Discovering the treasures of Southern Italy does not just mean taking a bath in the crystal clear waters walk among the ruins and Greco-Roman remains, but it is also an opportunity to discover hidden or unusual places, which are often overlooked by traditional tourist circuits. Between colored quarries and natural canyons, here, then, 5 “strange” places to see in southern Italy.
Ariadne’s labyrinth in Castel di Lucio
Ariadne’s Labyrinth is a work of art that was created with red stones by the sculptor Italo Lanfredini as part of the creation of an open-air contemporary art museum. This large labyrinth, located between the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains, recalls the ancient myth of Theseus and Ariadne.
The visit to Ariadne’s Labyrinth is not only a cultural experience, but also an opportunity for reflection. In the center of the labyrinth, in fact, there is a beautiful olive tree which symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. Visiting the labyrinth is free: from the motorway you can exit at Cefalù or Santo Stefano di Camastra and follow towards the town.
Bauxite quarry in Otranto
Immersed in an extraordinary landscape context, the Bauxite Quarry in Otranto is located in Puglia, in Salento, and its particularity lies in the bright colors that characterize the landscape. An intense red of the mineral-rich earth blends with the emerald green water of the reservoir that has been created over the years. This chromatic contrast creates an almost surreal scenario, making the Bauxite Quarry a unique place to visit.
The Bauxite Quarry can be freely visited at any time of the day, even if it is ideal take advantage of a beautiful sunny day to take photos. To get there you will have to follow the road to Santa Cesarea Terme from Otranto and then continue on secondary roads.
Alcantara Gorges
The Alcantara Gorges are one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Sicily and represent another of the unusual places and in a certain sense “strange” to see in Southern Italy. These impressive rock formations were created by the erosion of the Alcantara river and are located at the foot of Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The peculiarity of this site lies in its basalt wallsformed following volcanic eruptions and shaped over the millennia by the river water.
Visiting the Alcantara Gorges means immersing yourself in an almost lunar landscape, where crystal clear waters flow between deep canyons and crevasses. It is a place that fascinates not only for its wild beauty but also for the possibility of practice activities such as trekking, body rafting or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation in contact with uncontaminated nature. The magic of the Alcantara Gorges is revealed by walking along the equipped paths or exploring the fresh and clear waters of the river, offering unique emotions to anyone. To get there you will have to starting from Giardini Naxos and continue inwards.
Valley of the Mills in Sorrento
Located a few steps from the central square of Sorrento, the Vallone dei Mulini has been fundamental for centuries thanks to the grain processing. Today, however, it is an abandoned building where the ancient structures have been covered by a thick layer of grass.
This site, despite its central location, is often ignored by tourists, making it a hidden gem to look out for. In Sorrento, however, you can arrive either by car with a one-hour journey from Naples or by train with the Circumvesuviana line.
Custonaci Mangiapane Cave
The Grotta Mangiapane of Custonaci is another extraordinary place that embodies history and nature. Located in the province of Trapani, Sicily, this cave was inhabited until the 1950s. Inside there are houses, ovens and common areas, making it a real town.
Furthermore, during the Christmas period, a live nativity scene is organized here with figures who recreate the scenes of the nativity. To get to Custonaci you will have to follow the SS187 and deviate for the SP16 until you reach the town.
