Gole di Tiberio

Gole di Tiberio – sailing through the canyon

Since we’re canyon lovers, we couldn’t skip them in Sicily either. We visited several, but only two truly stole our hearts — and Gole di Tiberio was one of them. Tucked away in the Madonie mountains, far from the main tourist trails, it feels modest at first glance, yet offers a one-of-a-kind experience. There wasn’t a soul around — just us, which made it all the more special.
The kids couldn’t wait to hop on the boat, while we were eager to dive into the canyon itself and uncover its hidden corners.

How to get here and what to expect

Gole di Tiberio lies about 40 minutes inland by car from Cefalù. The final stretch winds along a narrow, twisting road flanked by olive trees and small farms, until you reach a modest ticket office where the adventure begins. From there, a gentle path leads you toward the Pollina River.

Right from the start, we’d recommend switching into water shoes. Just a few steps in, you’ll be wading through the river. And the rocks beneath are large enough to make bare feet regret it.

The path runs for a few dozen meters alongside the river, which you’ll need to cross several times. Either by hopping across stones or wading through the water. Naturally, the kids saw it as an adventure. With each crossing a challenge to be conquered.

As we made our way through, we learned that Gole di Tiberio isn’t just a natural wonder. It lies in a region where Bronze Age archaeological remains have been found. Thousands of years ago, prehistoric Sicilians lived in the nearby caves, using the Pollina River and its surroundings as a refuge.

Boat and entrance to the canyon

After a short walk, we reached a quiet bend in the river, where an inflatable boat and our guide were waiting. We climbed aboard and set off into the canyon, which had already promised stunning scenery from afar.

The Pollina River flows gently here, threading its way between towering chalk walls formed some 130 million years ago. They look as if they might crumble at any moment—but in truth, they’re solid and beautifully sculpted.

The farther we drifted, the narrower the canyon became. At certain points, it felt as though the boat might not squeeze through the rocks at all.

The water flowed quietly here, without a single ripple. And every so often we paused as our guide pointed out marine fossils embedded in the limestone walls. They date back to the Mesozoic era, when this entire region was still beneath the sea. Our kids were thrilled — it was their first time seeing fossils in Sicily, and now they search for them every year.

Narrow gate between rocks and back

After a few minutes on the water, we reached a spot where a massive boulder had wedged itself between the canyon walls. As is often the case in places like this, the river had slowly eroded one side over thousands of years, loosening the rock until it settled overhead like a stone gate. It was probably the most photogenic moment of the trip. Our boat slipped through the narrow passage beneath the boulder, where a natural tunnel had formed.

Beyond the boulder, the gorge narrowed even more. The rocks on either side rippled and curled into spiral patterns, echoing the movement of water through the ages. Here, the boat had to turn back — the passage was simply too tight. Sunlight had begun to filter into the canyon, and its end slowly came into view.

On the way back, we paid closer attention to the details and found ourselves enjoying the canyon even more — the crystal-clear water, the shimmer on the rocks, and the occasional shadows cast by plants growing high above us. We were a bit startled by a snake gliding through the water, but our guide assured us it was completely harmless and a regular resident of the area.

Swimming and end of the day

Back on shore, we had one last short crossing to reach the other side of the river, where a slightly deeper spot invited a swim. Without hesitation, the kids dashed in. After a demanding day that began with a climb to Rocca di Cefalù, they’d earned every splash of refreshment. The water was cool — though not nearly as icy as in Gole di Alcantara.

The entire Gole di Tiberio adventure took around two hours, including the walk, boat ride, and swim. Once back at the car, we slipped into dry shoes and — tired but content — set off toward Messina, bound for the town of Patti. From there, a breathtaking view of the Aeolian Islands awaited us. As we drove, plans for the next day began to take shape: a visit to the Tono Cave and the stunning nature reserve with its dreamy beaches — Riserva Naturale Orientata Laghetti di Marinello.

Practical information for visiting Gole di Tiberio

🚗 Gole di Tiberio sits about 40 minutes inland from Cefalù by car, or roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from Palermo. From either town, the route winds through narrow country roads, with the final stretch twisting gently between olive groves and quiet farmland—scenic, yet fully drivable.

🎟 The excursion is guided and includes a boat ride. Tickets range from 12€ to 15€ per person, with discounts available for children. We visited the canyon at the end of June, arriving at the ticket booth around 4 PM without a reservation. It worked out fine — but come August, it’s definitely worth considering booking ahead.

🕒 How much time to set aside: The boat ride itself lasted 45 minutes. With the walk and some quiet time by the river, we spent a total of two hours here — just enough to soak it all in without feeling rushed.

🥾 Water shoes are a must — without them, wading through the river gets uncomfortable fast. It’s also wise to bring drinking water and a small snack, since there’s no café, shop, or refreshment stand nearby.

🗺 What to pair the trip with: Gole di Tiberio works perfectly as a half-day stop on your way to or from Cefalù. You can also combine it with a hike up Rocca di Cefalù, or venture into the nearby pine forest for sweeping views and a visit to the cave of Grotta Grattara.