Scenic Hike at Mount Etna in Sicily

The week before our vacation Mount Etna had produced a fresh eruption that forced the Catania Airport to close for some hours. Well, we were mostly worried not to make it to Sicily, but we did! We had seven amazing days in Sicily.

This blog post is about our hike around the queen of the Sicilian Island: Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. The group that went on the hike was people from all ages and it was manageable for everyone.

Mount Etna is Europe’s Biggest Active Volcano

Mount Etna is majestic and the queen of Sicily Island in Italy. And it is one of the worlds most active volcanos, luckily not dangerous due to the lava flow running slowly and by this not being a direct threat for humans. Mount Etna has a height at around 3 350 SEL, depending on the activity of the volcano.

When spending a week in Sicily there must be a visit to Mount Etna and it’s beautiful surroundings. We decided to do a more alternative route, which offers scenic sights and great guides telling the complete story to Mount Etna. If you want to experience a volcanic landscape, well then Mount Etna is a safe and majestic choice to explore.

We went on a two hour hike around Mount Etna, the first stop was in volcanic cave seeing how the lava flow creates caves in the landscape. Then we started our hike up in the hills, and getting the picture view of the five summit craters. Also got taken away by the different aspects related to flora and fauna that characterize the volcanic area.

Different Tour Options

Mount Etna has many ways to be explored. It is all about finding your comfort level and choosing the right tour for you and your adventure needs. Very often you can choose the half-day trip either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Many suggest that the morning is the best option due to fewer clouds and fog. I do think an afternoon hike gives another experience with the lights and the shades of the landscape.

We did the morning hike at Mount Etna, which was great. I mean if evening is the only option then go for it! The mountain will still be spectacular.

Option 1 Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek

Decide if you want to do the complete Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek, that will take you to 2,900 meters above sea level near the Torre del Filosofo. A great option for the adventures, but however with a solid budget. It cost around 45 US dollars for the tour with a guide + 50 US dollars for the Cable car ride and a 4WD bus ticket.

Option 2 From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset tour of the famed Mount Etna. Explore the last volcanic eruptions and craters, and in addition enter a stunning lava cave.

Option 3 Scenic Hike at Mount Etna Landscape

Let’s visit the fantastic and unique volcano Etna. The first step will be the visit of a lava flow cave, with safety helmets and torches. The second step is a hike where you will discover and walk around several craters thought different paths and forests and best of all Valle del Bove, that was created in 1987. The third and last stop is a tasty Sicilian picnic in the nature.

We decided to do option three – A scenic hike, a more relaxed way of exploring the stunning landscape in a small group of 15 people. Divided into two groups, English group only four people, lucky us. We went on the scenic hike, which was tremendous satisfying due to having a enormous variety of landscape and vegetation and also some great surprises along the road.

Nature Tourisme at Etnella in Etna

We decided to book our stay on Etna with Entella. Our accommodation was inside a park of 8 hectares, on a historical lava flow, and it was built following the Sicilian construction techniques using only local materials (like basalt stones & chestnut wood).

We went on a complete offer with a night in one of Etnalla’s cottage. We had a Sicilian dinner, that is with seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, and meats, including a wine tasting of the local productions. The next morning, we went trekking to Etna: along the trail that took us up to 2000 ASL.

36 Hours at Etnella & Etna

1 night on Etna with Sicilian dinner, wine tasting & scenic tour trekking at Etna – 200 EUR – Read More.

Or if you don’t want any accommodation and only half day experience:

Half Day Etna Tour

Etna Trekking Tour, visiting several craters and a lava flow cave. Picnic in Etnella at with local cheese, ham and natural wine. 6 hours – 60 EUR – Read More.

Are You Hiking Mount Etna or Going to Sicily in Italy?