Things to do in

Catania

Ascend to the summit of the craters of Mount Etna, one of the most coveted excursions a hiker can make. Hike with guide, and marvel at the beauty and wonder of the highest active volcano in Europe, up to 3,000 meters. Depart from Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi, and ascend 2,504 meters by cable car and begin your hike. You’ll hike 1.5 hours uphill, passing many craters, in particular toward the crater of the 2001 eruption and the moon-like landscape that marks out the area. During the hike you will take long pauses to take pictures and rest. You will then carry on exploring on your hike towards the Cisternazza and the Belvedere on the Valle del Bove, considered the best panoramic spot on Mount Etna on a dazzling volcanic depression dating back to 64000 years ago! Here you will take a break to cherish the surroundings, take a few pictures and simply admire the landscape as from up there you are able to see the coast from Taormina until Syracuse. From here you will reach the Barbagallo craters, up to 3,000 meters, the highest point allowed, and enjoy a privileged view on the summit craters and their constant emission of gases and water vapours. Then you will march back to 2500 mt and take the cable car back to the Rifugio Sapienza. Experience the incredible feeling of being on top of the world in this rocky, beautiful landscape with the giant sky above you.

A valid alternative to the summit craters is the 3,000m Etna excursion. You go up by cable car up to 2,500 meters, then by 4x4 up to 2800 meters. From here begins the path on foot up to 3000 meters. It will be possible to observe the summit craters, then we will stop on a lateral crater (barbagallo at about 3000 meters). You will admire the recent lava flows (1-December-2023) until you reach the inside of a lava channel. We will visit an effusive vent (2002 eruption) and from here we will descend along the sandbanks to the mound from where we will observe the Bove Valley, admiring, on fine days, a view that sweeps from the Ionian Riviera to the interior of Sicily. Duration: 4 hours walking / 5 hours total tour. Departures at 9.30 and 10.30, meeting time 45 minutes before departure (the departure at 10.30 is compatible for those arriving by bus AST from Catania). Meeting Point Shelter Alpine Guides Etna Sud, next to the Refuge Sapienza

Enjoy an adventurous day trip to Mount Etna, including free roundtrip transfers from Catania. Best of all, customize your tour according to your needs, choosing from either a private or small-group experience in a choice of languages. Explore the volcano’s ancient craters, a lava flow cave, and try some local products, while taking in some breathtaking panoramic views along the way. Start your day with a free pickup from your Catania accommodation in an air-conditioned minivan. Digest some fun facts about the volcano from your professional guide as you drive 2000 meters up. Hear about everything from the volcano’s natural resources, memorable landscapes, and flora, to lava flows that have swallowed roads and buildings in past spurts of activity. Once you reach 2000 meters up, take a guided walk around the ancient craters, recent lava flows, and other-worldly landscape. Rest easy as the trek is an easy one, suitable for both families with younger children and older family members. Enjoy the tasting of Sicilian "cantucci" biscuits and "zibibbo" wine. After a short break, head to your next stop — a lava flow cave. Using a helmet and flashlight, you’ll discover the cave’s origins and stand-out features in ample time with your guide. Your last stop is a panoramic viewpoint at Monte Pomiciaro, granting you unforgettable views and photo opportunities over the Valle del Bove, the volcano’s most important valley. If the sunset option is selected, take in breathtaking views of Etna during 'Golden Hour'. After your volcanic adventure, head back to Catania, where your tour will conclude.

Ride the cable car up Mount Etna and enjoy a tour at the bottom of the summit craters. Explore the area in a 4x4 bus designed to manage the terrain. Step out of the bus to learn about the volcano on a short walking tour with your guide. Validate your ticket at the "Priority pass" ticket office which is located at the entrance of the "Funivia dell'Etna" station. Your adventure begins at an altitude of approximately 6,300 feet (1.900 m) at the “Funivia dell’Etna” departure station. Reach the upper station at approximately 8,200 feet above sea level (2.500 m). In case of strong wind, your ascent will be carried out by the 4x4 buses. Once reaching the upper station, board a special 4x4 bus to reach the maximum summit height area allowed (approximately 9,500 feet/2.900 m). Continue your experience with an alpine-volcano guide to check out the surrounding area. Together with your guide appreciate the enchanted scenery at the bottom of the Central Crater that, with conditions of full visibility, allows you to get lost in the view of a large part of eastern Sicily. In case of snow, your ascent will be carried out with special tracked vehicles (snowcat). After spending about 30 minutes exploring, return to the cable car station and make your way back down the volcano with your roundtrip ticket. Please note that the ticket office is currently undergoing renovations, so priority entrance may not be guaranteed.

Trekking carried out by a certified company of alpine and volcano guide who will be happy to accompany you with professionalism and safety up to the top of Etna. Take breaks along the way and capture unique photos of the summit craters as you admire the stunning natural beauty all around you. After meeting and departing from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South), with the cable car and jeep 4x4 you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and lunar-looking environments, we will reach the Etna Summit Craters at 3340mt. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the vertiginous Northeast Crater and we will see at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs, and the sparkling colors of the ground due to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit Barbagallo craters and cross a lava flow channel. Once again at 2500 masl with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point. Remember that we are always talking about an active volcano so there may be variations of itinerary if necessary

Embark on a trek of iconic Mount Etna with a naturalist guide. Take in outstanding views, learn local history from your guide, visit a lava cave, and see the southeastern crater, Etna's most active area. Enjoy included trekking poles, shoes, and warm clothing. Following your pickup, you will head in the direction of Etna. Passing off-road through Trazzere where you can see the lava flows of 1792, your guide will explain the fauna and flora of the volcano of Etna. Learn Mount Etna's history as you travel in the direction of the Bove Valley, which is an ancient caldera formed about 64,000 years ago due to the collapse of 2 major eruptive centers. You'll soon arrive at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, where your hike starts. Follow quiet trails away from the tourist paths. Pass recent lava flows and soak up views of the coastline. Throughout the trek, you can stop to taste sandwiches and local products, at your own expense, and visit a lava cave. Fast stop in tourist area to refresh. At the conclusion of your experience, you will be returned back to your point of origin.

Hike to the top of Europe's tallest active volcano with a volcanologist guide. Discover the views from the summit craters, explore a lava tunnel and the Valle del Bove. Meet your guide at the local partner's office opposite the station of the southern Etna cableway. From the top of the cable car you will cross lunar landscapes aboard a 4x4 up to an altitude of 2850-meters in the Torre del Filosofo area. Begin your trek until we reach the edge of the Bocca Nuova (3300-meters) a crater which opened in 1968, one of the most impressive in the area. Stroll to the top and enjoy 360° panoramas and, if the weather permits, see as far as the Aeolian Islands and almost all of northern Sicily. Descend from the summit craters and pass through the craters of the 2002 eruption, then walk down a fun descent of volcanic sand and admire the volcanic amphitheater of the Valle del Bove, a spectacular caldera 8 km long and 4 km wide. Return by cable car to the starting point.

Learn all about Mount Etna, taste local produce, and watch the sunset over the unique landscape on a half-day guided Jeep tour. Stop for a tasting of wines, spirits, and honey to discover the tastes and smells of the local products made in this volcanic region. Drive along roads framed by breathtaking views of the various dormant craters. Admire the beautiful Valle del Bove and visit an area of ancient explosive activity, Hornitos. At the end of the tour, enjoy a splendid panorama of the landscape at sunset.

Discover Etna and its wonders on this guided half-day tour from Catania. We will explore a lava cave and discover the legends surrounding it. During our trek we will reach the top of a series of extinct craters and from there enjoy breathtaking views of the volcano and the coast. Together we will discover the history of the volcano, its peculiarities and observe how its landscape has changed according to the flows that have shaped it. Hear the tale of the infamous Etna eruptions from your knowledgeable guide.

After pickup from the designated meeting point, drive to Mount Etna to begin your tour. As you ascend to a height of 2,000 meters, your professional guide will tell you about the history of the volcano and explain its unique nature to you. Walk on paths away from the tourist areas to take in the flora and fauna away from the crowds.  Different aspects of the volcano will be highlighted, such as its nature and resources, its amazing landscapes, and the huge lava flows that have destroyed buildings and roads. You will be taken to a viewpoint to see the panoramic view of the Valle del Bove, the most important valley on the east slope of the volcano. Visit an area of ancient explosive activities, Hornitos, a semi-cave and a state refuge. Learn about its origin and the features inside from your guide. You’ll also have the chance to sample the wines, liqueurs, and honeys from this area. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation in Catania.