How to Visit Mount Etna? A Complete Guide to the Best Excursions and Tours

How to visit Mount Etna? If you are planning your trip to Sicily, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to visit the highest active volcano in Europe! Mount Etna is not only one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Sicily but also one of the most fascinating in all of Italy.

Mount Etna is easily accessible from Catania, even though there are buses and organised tours departing from different cities in Sicily. Reaching and visiting Etna allows you to have a unique experience, discovering the beauty of a volcano that stands out for its landscape, often compared to the lunar surface, and for the variety of activities you can do while exploring it.

But what is the best way to visit Mount Etna? In this guide, we give you some suggestions on how to reach the volcano and which are the best excursions to experience this adventure in a unique way, especially accompanied by expert guides who can help you discover the unique beauty of Etna.

How to reach Mount Etna?

Mount Etna is easily accessible from Catania, as it is about 35 km from the city. Departing from Catania, you can reach Etna by choosing between different options: by car, following State Road 120 to Nicolosi or Linguaglossa, depending on the side you wish to explore.

If you prefer public transport, the AST company offers connections from Catania to the Rifugio Sapienza station, on the southern slope, during the tourist season.

Alternatively, you can choose a tour that also includes transport from Siracusa or Catania, along with expert local guides.

What is the best time to visit Mount Etna?

Mount Etna can be visited all year round, but each season offers a different experience.

For example, during spring and autumn, you can enjoy pleasant excursions thanks to the mild climate, while in summer, the longer days and good weather allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities.

In winter, however, the volcano is covered in snow, offering a breathtaking and unique landscape that surely remains in the heart of anyone who has the chance to witness this scene.

The best experiences to visit Mount Etna

Visiting Mount Etna allows you to enjoy a truly unique naturalistic experience among lava flows, craters, and volcanic caves. To have a safe, fun experience accompanied by expert local guides, the best solution is to visit Etna by booking a dedicated tour. But which are the best tours to visit Etna? We have selected three.

Etna Quad Tour

If you are looking for an adrenaline-filled experience, the quad tour is ideal. Driving on dirt tracks and through volcanic landscapes provides a unique thrill. The routes cross expanses of solidified lava, forests, and panoramic trails, with an expert guide leading you to places less frequented by tourists.

The tour lasts about 2-3 hours and is, of course, only accessible to those over 18 years old and in possession of a driving licence, as it is a motor vehicle that cannot be driven otherwise.

The Etna quad tour takes you to discover the eruptive fracture, lava fields, explosive craters, and lava flow caves, as well as lunar landscapes and traditional constructions present on the volcano. Additionally, you can cross broom and pine forests, where you can admire the unique natural spectacle of the volcano.

Half-Day Etna Hiking Excursion

For trekking lovers, a half-day hiking excursion is an unmissable experience. Walking on panoramic trails, you can reach lateral craters and lava flows, while guides explain the history and geology of the volcano.

The excursion lasts about 4-5 hours and is suitable for anyone in good physical condition. Furthermore, simpler routes, such as those leading to the discovery of the animated rocks of Argimusco, are also ideal for children from 8 years old.

There are also intermediate routes that allow you to explore the Northern Craters and visit the Serracozzo Cave, known for its light effects.

The most daring and trekking enthusiasts can instead choose the difficult route that also leads to the Grotta dei Lamponi and the Grotta del Gelo.

Whatever the chosen route, a half-day hiking excursion on Etna is a unique experience to have if you really want to enjoy the beauty of the volcano.

Etna Jeep Tour 4×4 Northern Slope – Corruccio and Dei Ladroni Caves

If you want to explore the wildest side of Etna, the 4×4 jeep tour on the northern slope is the perfect choice. You will cross unspoilt landscapes and visit two volcanic caves: the Corruccio Cave and the Dei Ladroni Cave.

This tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours and is also accessible to the whole family, provided that children are at least 10 years old. The best part of this tour, aside from discovering the beauty of the caves, is certainly the timing, as it usually takes place in the afternoon at sunset, allowing you to witness how the unique colours of this moment reflect on Etna.

How to visit Mount Etna? Tips!

To fully enjoy your excursion to Etna, it is important to prepare properly according to the experience you plan to have. Generally, everyone is advised to always wear trekking shoes and dress in layers, both in colder and warmer periods. Additionally, it is recommended to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and carry a bottle of water. If the excursion takes place during the day, due to the altitude of the volcano, it is advised to always apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. In summer and spring, it is also advisable to wear a hat, especially during the day, to prevent sunstroke.

Visiting Mount Etna is an experience that combines nature, adventure, and history. Plan your visit according to your preferences and get ready to discover one of the most fascinating places in Italy!

Ciao Sono Iolanda, Nel 2010 ho deciso di ritornare nella mia magica isola, la Sicilia, affinchè l’esperienza acquisita negli anni precedenti prendesse forma lì dove ero nata.

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Mappa di Siracusa

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Mappa di Siracusa