A series of emerald natural pools connected by small waterfalls at the bottom of a dramatic canyon near Avola. Accessible via a steep 45-minute hike (1.5km descent). One of Sicily's most magical and rewarding swimming spots — especially beautiful in summer.
Cava Grande del Cassibile is an inland river canyon in south-eastern Sicily, near Avola in the province of Syracuse, where the Cassibile river has carved a deep limestone gorge over millennia. At the canyon floor lies a string of emerald-green natural pools, the 'laghetti', linked by small waterfalls and cascades, set among oleander, plane trees and bare white rock. This is not a sea beach but a freshwater bathing spot, and one of Sicily's most magical and rewarding swims, with cool, clear river water in a wild, dramatic setting far from the coastal crowds. The pools are deep enough to swim and, in places, safe for short cliff jumps, though water levels and conditions vary with the season and can shrink markedly by late summer. Reaching the pools is the catch: access is via the Scala Cruci, a steep, rocky switchback path that drops around 300 metres into the gorge over roughly 1.5km, taking 45 minutes to an hour down and considerably longer and harder back up in the heat. There are no facilities of any kind at the bottom — no water, food, toilets, lifeguards or shade beyond the trees — so visitors must carry everything in and all rubbish out. The descent is genuinely demanding, with loose stone and exposed sections, and is unsuitable for anyone without good footwear and reasonable fitness; the climb back in afternoon heat is the main hazard. A belvedere viewpoint near the car park above Avola offers the classic panorama over the gorge and pools for those not attempting the descent. The site is busiest on summer weekends, when locals make the trek for a cooling swim. For walkers willing to earn it, the combination of a strenuous canyon hike and a swim in turquoise mountain pools is among the most memorable experiences in the Syracuse hinterland.
Amenities
- none — bring everything
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, wildlife-watchers, photographers, couples
Highlights
- Emerald freshwater pools linked by waterfalls at the floor of a dramatic limestone gorge
- Cool, clear river water for swimming far from the coastal crowds
- Safe natural cliff-jumping spots in the deeper pools
- Strenuous but spectacular Scala Cruci descent into the canyon
- Clifftop belvedere viewpoint near Avola for those skipping the hike
Tips for visiting
- Start the descent early to avoid hiking back up in the fierce afternoon heat
- Wear proper hiking footwear: the Scala Cruci trail is steep, rocky and loose underfoot
- Carry plenty of water, food and sun protection as there are no facilities at the bottom
- Visit late spring or early summer when water levels are highest; pools can shrink by August
- Only jump where you have first checked depth, and avoid the climb in peak midday sun
When to visit
Late spring to early summer offers the highest water levels and pleasant hiking temperatures; midsummer is very hot for the climb back out, so begin early in the day. Weekdays are far quieter than summer weekends.
Accessibility
Access is only via a steep, rough and exposed canyon trail with no step-free option or adapted facilities, so the pools themselves are unreachable for visitors with mobility limitations; the clifftop belvedere viewpoint is far more accessible by car.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the hike down to the Cava Grande pools?
It is demanding. The Scala Cruci path descends roughly 300 metres over about 1.5km of steep, rocky switchbacks, taking 45-60 minutes down and longer back up. Good footwear, water and reasonable fitness are essential.
Are the pools safe for swimming?
The pools are freshwater and generally calm, deep enough to swim and, in places, for short cliff jumps where depth has been checked. Levels vary by season and can drop notably by late summer, so conditions are best in spring and early summer.
Are there any facilities at the bottom of the gorge?
None. There is no water, food, toilets, shade or lifeguards at the pools. Visitors must carry in everything they need and carry out all rubbish. A clifftop viewpoint near Avola serves those not making the descent.