Plemmirio Marine Reserve: Scenic Jeep and Hike Tour

Embark on a thrilling trek through Noto Antica Iblei National Park, exploring ancient Byzantine tanneries and breathtaking natural beauty. Discover the ruins of Noto, known as ‘the little Medieval Pompeii’, and hike through the stunning Cava Carosello Nature Reserve to find hidden lakes, canyons, and waterfalls.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cava del Carosello - Under the blue sky of Cava Carosello, the path winds through centuries-old trees creating a portal to wild beauty. Intertwined fronds filter the light, while the scent of moss reveals the presence of an ancient forest. The lakes, tranquil bodies of water, welcome you with the promise of freshness. Here, among the ruins of the Byzantine tanneries, the crystal clear waters tell the secrets of ancient craftsmen. A break, a dive into the past and into clear waters. The path winds between tannery walls adorned with ancient graffiti, traces of an era of production and forgotten trades. Along the banks, ancient mills emerge as silent guardians. The stone wheels, still now, tell stories of the streams that once turned them. The return to dusk is accompanied by the call of nocturnal birds, and the Cava Carosello, with its lakes, Byzantine tanneries and mills, dissolves in the twilight of the evening.
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • ‘Nordic walking sticks’ provided
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Among the sparkling waters of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, the Maddalena route reveals breathtaking sea views. The rustling of the waves and the salty air welcome the beginning of an adventure between nature and history. From here, a jeep guides us through scenic roads to the suggestive Monte Alveira, residence of Ancient Noto. The atmosphere changes, and we find ourselves immersed in the charm of the ruins that tell centuries of stories. The next stage is the descent into the Cava Carosello canyons. The hiking route takes us through its majestic rock walls, and we soon find ourselves among the ancient Byzantine tanneries dug into the caves, a tangible testimony of past trade and craftsmanship. Along the way, the sound of waterfalls announces the approach to the hanging lakes. Here, the crystal clear waters are lost between the curves of the canyon, creating a heavenly setting. An irresistible opportunity for a refreshing natural bath.

Location
Cava del Carosello
Strada Provinciale 64, Noto Antica
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(27 Ratings)
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David_t
Jul 11, 2024
Wonderful experience in the Natural park - An excellent day out. Alessandro was first class travelling from catania to collect and return us to our Giardini Naxos hotel. Very informative and friendly. Terrain was quite hard going at times but the swim in natural lake was very relaxing. History of the area was very interesting and the scenery spectacular. Well worth the effort.
Review provided by Viator
Luigifrancescos941
Jul 11, 2024
Nature and history - Very nice visit, great friendly and very prepared Guide, an experience between history and nature. Path not too demanding
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samanthano5360ef
May 14, 2023
A walk through time. - We had a lovely historical trip with Alessandro. He was a great guide who has a relaxed manor and good humour. He gave us a wonderful insight into where we visited. There were 4 in our group and he made sure he covered everything we wanted to see and more, including a lunch stop in a market where we sampled a most delicious scicilian sandwich. My favourite stops were Noto and Ortiga, both very beautiful and I enjoyed walking the streets and taking in the history. Alessandro very much made himself one of our group and we look forwards to seeing him again, hopefully trekking up Mount Etna..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leonlg3749ov
Sep 15, 2022
It was a great experience in beautiful nature! Alessandro is a great guide and has a splendid personality - It was a great experience in beautiful nature. Alessandro is an amazing guide and has a splendid personality
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rolf_k
Sep 6, 2022
Hidden gems without tourists still exist…. - Alessandro is an amazing guide, bringing you to secret places without any tourists. In the morning we did a small hike on an old munk trail, with some swimming at a private pool in the sea. In the afternoon we went to an ancient abandoned city,, followed by a hike in a beautiful canyon with options for a swim in small pools. I had an amazing and long day. Communication in advance was really good. Thanks, Alessandro!
Review provided by Viator
Bsjpaes
Aug 11, 2022
Wonderful! - Alessandro was a wonderful guide! He pointed out areas of interest along the way, described them in English and Italian and took lots of great photos for my husband and I to take home. The trails he chose were great, and the views were even better. He also went to the trouble of arranging for us to pick up pizza from a new, local restaurant that we would pass by on our ride home!! Thank you Alessandro!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulie_cc89
Jul 24, 2022
Sicilia by the “Siculi” Alessandro - Alessandro is by far the best guide I have had during my time Solo traveling through Europe. His passion, kindnesses and knowledge allows for an unforgettable experience. He definitely runs the extra mile for you, and he helps a lot more than what he gets paid for. THANKS A LOT ALESSANDRO!!! Hope to see you soon again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liobag285
Jul 18, 2022
Great overall experience with super friendly host - Alessandro is a great host, super welcoming and friendly. He is always willing to share his knowledge about the area and his enthusiasm and positive energy are contagious. I would highly recommend booking with him :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dominicb58736
Jul 15, 2022
Great trip, that all should experience! - My father and I visited Etna and utilised E-bikes to climb the volcano. Our tour guide was called Alisandro and he gave us a personalised tour which really made our holiday an amazing and thrilling experience. The price was great for the special, once in a lifetime opportunity. An easy and excellent chance to experience the natural beauty of Sicily; I couldn’t recommend it more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D4154iqerikh
Jun 24, 2022
Amazing Electric Bike Summiting of Etna - Did a bike ride tour of Mount Etna with my friend and had an Amazing time. The trek up was challenging but not too difficult granted the electric bikes we had. When we got to the top we were greeted with a fantastic view of both the 4 active crates and the city of Catania. The ride down was probably the most fun part as Alessandro had us take a different route than the normal route which was for more experience cyclists through soft volcanic sand (My friend and I are experienced in downhill mountain biking). I would say that for this trek you should be comfortable on a bike and somewhat fit to enjoy it the most. You don’t need to be an expert on a bike though as Alessandro will be able to help you and teach you what you need to get up the mountain if you need and also will find the right route down for your level of skill. Overall amazing experience and would absolutely do it again! Also if you are a more experienced cyclist, Alessandro has several routes down the mountain that are a ton of fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
2 Adult
September 2024
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