About this place
Cascata del Catafurco in San Basilio (municipality of Galati Mamertino, province of Messina, Sicily) is a 30-metre waterfall on the San Basilio stream, which has carved tall rocky walls into the heart of the Nebrodi Park over centuries. At the base sits the Marmitta dei Giganti ("Giant's Cauldron"), a natural pool ideal for swimming in summer.
The trail through an abandoned village
The route starts from Gallini and follows the San Basilio stream through typical Mediterranean scrub — gorse, oregano, and thyme along the banks. Along the way it passes the Sperlinga Spring and Lacrime di Maria. The highlight en route is Borgo Molisa, a tiny abandoned Sicilian dry-stone village where traditional "paghiari" — shepherds' shelters with a stone base and thatched roof — still stand. Just before the waterfall, near the streambed, the petagna plant blooms — a rare endemic species of Sicily listed as at risk of extinction. Goats, pigs, and donkeys using the dirt tracks are commonly encountered along the way.
Trail: approximately 7.5 km out-and-back, around 2 hours 17 minutes, moderate difficulty. By car: roughly 1.5 hours from Messina, 2 hours from Palermo.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the waterfall? 30 metres — tall rocky walls shaped by centuries of flow from the San Basilio stream.
Can you swim? Yes — the Marmitta dei Giganti natural pool at the base is suitable for bathing in summer.
What is Borgo Molisa? An abandoned Sicilian dry-stone village along the trail, preserving traditional "paghiari" shepherds' shelters with stone bases and thatched roofs.
When is the best time to visit? Summer for swimming; spring for the fullest water flow and blooming endemic vegetation.
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