Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, is a must-see for anyone visiting Sicily. At its highest point, it reaches 3,403 metres making it a playground for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone simply curious about one of the world’s most fascinating geological sites.
And what better way to discover it than with a Mount Etna day trip? From hiking trails to cable car rides, this trip offers a variety of ways to explore the mighty mountain, surrounded by breathtaking views of Sicily’s landscapes.
Excursions to Mount Etna
When it comes to Mount Etna trips, there are plenty of options to choose from, ensuring every type of traveller can find an experience that suits them.
Take-it-easy travellers: For those seeking a more relaxed visit, you can take a cable car to the summit, which will give you stunning views of the volcano without much exertion.
Give-it-a-go travellers: For the more adventurous, guided excursions are available, allowing you to hike up the volcano’s slopes, explore its craters, and even see the aftermath of past eruptions. Some tours even offer visits to the nearby vineyards, where you can learn about (and taste!) the unique wines produced in the fertile volcanic soil.
No-holding-back travellers: If you’re looking to make your trip to Etna even more exciting, you can opt for a jeep tour that takes you off-road. You’ll get to see parts of the volcano that are not typically accessible on foot all from the safety of a 4×4.
The Best Routes and Trails on Mount Etna
For those keen to explore Mount Etna’s rugged terrain on foot, several trails offer varying levels of difficulty.
Here are some of the best routes and trails to experience the volcano’s fascinating landscape.
Crateri Silvestri Trail
One of the most popular and accessible trails on Mount Etna, the Crateri Silvestri trail, is ideal for beginners or those who want to enjoy a leisurely walk. This 2-kilometre circular trail takes you to a pair of dormant craters at around 1,900 metres above sea level. The path is well-maintained and only has a 50-metre height difference, making it a great option for families and those looking for an easy yet rewarding hike. As you can imagine, the views are spectacular!
Etna Summit Crater Trail
For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the Etna Summit Crater trail is the ultimate way to reach the top of the mountain. Visitors can reach 2,800 metres independently, but to reach the crater, you must go as part of an organised tour.
This trail takes you to the highest craters of Mount Etna, where you can witness the active volcanic vents and feel the heat from the earth’s interior. The route can be demanding, with steep ascents and rocky terrain, but the reward is unparalleled—breathtaking views of the craters and surrounding volcanic landscape.
*At the time of writing (December 2024), ongoing eruptive activity restricts access to the top crater. Tour companies will undergo route changes which can include observing recent lava flows.
Valle del Bove Trail
If you’re after something truly unique, the Valle del Bove trail should be on your list. This route takes you into a massive valley formed by an ancient eruption, offering a surreal experience as you walk among vast lava fields and jagged cliffs reaching up to 1,000m tall. The valley is one of Mount Etna’s most awe-inspiring features, with a striking contrast between the barren, dark volcanic rocks and the occasional bursts of green from resilient vegetation. The trail can be challenging in parts, with uneven surfaces and steep climbs, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
It’s worth mentioning that the trail is generally closed from December to March due to snowfall.
Monte Minardo Trail
The Monte Minardo Trail takes you to one of Mount Etna’s most striking side craters, Monte Minardo, a majestic natural formation with an 800-metre diameter and a height of 200 metres. Its perfectly symmetrical, truncated cone shape makes it a standout feature of Etna’s rugged landscape.
The moderate and accessible trail connects the Case Bosco Prato Fiorito and Piano dei Grilli base points via a forest road. It touches the eastern base of Monte Minardo, spanning an almost flat 2,700-metre stretch. Along the route, you’ll encounter a fascinating lava flow cave, offering an intriguing glimpse into Etna’s geological history.
Alcantara Gorges Trail
The Alcantara Gorges, located in the municipality of Motta Camastra, are a unique natural canyon carved from lava basalt, featuring towering walls up to 50 metres high. These formations are the result of ancient volcanic activity and subsequent erosion by the Alcantara River, creating the stunning basalt columns seen today. The trail offers various activities, from hiking along the riverbank to venturing into the gorge itself, where visitors often walk or wade through the chilly water, especially during the summer months.
There are two main entrances to the gorges:
- Public Entrance (Ingresso Comunale) – Accessible by a staircase of 254 steps and costs just €1.50. This leads directly to the river for an authentic experience of the gorge.
- Private Entrance (Gole Alcantara Parco Botanico e Biologico) – Includes a lift and additional facilities, with tickets ranging from €7–13 depending on the season. This entrance also provides access to guided trails and a botanical park.
When Is It Best to Visit Mount Etna?
Visiting Mount Etna is possible year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in hiking, the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearer skies.
Summer can be quite hot, especially at lower altitudes, but the mountain’s higher elevations offer a cooler climate, making it a great escape from the coastal heat.
Winter also brings a magical aspect to the Mount Etna day trip, as snow often blankets the slopes, creating a stunning contrast against the dark volcanic rock. If you’re a fan of winter sports, you can also try skiing or snowboarding on Etna’s lower slopes during the colder months, adding a unique twist to your Mount Etna trip.
Explore Mount Etna on Your Next Visit
A Mount Etna day trip is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and adventure that Sicily has to offer. Whether you choose to hike, take a cable car, or explore on a guided jeep tour, you’ll discover that visiting Etna Sicily is as thrilling as it is breathtaking. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience on your next trip to Sicily.
To make the most of your visit, book your stay with Dimore in Sicily. With a range of charming villas, holiday homes and apartments in Sicily, you’ll have the perfect base for exploring this magnificent volcano and all that the island has to offer!