Catania: Mount Etna Trekking Tour Beyond the Tourist Trails
ID: GYG330201-586341
Category:
Country: Italy
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Trek across Mount Etna’s lunar landscapes with a naturalistic guide. Explore lava caves, walk ancient flows, and enjoy stunning views far from the crowds. An adventure to remember!
Your adventure begins right at the pick-up point in the center of Catania, where you’ll meet your expert naturalist guide and set off towards the majestic slopes of Mount Etna.
Leaving the city behind, you’ll travel off-road along ancient *trazzere* — historic rural tracks that wind through breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire the impressive lava flows from the massive 1792 eruption. As you pass through these unique landscapes, your guide will share fascinating stories about the volcano’s rich history and explain the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this extreme environment.
Your journey continues towards the spectacular Bove Valley, an immense and dramatic caldera formed around 64,000 years ago after the collapse of two major eruptive centers. This natural amphitheater offers unforgettable views of Etna’s dynamic geological past and present.
Once you reach an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level, you’ll begin an easy but rewarding trek through lunar-like terrain. You’ll explore the Silvestri Craters — remarkable remnants of Etna’s explosive past — and walk along the striking lava fields created by the 2001 and 2003 eruptions. These rugged flows are an incredible testament to the volcano’s constant activity and ever-changing shape.
Along the trail, you’ll also have the chance to discover a fascinating lava tunnel, formed by rivers of molten rock carving their way through the earth. From these elevated paths, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline and the city of Catania below — a reminder of how Etna shapes not only the land but the lives of those who live nearby.
To make this experience even more memorable, you’ll pause to enjoy a glass of local Etna wine while watching the colors of the sunset transform the sky and the surrounding volcanic landscape into a stunning natural canvas. It’s the perfect way to take in the magic and power of Europe’s most active volcano.
After this unforgettable adventure, you’ll be comfortably returned to the same pick-up point in Catania where your journey began, bringing home memories of an extraordinary day spent exploring the living heart of Sicily.
Highlights
- Discover Etna’s stunning southeastern crater up close
- Walk ancient lava flows off the beaten path
- Explore a hidden lava cave inside the volcano
- Taste a glass of Etna wine at sunset with breathtaking views
- Gaze at Sicily’s coastline from Etna’s stunning high altitudes
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Are you solo treveller? Please you contact us before booking, the experience starts with 2 participants minimum.
Our experience has an active altitude difference of approximately 550 meters.
All participants can buy a locally-prepared sandwich before the hiking.
In the case of high tremors and eruptions, a visit to the cave is not possible (even if the eruption has finished).
In the winter season, the hiking route may change due to snow.
Participants can come with their own car and they can only participate in the Hike.
All participants must to read the description and itinerary.
Participants must bring only equipment useful for the excursion and avoid objects such as computers, laptops etc.
INCLUDED
- Pickup and drop-off in the Catania city center and Trecastagni
- Hike of Mount Etna
- Naturalist guide
- Extra warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Trekking sticks and shoes
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.