Cava Grande and lesser-known trekking routes around Noto

For lovers of walking immersed in nature, Cava Grande and the trekking routes around Noto offer authentic experiences in the heart of south-eastern Sicily. Among the most spectacular is Cava Grande del Cassibile, a limestone gorge carved by the river over thousands of years.
A place many call the “Sicilian Grand Canyon”, offering unique emotions to those who choose to explore it on foot.

The Heart of Cava Grande

The reserve opens like a natural amphitheatre: white rock walls, Mediterranean scrub and clear freshwater pools shimmering in the shadows of the canyon.
This is not a place you come to simply to walk, but to slow down, listen to the sounds of nature and immerse yourself in an unspoilt landscape.

The best-known path is Scala Cruci, officially reopened in the summer of 2024. From the viewpoint of Avola Antica it descends to the main pools: a demanding route, yet one that rewards hikers with unforgettable views.

Those who enjoy more rugged and adventurous trails—recommended only for experienced and physically fit walkers, as the path includes several challenging sections—can explore the caves overlooking the western side of the canyon, which in the nineteenth century served as shelters for bands of brigands.

For those who prefer gentler routes, the Carrubella and Stallaini paths remain available, offering quieter ways to discover the canyon from different perspectives.

A Dive Among the Rocks

Reaching the pools is one of the most moving experiences Cava Grande has to offer. The clear, cool water invites you to take a swim and let yourself be embraced by the silence of the rocky walls.

Italo’s advice

“Many visitors stop at the first pool, but those who continue discover more intimate corners, where the water is calm and time seems to stand still. These are the places I love most, the ones that truly preserve the hidden soul of Sicily.”

Enjoying the Experience Lightly

Experiencing Cava Grande with ease and care means wearing suitable footwear, carrying water and a light snack. Spring and autumn offer the ideal climate to enjoy the walk at a relaxed pace, while in summer it is best to start early in the morning, avoiding the heat and tackling the return ascent without haste.

More relaxed alternatives

For those looking for less demanding alternatives, we suggest other itineraries that combine nature, history and culture.
Not far from the reserve, you’ll find:
Cava Carosello, a canyon where the silence is broken by the flow of a small stream and where the remains of ancient mills and large basins—used as tanneries during the Arab period—are still visible. Nearby is Noto Antica, the city destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, whose ruins are now hidden by vegetation. Restoration work is gradually bringing this archaeological area back to life, and the Norman castle is already undergoing conservation. The entire route can be completed in around three hours and is accessible via the provincial road SP64 from State Road 287.

Another remarkable destination is the Necropolis of Pantalica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of rock-cut tombs. Along the paths you will also encounter dwellings and churches carved into the limestone rock and, if you are fortunate, traces of ancient frescoes. It is a truly magical place, with nothing to envy the great North American canyons. Trails range from 5 to 13 kilometres in length, with access points from either the Ferla side—closer to Tenuta Olive Alive—or from Sortino. This excursion can easily be completed in a single day. A packed breakfast is recommended and can be arranged by Tenuta Olive Alive.

Your Home in Val di Noto

After a day of trekking, the true pleasure lies in returning to a place that feels like home. Tenuta Olive Alive is just that: an estate of olive trees and stone, only minutes from Noto, where you can pause, regenerate and rely on Italo’s advice to discover the most authentic side of Sicily.

Here, time slows down, the scents of the countryside accompany your rest, and each day begins with the promise of a new discovery.

If you wish to experience Cava Grande and the trekking routes around Noto in the right spirit, Tenuta Olive Alive is the ideal starting point: a welcoming home in the heart of south-eastern Sicily.