Motta Camastra between the Alcantara Gorge and mountain trails

Motta Camastra can be discovered through its many different facets: the Alcantara River, trails of varying difficulty, viewpoints and historic sites. The gorge is shaped by its geological formations, while other routes climb toward distinctive destinations. Churches, a bridge and the tradition of the Noce di Motta Camastra add cultural and culinary themes to the natural landscape. When planning your trip, you can prioritize these highlights according to whether you want to experience the scenery, get active or explore local history.

Alcantara Gorge and trails along the river

The Gole dell’Alcantara are located in Contrada Larderia-Sciara, within the municipality of Motta Camastra. In Contrada Larderia, the gorge extends for about 400 meters. It is only a few meters wide, while its walls reach up to 50 meters high. The combination of a narrow river course and tall basalt walls defines this stretch. The Gole border the SS 185; a long staircase leads down from the state road to the entrance to the Gole di Larderia.

When riverbed conditions allow, you can walk upstream through the cold waters of the Alcantara and into the basalt gorge to view its geological formations up close. The caveat is important: this river walk depends on the prevailing riverbed conditions. The flat, especially scenic Piccole Gole dell’Alcantara trail offers a different perspective. It runs alongside a stretch of river with a lava bed, pools and small waterfalls, and includes Motta Camastra and Castiglione di Sicilia.

Hiking destinations with distinct character

The Sentiero Montagna Grande begins in Motta Camastra and is rated as a challenging route. It leads to the 1,374-meter-high summit, considered the highest in the Peloritani range. The Sentiero “Il Calvario” has a different focus: it starts at Piazza Croce and climbs to the summit of Monte Calvario. Three wooden crosses along the path refer to the tenth Station of the Via Crucis, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The destinations therefore differ not only in their starting points, but also in the Calvario trail’s religious significance and the elevation of Montagna Grande’s summit.

Piazza Roccamare is a notable spot for views of the Alcantara Valley and Mount Etna: it is a picturesque viewpoint in Motta Camastra. The Grotta dei 100 Cavalli, a large volcanic eruption cave, is in the San Cataldo area. A walk there follows the banks of the Fiume Alcantara, below the Ponte Al Quatar and near the municipal boundary with Graniti. From this riverside, you can also reach the Torrente San Cataldo and climb up the mountain.

Churches and traces of local history

The Parrocchia di San Michele Arcangelo dates back to the 17th century and is also known as the Chiesa Madre. The church houses two marble statues from the 16th century: the Immacolata and the Madonna di Montalto. A visit to the church therefore brings together a long local history and specific works of art. The Chiesa dell’Annunziata is another historic church in Motta Camastra; its origins are probably Norman. This origin is reported as a possibility, not a certainty.

The Ponte di 7 Archi, a bridge dating from the Fascist era, is also located in the Borgo di San Cataldo. Together with the Grotta dei 100 Cavalli, it adds different points of interest to the San Cataldo area: the cave as a volcanic formation and the bridge as a structure from its historical period.

Noce di Motta and seasonal traditions

The Noce di Motta Camastra is considered the area’s most important agricultural product and is grown using traditional methods. A ministerial decree dated July 22, 2004, added it to the list of traditional agri-food products of the Sicily region. The decree was published on August 18, 2004, in GURI No. 144. Inclusion on this list is a distinct part of the product’s history and can be considered separately from seasonal culinary customs.

At Easter, you can sample Cuddura cu’ l’ova, a traditional sweet pastry, in Motta Camastra. The Festa della Noce takes place every year in October. During the grape harvest, visits to the Palmenti are organized: these are areas with wine presses and adjacent pressing facilities. If you want to plan your trip around the festival or seasonal visits, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Roccavaldina, Castel Di Tusa, Sparta, San Francesco Di Paola, Lipari, Misserio, Sant Agata Di Militello, Vulcano Piano.

For the main travel overview: Messina.