plateau admiring the splendid panorama. Furthermore, entry into the reserve must strictly take place with suitable shoes (closed shoes, preferably trekking shoes). Forestry staff can prevent access to those who do not have suitable clothing for an excursion. Especially in the summer months, it is also important to have a hat with you to protect yourself from the intense Sicilian sun and a supply of water. In the autumn or winter period, however, in the event of a weather alert issued by the civil protection, the reserve could be closed as there is a risk of rock falls. For the same reason the reserve can remain closed for a few days following intense storms.

• Trails

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There are several paths to go from the plateau into the quarry, towards the valley floor. The most famous one is the path called "Scala Cruci" which, starting from the suggestive viewpoint of ancient Avola, leads to the bottom of the quarry up to the famous lakes of Avola. It should be noted that at the date of this article this path is officially closed for safety reasons. In fact, following a fire the rocky ridge is unstable. It should be noted that many visitors still access this gate but at their own risk. In case of checks on custodial staff they may be subject to fines.

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At present the only official path that can be used is the one called "Carrubella". This is a splendid itinerary which is located on the same side as the "Scala Cruci" path but a little further upstream from the ancient Avola viewpoint. To reach the access point of this path, follow the signs and park the car just before the farm blocks that you will pass to reach the access to the path. ​ The Carrubella path is a beautiful circular route approximately 6 km long and with a height difference of approx. 180m which, starting from the plateau, descends to the bottom of the valley between breathtaking views and the vegetation that gradually becomes denser. The path will take you first in sight and then close to the lake known as "uruvu tunnu", a body of water fed by small waterfalls. The itinerary also runs alongside various testimonies of industrial archaeology.

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As regards the other paths of the reserve, it is hoped that in the not too distant future the forestry department will be able to reopen the Avola lakes path. At the moment, not even the most panoramic (and also dangerous) of the paths on the other side of the quarry is officially accessible, the one that leads to the "cave of the brigands" which offers us a spectacular view from the belvedere of ancient Avola. Likewise, the "half-coast" path is also closed to the public at present.

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Arrive at the Cavagrande reserve​

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The most direct road starts from the edge of the town of Avola, from a side street along the SS115 indicated by the signs. It is a panoramic road with numerous curves and which also offers a rest area with a splendid panoramic view of the Sicilian coast and the sea. The road will lead you to cross the hamlet of Avola antica and finally reach the viewpoint where it is also possible to enjoy a bar-restaurant. ​ Another road, less direct, allows you to reach the viewpoint from the Noto-Palazzolo Acreide provincial road. There is no public transport that leads to Cava Grande. You will therefore need a rental car, an organized excursion including transport or a private rental service with driver.

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Visit Cavagrande with a hiking guide

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​Private excursions (meeting on site)

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​Siciliabeach Holiday Homes carries out naturalistic trekking along all the paths of Cavagrande open to the public. Our private guide services can be booked throughout the year by small groups, families and individual tourists.

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For more information, contact us.​​