Description
This Etna morning tour from Catania heads for the quieter side of the volcano, away from the coaches and the bustle around Rifugio Sapienza. After pickup in Catania, a 4x4 takes you toward forests and lava flows, and an expert naturalist guide leads the walk from there.
The hike is easy and on foot. You pass through ancient craters, cross hardened lava fields and go down into a lava cave formed by past eruptions, with a helmet and flashlight provided. Trails are peaceful and open onto panoramic views. At around 1,800 metres, on an extinct crater, the landscape looks lunar, with unusual volcanic vegetation, and the guide shares stories about the volcano's geology, mythology and eruptive history.
- Lava cave with helmet and flashlight
- Lava fields and ancient craters on foot
- Views from an extinct crater at 1,800 metres
Pickup and drop-off in Catania are free, and the tour takes about five and a half hours. Vehicles are 6-seater and 8-seater 4x4s. A waterproof poncho and a child seat, if you booked an infant ticket, are included; lunch, water, jacket and shoes are not. The summit is not visited. The tour runs in rain or shine, though the guide may change the route if conditions require it. It is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart, respiratory or mobility problems.