Cavagrande Lakes

At the bottom of a canyon carved by the Cassibile river, between rock walls up to 300 metres high, a string of crystal-clear natural pools is waiting for you. These are the Cavagrande lakes, which everyone around here calls the laghetti di Avola: one of the most spectacular places in south-eastern Sicily, about an hour's drive from Marzamemi. You can only get there on foot, and the first dip makes every step worth it.

How to get there

From Marzamemi it's 46 km, about an hour on an easy road, up to the Cavagrande viewpoint (belvedere) above Avola. Parking costs €5, cash only, while the reserve entrance is €2, card only: bring both. There's a bar next to the car park, just right for a coffee before heading down.

The trail and the pools

The Scala Cruci trail starts at the viewpoint: around fifty minutes on foot, all downhill on the way there and all uphill on the way back, with lots of steps. How much shade you get depends on the season and the time of day, and there's nowhere to buy food or drinks at the bottom. Wear closed shoes and a hat. The water in the pools is cool, which is exactly what you want after the hike in high summer. With children it's hard going, especially the climb back up: think it through before you set off.

Our tip

Bring plenty of water, more than you think: it's the climb back that really needs it, when the heat is at its worst.