Day Trips to Mount Etna from Catania

Among the best things to do in Catania are excursions to Mount Etna. This imposing mountain is actually an active volcano with breathtaking landscapes that will fascinate you. You can explore it in different ways at any time of the year and come across an incredible view.

There are different types of tours to suit you. Among them are those that are mostly hiking, 4x4 jeep tours and others that include wine and food tasting. The latter tend to be more dynamic and attractive, as you not only get to know the site, but also its gastronomy. Come and explore this beautiful place full of nature, fresh air and delicious flavours.

If you want to explore Mount Etna, but don't want to walk too much, a 4x4 jeep tour may be the ideal option for you. Of course, your guide will pick you up in Catania first in a private vehicle. When you arrive at the foothills of the mountain, you can get into the jeep and start an adventurous tour. This tour usually lasts on average six hours and costs approximately €60.

Your guide will take you along the roads of Mount Etna from where you will be able to see the variety of inactive craters. Along the way you will make several stops to sample the honey, wine and other liqueurs sold in the local shops on the mountain. Take advantage of this moment to get to know new aromas and flavours.

You will continue your journey until you reach the Bove Valley, where a stop is usually made. When you get there, you can explore the ancient cave with lamps provided by your guide. As the day goes on, you will be able to see the breathtaking sunset, and don't forget to take a picture of it! You will take a beautiful souvenir with you.

Tasting is usually included in the final price of the tour. You can also ask for special hiking shoes at an additional cost. If you are travelling to Catania with children you can also order a special seat for your little one to be comfortable in the jeep.

Interesting details

• Price: about 60 €.
• Duration: about 6 hours.
• Means of transport: 4x4 jeep.
• Advantages of this option: includes tasting of local products, jeep ride and exploration of a volcanic cave.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you are allergic to a particular product you may not be able to enjoy the included tasting.

Do you love wine and also want to get to know Mount Etna? Then an excursion to this iconic site in Catania with a visit to a wine cellar is the most recommended option. This is probably one of the best food tours you can experience in this city. It usually lasts an average of six hours and costs €60.

As with the other tours, the guide will pick up all participants in a private vehicle. Upon arrival at the hill, you can start the walking tour until you reach the Rifugio Sapienza. Pay attention to all the instructions of your professional guide, as he will comment on the history of the volcano and take the opportunity to see the different viewpoints along the way. You will also be able to see some craters that hide interesting stories.

Following this path, you will reach a point where you will reach an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level. At one point along the way, you will see a cave that you can explore with your group and your guide. You will be given a helmet and a torch, so be prepared to encounter a unique and mysterious site!

The last stop of this excursion is the wine cellar where you will be able to taste some of the local wines. Four wines plus a sparkling wine are included in the price of the tour. You can also sample a variety of cheeses, olive oil, pâté and local cured meats.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately €60.
• Duration: around 6 hours.
• Means of transport: shuttle bus.
• Advantages of this option: includes a delicious tasting of cold meats, cheeses and local wines.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you are allergic to cheese you will not be able to enjoy the tasting very much.

Mount Etna is known as the good giant of Italy and you can explore it in different ways. One of the most common is trekking or hiking, i.e. a leisurely walk that allows you to get a closer feel for nature. These tours last on average seven hours and cost around €65.

You will usually be accompanied by a group of no more than 10 people and a professional guide. In addition, transport is usually included from Catania to the mountain, from where the actual tour begins. On the way you will pass through Trazzere to see the impressive lava flows dating back to 1792. As it is a long walk, you will have time to hear all about the history of Mount Etna.

On the way you will also see the Bove Valley, an ancient caldera that was formed more than 60 thousand years ago. Following this direction, you will reach 2,000 metres above sea level. From there you can enjoy beautiful views of the coast. Remember to wear comfortable but warm clothes so that you can enjoy the hike without feeling too cold.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 65 €.
• Duration: about 7 hours.
• Means of transport: van.
• Advantages of this option: includes trekking poles.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include snacks or any type of food.

Mount Etna is actually a famous active volcano located on the east coast of Sicily. At its foot lies the town of Taormina, which is worth a visit for its impressive architecture. If you want to visit both sites, bear in mind that the time you need to invest is around nine hours. It also costs an average of €95.

The guide for this type of excursion usually creates groups of about 10 people. They can then travel by bus to Taormina. This trip can take around 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you will quickly see Mount Etna. To make the most of the day, the first thing you usually do is to climb the mountain on a short tour where you can see the ancient Silvestri craters.

After a few hours, your guide will take you to Zafferana Etnea. There you can visit a local farm and taste Sicilian wine. You will continue walking until you reach the town of Taormina, where you can stroll through the streets and see the Teatro Antico di Taormina and the Duomo di Taormina, among other iconic buildings.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 95 ¤.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Means of transport: shuttle bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will visit the city of Taormina and the mountain.
• Disadvantages of this option: as there are two destinations, the time spent on both may be short.

If you have two days to explore Catania and want to see its natural wonders, I recommend this tour to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. The average cost of this type of experience is €100 and it lasts approximately eight hours. It usually starts very early in the morning so that you can make the most of this experience.

After your guide picks you up from your hotel in Catania, you will travel to Mount Etna. From there, you will walk with your group and guide exploring the crater-filled lunar landscape. You will also see lava flows and volcanic slopes- take the best pictures of the spectacular views this site has to offer!

This part of the tour usually takes at least four hours. At one point along the way your guide will tell you when it's time for lunch. Don't worry, as lunch is usually included in these tours. After this break you can continue on to the Alcantara Gorges.

This beautiful site has abundant vegetation and lava rock formations. You will also find columnar basalts that have been formed over time by the icy waters of the Alcantara. If you travel to Catania during the Christmas season, you'll find very low temperatures, but if you want to bathe in the waters of the Alcantara Gorges, I recommend travelling during the summer.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 100 euros.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Means of transport: van or bus.
• Advantages of this option: this type of excursion usually includes lunch, plus you get to see two sites on the same tour.
• Disadvantages of this option: You will only have 4 hours to visit each of the sites mentioned above, which may not be enough time for some people.

Traveller tip
To visit the Alcantara Gorges you will need to bring a swimming costume, a towel and perhaps a change of clothes. It is advisable to bring everything you need to have a good time. Don't forget your sunscreen.

Among the tips to keep in mind when visiting Mount Etna, choosing the right time of the year is definitely a must. I recommend going in summer or winter, either of which enhances the incredible beauty of the mountain. However, you should prepare yourself in different ways for either weather.

During the summer, hiking will be a fascinating experience. You will be able to take a leisurely stroll through the unspoilt nature of this impressive mountain. You will also be able to admire the different craters and the little flowers that grow around them. In addition, the weather will allow you to reach the lunar surface of the volcano.

During the winter, you should bear in mind that the cold can work against you. You should prepare yourself with a different type of clothing so that it doesn't slow you down so much. However, you will enjoy every second of the experience, as you will be able to see how the snow covers all the craters and turns the landscape into a white volcanic blanket. I assure you that you will fall in love with the landscape!

For any of the occasions, the shoes you wear should be very comfortable and resistant. It is even better if you wear hiking boots, as well as suitable hiking gear. In your backpack you should include your snacks and, above all, plenty of water. I also recommend that you find the most qualified and experienced guide to make the whole experience a success.

Mount Etna is known for being the most active volcano in Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to its impressive features including its craters, caves, the depression of the Bove Valley, among other attractions. All this makes it an ideal destination with an important cultural landscape. It is also a strategic centre for international research.

If you travel to Sicily, and more specifically to Catania, you should not miss the opportunity to explore this mountain. Without a doubt, it is an obligatory stop. Also, going with a guide is essential so that you can quickly see the most important sites. If you go on your own, it can be easy to miss the best parts of the tour.

As well as going up on foot or by jeep, you have the option of taking the cable car up to the Silvestri craters. These two cavities, which were created in 1892, offer a beautiful lunar landscape. If you travel with a guide, you will be able to get to know all these details in depth and enjoy the experience much more.

If you travel to Catania for a day, you'll have plenty of time to explore Mount Etna. However, that might also be the only activity you do during your entire stay. Please note that the drive from the centre of Catania to the mountain takes about an hour.

On the other hand, to be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of this site you should walk at your leisure. With the help of your guide you can walk around the whole mountain at your leisure and this part of the tour can take about four hours. Generally, after the tour you will spend another four hours on an extra activity.

Most of the excursions to Mount Etna take about nine hours. You should evaluate your time and possibilities very well so that the whole experience is exciting and you don't get stressed by lack of time. My advice is to stay in Catania for at least two days so that you can visit the mountain at your leisure.