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.