Cava Grande, the big gorge of Cassibile creek, is the most spectacular for depth and landscape features among the Iblei Hills canyons, and is described by Jean Houel in his "Voyage Pittoresque" as one of Sicily's wonders boasting spectacular setting. The canyon is about ten Km in lenght, and this part of the winding river features numerous pools and small water falls. The few necropolis carved into its walls (1000-800 b.C.) and the "ddieri" chalky caves indicate habitation of the area since ancient times. Going along a minor road deriving from the Avola-Manghisi-Palazzolo, the main one, you get to belvedere from where can be appreciated the Grotta della Cunziria, rupestrian village dealing with leather tanning. The whole setting is dominated by Mount Etna and Syracusa Harbour. The clearest Cassibile river, known to the Greeks as the Kacyparis river, flows at the bottom creating fresh and really charming lakes embraced by the surrounding cliffs, dotted with wild plane trees, poplars and oleander and the intense scents of tyme, oregano and sage. Principal and easiest access is from Scala Cruci near Avola Antica. Going down the path to the "laghetti" is always a unique and worthy experience.

The wild orchids
The Iblei hills are characterised by the traditional dry-stone walls that mark the "chiuse" terracing the slopes where almonds, vines and carob trees had been planted. But, where the hard tuf, the volcanic rock used for the baroque, neoclassical and liberty decoration, is covered by plants, many wild orchids live and miraculously grow. Of multiple shapes and colors, usually spring-flowering, are a priceless gift from nature. Particularly wort of note is the Ofride di Bianca, ochre and brown coloured orchid which has been given this name in honour of his discoverer, Giuseppe Bianca, one of the most famous botanists in the town.

(source: Avola, la città esagonale)