the Ponds of Avola and the Cavagrande canyon
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For those who love nature, breathtaking views, and perhaps a light trekking, it'ss definitely worth a visit to "Cavagrande del Cassibile". Cavagrande is a natural reserve, of more than 2700 hectares, and is centred around the charming canyon formed by the River Cassibile. This natural cave is about 10 km long and surrounded by rock walls, high in some points up to 300 m. Cavagrande is located a few kilometers from the town of Avola, on the southern territory of Syracuse and the main access point is the road that rises towards "Avola antica", destroyed by the earthquake of 1693.
Even without a long walk through nature, you can enjoy the small lakes and the winding lines of the Cassibile River from above.
The natural reserve is rich in vegetation. In spring it is wonderfully dotted with colourful flowers including many spontaneous orchids. During the warm months, however, a bath in the ponds is a pleasant refreshment.
The area also has several archaeological remains such as the suggestive "Grotta dei Briganti", used in past centuries or the prehistoric necropolis of the river. There are numerous paths from different degrees of difficulty to visit Cavagrande. For the occasional visitors, however, it's suggested the trail "Scala cruci" that from the Belvedere goes down to the ponds.
How to get to Cavagrande
There are no public transport links connecting Cavagrande to Avola or other Sicilian towns. Therefore it's necessary to arrive on the spot by yourself or to join an organised tour. The best point to admire the landscape of Cavagrande is from the "Avola Antica" lookout point, from which is also the trail "Scala cruci" that leads to the famous Avola ponds and their small waterfalls.
To reach Cavagrande from the north (Syracuse) or from the south (Ragusa) you have to take the Siracusa-Gela motorway (in operation until Rosolini) and exit at Avola junction. Once there, take the SS115 towards Avola. Before entering the country, a roundabout allows you to enter Avola's ring road. Turn right at the roundabout (first exit) and continue until you reach a tunnel-underpass. Turn right here without entering the tunnel and follow the signs for Cavagrande del Cassibile. At the traffic lights turn right again and enter the SP4. Follow the road for severalkilometres, hopping in a suggestive landscape with panoramic bends and dry stone walls. Finally, another road sign "Cavagrande / Laghetti di Avola" will invite you to turn right to reach the panoramic parking area.
By the way, these are the coordinates: 36.967600, 15.093809
Opening hours and tickets
Access to the Cavagrande del Cassibile reserve is free. The naturalistic area is very wide and at some points, there is the danger of landslides and boulders. For this reason, the access to the reserve is permitted only through the paths authorized by the forestry body.
The most famous trail is "Scala cruci". At this point there is a guard post for the forestry. The trail is open every day with variable timetable depending on the seasons. During the beautiful season, the opening is usually between 7.30 and 19.00. In the case of bad weather, the trail is closed. At the forest guard, there are brochures with the map of Cavagrande and the indication of the other existing paths. For more information, you can contact the Syracuse Forests company office at +39093167450. At the lookout point you can also enjoy a restaurant/rest point.
"Scala cruci" trail and the Avola ponds
Although continuously maintained, the trail has a fairly steep slope and may be difficult for poorly trained people, especially with summer heat. Consider the difficulties before embarking on the descent. Climbing shoes (gymnastics, trekking, etc.) are required to access the trail. The route is about 1700 m long and it is possible to reach the splendid Avola ponds, formed by the fresh waters of the Cassibile River. It is possible to bathe in clear lakes' waters and cool off among the beautiful waterfalls.
IMPORTANT UPDATE! At the current date I'm writing (July 9, 2017), bathing activities are prohibited in the pond's water. It's a temporary measure due to maintenance for securing the site.
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