Mt. Etna (Monte Etna)

The basics

Hike, drive, or ride in a cable car up Mount Etna on full- and half-day tours from the nearby cities of Catania, Taormina, and Messina. The Funivia dell’Etna runs a cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza up the mountain to about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). From there, you can join a guided hike of the volcanic area known as the Valle del Bove. If you don’t feel like hiking, book a less strenuous 4x4 ATV ride.

Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara), carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mt. Etna (Monte Etna) tours at sunset are especially spectacular. Meanwhile, wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that incorporates wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.

Come in the winter and you can also ski down the slopes of Etna at Piano Provenzana. Located on the north side of the volcano, this is where Etna erupted in October, 2002.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re exploring Mount Etna on foot, be sure to wear appropriate shoes, a hat, and sunblock, and carry ample water.

• You’ll want to capture the breathtaking sunset views; don’t forget your camera.

• For kids, a visit to the volcano can be a welcome break from sightseeing, so consider a family-friendly hike or fun 4x4 tour.

• The cable car stations are accessible to wheelchair users, as is one mountain trail.

• There is only one public bus daily from Catania to Mount Etna, so it’s best to visit on a private tour that includes transportation to the mountain.

• If you plan on visiting on your own, consider buying your Mt. Etna (Monte Etna) tickets for the cable car online so you don’t have to queue in line.

How to get there

The closest major city to Mount Etna is Catania, and buses run daily to the Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for many hikes and jeep tours. Otherwise, take the Catania-Messina highway and exit at Gravina di Catania to visit the south side of Etna, or at Giarre to visit the north-east side.

When to get there

Eruptions occur on Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, so there’s always the possibility of witnessing one. Eruptions that come from the summit of Mount Etna (rather than out from the side) can be the most visually stunning, especially at night, when brilliant orange lava spits into the dark night sky. Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit.

Wine and food at Mount Etna

Despite the fact that eruptions and volcanic activity have been responsible for serious damage to the cities and towns near Etna for millennia, people still continue to inhabit the mountain. The rich volcanic soil is particularly fertile for raising fruit, vegetables, and vineyards—many prestigious wines come from these mountain slopes, and it’s easy to sample these labels by joining a tour that includes wine tastings.

Ways to explore

Mt. Etna’s dramatic lava-sculpted landscapes afford plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, and all-terrain vehicles. Reaching the summit is only possible on a tour, traveling by cable car and 4WD bus, followed by a short hike to the crater. For incredible views without hiking, ride the Funivia dell’Etna cable car up to 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) or loop around the base of Mt. Etna on the scenic Ferrovia Circumetnea train.

Half- and full-day tours of Mt. Etna set out from Catania, Taormina, and Messina, and often include the nearby Alcantara Gorges, a lava cave tour, or wine tasting at a local winery.

Accessibility

The cable car, summit tours, and train are accessible for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility; wheelchair-accessible tours of Mt. Etna are also available. Due to the high altitude, summit tours aren’t recommended for pregnant women or anyone with high blood pressure or any heart or respiratory conditions.

Age limits

None; reduced-rate tickets for the cable car are available for children up to 10 years; children under five years can ride the cable car for free.

What to pack

Small backpack, reusable water bottle, plenty of water and snacks (if hiking), camera, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, hiking poles, cash (for the parking and restrooms)

What to wear

Hiking pants, a warm fleece (it can be cold on the mountaintop even in summer), a windbreaker, hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with a good grip

Not allowed

Hiking the summit of Mt. Etna is only permitted with a licensed guide.

Amenities

At the cable car base station: hotels, restaurants, restrooms, gift shops, outdoor clothing and boots rental

Address

Mt. Etna is located just north of Catania in northeast Sicily. The cable car base station and the starting point of most hikes and ATV tours is at Rifugio Sapienza, halfway up the mountain at 6,309 feet (1,923 meters) and reachable by car and public transport.

Driving

It’s about a 1-hour drive from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza. Three different routes lead up the mountain, but the easiest is the SP92 via Nicolosi, which is fully paved. Plan extra time to drive, especially if you’re a nervous driver, as it’s steep and winding as you climb up the mountainside.

Public transportation

Daily AST buses run from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza, usually leaving early in the morning and returning in the afternoon; it’s about a 2-hour journey. For more flexibility, opt for a private tour or organize a private driver for the day.

Best times to visit

Arrive early to hike or enjoy outdoor activities before the heat and the crowds reach their peak. Sunset tours, held twice weekly during the summer months, afford a rare opportunity to watch the sunset from the summit.

Best days to visit

As one of Sicily’s top attractions, Mt. Etna can get crowded on weekends. Visit midweek for a quieter experience and shorter cable car lines, or book skip-the-line tickets.

Best months to visit

Avoid the peak summer months if you want to dodge the crowds; late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) are ideal for outdoor activities, and the views are even more picturesque with a dusting of wildflowers or autumnal foliage. Ski season on Mt. Etna typically runs from December through March.

Special events

Mt. Etna’s wine villages, including Piedimonte Etneo, host harvest festivals to celebrate the fall harvest, while the Bronte Pistachio Festival celebrates the local nut harvest, and the Mt. Etna Marathon (June) is one of Sicily’s top sporting events.