Hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily

Mount Etna in Sicily covers an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers, making it both Europe's highest and largest volcano. In comparison, the second largest volcano in Europe – Pico in Portugal – is "only" 2,351 meters high. Furthermore, the Sicilian giant is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its many eruptions mean that Etna's unique landscape is constantly changing.

Would you like to go hiking on Etna the next time you visit Sicily?
Here you can read everything you need to know before hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily.
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When to visit Etna?

Mount Etna in Sicily is worth a visit all year round, and as the seasons change, so do the visiting conditions on Etna. No matter when you come, you can be sure to experience one of Europe's most spectacular views!

Etna in spring:

The mild climate and changing nature make spring one of the best times to hike on Etna. At the foot of the volcano, the landscape is in full bloom with newly sprouted flowers and trees, which contrasts sharply with the moon-like landscape that awaits you as you move further and further up. We highly recommend bringing your own packed lunch to enjoy while gazing out over Sicily.

Etna in summer:

In summer (especially in July and August), tourists flock to Etna for hiking, and there are plenty of guided tours to choose from. It can get very hot in Sicily during the summer months, so a long hike on Etna can be a hot pleasure. However, it rewards you with a pleasant breeze and excellent views at the top. You should also be extra aware of vipers if you hike on Etna in summer.

Etna in autumn:

A red and orange mountain landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. That's what awaits you when you visit Mount Etna in Sicily in autumn. Most tourists have gone home by this time, so even in the volcano's most popular areas, you might find yourself being the only tourist at Etna – you get an indescribable and completely unique feeling of being tiny and just a part of something much bigger, as you stand alone on the volcano and gaze out over a magnificent, untouched natural landscape.

Etna in winter:

If you love skiing, you will undoubtedly love visiting Etna in the winter months, when the volcano is covered in snow! There are ski lifts on both the northern and southern sides of Etna, and it's also possible to snowboard. Some areas on Etna are too dangerous for skiing, so you should go with an experienced guide. The best chance for snow is in late December and January.

Many ways to ascend Etna

You can easily get very far up Mount Etna in Sicily, even if you have difficulty walking, have children with you, or for other reasons cannot (or do not want to) manage a long walk. You can choose to start your hike right at the foot of the volcano, but a popular choice is to take a cable car that takes you a good way up – then you can either continue upwards, just enjoy the view from the area where the cable car stops, or you can hop on a guided Jeep tour that takes you all the way up to the volcano's crater.

Hiking routes on Mount Etna

There are several different routes on Mount Etna that are suitable for different target groups. Here we provide a brief overview of three of the most popular routes:

• Natura Gurrida: for families with children and those with slight walking difficulties

This route is ideal for tourists who want to experience Etna but for one reason or another cannot undertake a longer hike. The starting point is in the Parco d'Etna park near the town of Randazzo. It is a stretch of approximately one and a half kilometers, where you really get the opportunity to experience the fantastic animal and plant life that surrounds the volcano. Much effort has been made to ensure that Natura Gurrida is for everyone, and there is, among other things, an accessible toilet along the route.

• Piano dell' Acqua – Monte Calanna: for bird enthusiasts
  

If you are interested in the animal kingdom, this is an ideal route for you. The 1.1-kilometer long path leads you through a beautiful natural area with rare bird species, so remember your binoculars if you are interested in ornithology. It is understood that you move as silently as possible on this route, as the birds must not be disturbed. It is also a protected area, so you must not leave the path.

• Monte Zoccolaro: for adventurers
  

Although the route is only one kilometer long, it takes 2.5 hours to walk as it is very steep. You will pass through a fantastic and very varied landscape, and the challenging climb rewards you with a unique view of the Valle del Bove valley when you reach the top. The difficulty level of the route is high, and it is important that you stick to the marked path, as you will be passing through a protected natural area.

Experience Etna by Jeep

Hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily is just one of many ways to get around. In addition to the cable cars already mentioned, you can take a jeep bus up to the breathtaking Rifugio Sapienza, which, with its fantastic views, is extremely popular with tourists who want the perfect shot of the crater landscape.

What to remember when visiting Etna?

The climate on Etna is significantly different from the rest of Sicily, and it gets colder the higher you go. It is therefore important that you bring clothes suitable for the weather. We have made a list of things you should bring on your hike on Etna:

• Good footwear. Hiking boots are optimal, but trainers or sneakers can also work. Some sneakers have holes in the sides – avoid wearing them, as small stones can (and will) get in.

• Practical clothing. What clothing you should choose depends primarily on when you visit Etna. If you are going skiing, you should, of course, wear appropriate clothing, but even if you come in the warm months, it is a good idea to bring a change of clothes in the form of long trousers and outerwear (a warm sweater or windbreaker will do).

• The sun is strong on Mount Etna, so a good layer of sunscreen on your face is necessary.

• You will thank yourself for remembering your sunglasses when hiking on Etna, as the sun becomes more and more dazzling as you ascend.

• A water bottle. Hiking on Etna is fantastic but exhausting, and dehydration can be directly dangerous to your health.

• Cap or sun hat. As mentioned, the sun's rays are strong, and to avoid sunburn, it is a very good idea to remember your cap when you go up Etna.

How to get to Etna?

Since bus and train connections to Etna are not very good, it is definitely easiest to drive yourself.
You can drive to all of Etna's starting points by car, and it is also possible to drive all the way around the volcano. We recommend using a GPS or Google Maps to find the shortest route for you.
If it is not possible for you to drive to Etna in your own/rented car, it is possible to get to Etna by bus. Buses depart from Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII in Catania. The journey takes two hours.

History of Etna

Etna holds a very special place in the hearts of all Sicilians and is part of the island's identity. The volcano is not "just" loved for its magnificent nature; it also holds a significant place in Sicily's history. Etna is 35,000 years old and was named by the ancient Greeks (Etna means "I burn"). Its first eruption was described as far back as 1500 BC and has been surrounded by mystery throughout history. In ancient times, Etna was accused of being home to a cyclops (a one-eyed monster), the god Vulcan – the Roman god of fire – as well as a monster with 100 heads.

The dramatic history, combined with the fact that Etna still erupts, is therefore the reason why equal parts fascination and awe for the volcano have always gone hand in hand among the people of Sicily. Eruptions leading to earthquakes and ash spewing still occur regularly, but fortunately, it has been a long time since there have been major eruptions. Therefore, Etna is also seen as a peaceful volcano, and many people live close to it.
In ancient times, the natural lava caves on Etna were used as burial sites, but today some of them are open to tourists and definitely worth a visit. Consider taking a guided tour where you learn about how Sicilians have used – and still use – the caves.

If you are planning a hike on Etna, we recommend that you keep an eye on the volcano's current status. It would be a shame to look forward to a trip that cannot happen due to volcanic activity.

In ancient times, the natural lava caves on Etna were used as burial sites