The pools of Cavagrande — Itinerario in scooter

A canyon three hundred metres deep cut by the river Cassibile, with freshwater pools on the floor. The road takes you to the viewpoint; the rest is on foot, and the way down is as steep as the way back up. The main path, the Scala Cruci, reopened in August 2024 after years closed because of a fire, and you now need a ticket to get in.

• The viewpoint over the canyon, which you reach by scooter
• The Scala Cruci: the historic descent, reopened in 2024
• The freshwater pools on the floor of the gorge
• Avola Antica, the old village above the valley

• From the Scala Cruci it is about 300 metres of height: 40-50 minutes down and a good deal longer coming back up, in full sun.
• Three paths are open: Scala Cruci, the Carrubella path and Scala di Mastra Donna. The Carrubella access is about a kilometre past the main junction.
• You get there from Avola on the SP4 Avola-Manghisi, following the signs for "Cavagrande del Cassibile" or "Avola Antica".
• At least two litres of water each and proper walking boots. Not sandals, not smooth trainers.
• In summer, in the middle of the day, the climb back is dangerous: you go early in the morning or you do not go.