With an official announcement on July 31, 2024, the Territorial Office for Siracusa of the Regional Department of Agriculture and Forestry announced the reopening to visitors of the "Scala Cruci" trail in the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, starting from August 3, 2024, when the official inauguration will take place at 10:00 AM in the presence of the authorities.
At the same time, it was announced that starting from August 5, 2024, the new entrance ticket to the nature reserve will come into effect with the following rates:
- Full ticket: € 2
- Reduced ticket: € 1 (law enforcement members, environmental associations, students, and scouts)
- Free ticket: for children under 8, disabled persons with a companion, and individuals authorized by the managing authority
What is the "Scala Cruci" trail
Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in an untouched landscape, where crystal-clear water meets limestone rock and nature reigns supreme? Then the Scala Cruci trail, within the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, is the perfect destination for you. Scala Cruci is one of the most famous and picturesque trails of the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in Sicily. This trail, winding through deep gorges and small waterfalls, offers a unique experience in contact with nature and the typical environment of the Iblean quarries of southeastern Sicily.
If you are not familiar with the Cavagrande Nature Reserve and want to learn more about this magical place and its accessibility, you can read our dedicated page: Visit the Cavagrande Reserve and the Avola lakes
The "Scala Cruci" trail features rocky and steep sections that require a certain level of physical effort to traverse. Despite the difficulty, the view during the hike more than compensates for the effort and, above all, allows you to reach the famous "lakes of Avola". The trail was officially closed to the public in 2017 following a major wildfire, and the managing authority ordered its closure for safety reasons while important consolidation works were being carried out. Unfortunately, during these long years of closure, many visitors ignored the prohibition and ventured onto the trail, which, we remind you, should always be approached with awareness: knowledge of one's physical limits, appropriate footwear and clothing, and proper caution. Unfortunately, numerous rescue interventions are required annually for falls or sprains caused by imprudence, requiring difficult rescue operations by rescuers, sometimes even with the help of a helicopter.
During the hike along the Scala Cruci, you can admire:
- Deep gorges and waterfalls: The trail winds through gorges carved by the Cassibile River, creating breathtaking scenery.
- Lush vegetation: The reserve hosts a rich variety of flora, including Mediterranean scrub, holm oaks, and reed beds.
- Natural lakes: At the end of the trail, you can refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the natural lakes formed by rock erosion.
For hiking in the Cavagrande del Cassibile Reserve, it is always recommended to bring a sun hat and sunscreen in the hot months, and a raincoat starting in fall. Trekking shoes are highly recommended, but in any case, closed shoes, as the forestry staff will prevent access if footwear is not suitable for the trail.
The Scala Cruci trail is accessible from the Belvedere of ancient Avola, reaching the panoramic road that leads from the town of Avola (Siracusa province) to the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve. We also remind you that in case of orange or red weather alerts from the civil protection for the possibility of heavy rains or fire danger, the staff will close the reserve.
The province of Siracusa offers several splendid naturalistic paths enlivened by the presence of streams, lakes, or waterfalls, so many visitors confuse the different sites: the lakes of Avola are located within the Cavagrande Nature Reserve near Avola. Many mistakenly believe they are in Pantalica. Pantalica is another natural reserve in the province and a UNESCO archaeological site. During hikes in Pantalica, you can admire the Anapo River and the Calcinara stream. Finally, another splendid naturalistic path is in the area of Ancient Noto, where the Cava Carosello trail follows a stream that forms some beautiful lakes and enchanting small waterfalls.
For more information on the accessibility of the Cavagrande Reserve and opening hours, you can contact the managing authority via email at:
The trails of the Cavagrande del Cassibile Reserve
There is no doubt that "Scala Cruci" is the most famous among the trails of the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, but it is not the only one. Among the various trails, as of the publication date of this post, the following are also open to the public:
- Carrubella Trail, coordinates 36°58'32.65"N | 15° 4'22.95"E
- Stallaini Trail, coordinates 36°58'30.42"N | 15° 5'47.23"E
Guided tours of the Cavagrande del Cassibile Reserve
Hermes Sicily Tours is a tour guide and hiking agency, and among the itineraries proposed by our staff of tour and hiking guides is the Cavagrande del Cassibile Reserve. We currently offer several visit options:
- Private half-day excursion to Cavagrande, Scala Cruci trail
- Private half-day excursion to Cavagrande, Carrubella trail
The private guide service is available in Italian and English from Monday to Friday and includes a private guide, bookable by groups or individual visitors, with meeting point at the reserve entrance. To book, please contact us via email at
Note: The access road to Cavagrande cannot be reached by large tourist buses, nor are there any public transport options to the reserve.
For those looking for a small group excursion including transportation from Syracuse:
- Half-day excursions to Cavagrande with minivan from Syracuse: This excursion is organized in collaboration with a partner agency and accommodates a maximum of 8 participants.
On special occasions special event group tours to Cavagrande del Cassibile are organized. When scheduled, the dates are indicated on this page.
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