Mount Etna, also known as “Mungibeddu” by Sicilians, is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most fascinating in the world.
Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Etna dominates the landscape of the province of Catania with its grandeur, offering breathtaking scenery, extraordinary biodiversity, and a deep connection with the island’s history and culture.
Visiting Mount Etna is an experience that combines adventure, nature, spirituality, and myth, and it is accessible even to non-experts thanks to the many available itineraries.
A unique natural heritage
Etna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 due to its outstanding geological, ecological, and cultural significance.
With a variable height that exceeds 3,300 meters (due to frequent eruptions), it represents a dynamic ecosystem where nature is constantly regenerating.
Its slopes host forests of chestnut, oak, and beech trees, alternating with bare black lava flows that make the landscape appear almost lunar.
As you ascend, you encounter endemic plants such as the Etna broom (Genista aetnensis), while the fauna includes foxes, hedgehogs, wild rabbits, and a wide variety of birds.
The richness of habitats makes Etna Park a perfect destination for hiking and nature photography enthusiasts.
Main access points: Etna North and Etna South
To explore Mount Etna, it is essential to know the two main routes: the South side (accessible from Nicolosi) and the North side (reached from Linguaglossa).
Both access points offer extraordinary landscapes but provide different experiences in terms of nature and infrastructure.
Etna South – Rifugio Sapienza
The southern side is the most visited, mainly due to the presence of Rifugio Sapienza (1,910 meters), which serves as a starting point for many excursions.
Here you’ll find parking areas, cafés, souvenir shops, equipment rentals, and accommodation facilities.
The Etna cable car departs from the Rifugio and ascends to about 2,500 meters at La Montagnola, from where you can continue on foot or by special 4x4 off-road vehicles up to about 2,900 meters, close to the summit craters (direct access is regulated and usually only allowed with alpine or volcanological guides).
This side is ideal for less experienced tourists or families, as it is well equipped and easily reachable by car from Catania (about 1 hour).
In winter, this area also offers ski facilities, such as the Nicolosi Nord slopes.
Etna North – Piano Provenzana
The northern side is less frequented by mass tourism but equally charming.
The main access point is Piano Provenzana (about 1,800 meters), reachable from the town of Linguaglossa, located on the northeastern side of the volcano.
This area features a wilder and more natural landscape, with pine forests, recent lava flows, and ancient craters.
From Piano Provenzana, 4x4 tours with volcanological guides also depart, reaching up to 2,850 meters, at the viewpoint of the summit craters.
Tourist facilities are more limited compared to the southern side, but for this very reason, the atmosphere feels more authentic and less chaotic.
In winter, this area also hosts the cross-country and downhill ski slopes of the Etna Nord resort.
Both sides are regulated by Etna Park and civil protection authorities, so it is important to check official sources such as the Park’s website (www.parcoetna.it) for updates on trail conditions and volcanic activity.
Excursions and activities for everyone
Mount Etna is a living mountain offering a wide range of activities suitable for different levels of experience and interest: from simple hikes to lava cave explorations, including nature tours and winter sports.
Whether walking among craters or exploring ancient lava tunnels, opportunities abound.
Trekking to the summit craters
This is undoubtedly the most thrilling and iconic excursion.
The summit craters are located at over 3,000 meters in altitude and can only be accessed with a certified guide for safety reasons.
From the southern side, the route starts at the upper station of the cable car and continues by 4x4 vehicles up to Torre del Filosofo, at about 2,900 meters.
From there, you hike to reach the main craters (Southeast and Northeast Craters) through a barren, lava-covered landscape.
It is a physically demanding hike, subject to rapid weather changes, but it offers incredible views stretching to the sea and the feeling of being on another planet.
The sound of the volcano, the fumaroles, the smell of sulfur, and the contrast between black rock and blue sky make the experience almost mystical.
Jeep or 4x4 off-road tours
Ideal for those who prefer a less physically demanding but equally spectacular experience.
These tours are organized from both the southern side (Rifugio Sapienza) and the northern side (Piano Provenzana), and they allow exploration of more remote areas of the volcano, such as the 2002 craters, the Valle del Bove, or ancient lava flows that reached nearby towns.
Some tours include stops at mountain huts, tastings of local products, and naturalistic explanations.
Excursions by e-bike or mountain bike
The northern side is particularly suitable for cycling, thanks to its forests and dirt paths.
You can rent e-bikes (electric-assisted bicycles) in Linguaglossa or Milo and join guided tours that follow old forest roads, solidified lava flows, and Etna villages.
A sustainable, low-impact activity perfect for nature lovers.
Speleology in lava caves
Etna’s lava caves are natural tunnels formed during ancient lava flows, when the surface solidified while the inner lava kept flowing.
Some of the most famous and accessible caves with a guide include the Grotta dei Tre Livelli, the Grotta del Gelo (named for its year-round ice despite the surrounding lava), and the Grotta Cassone.
Speleological visits reveal not only the volcano’s geology but also a unique microclimate and ecosystem.
Flashlights, helmets, and appropriate clothing are required and usually provided by the guides.
Snowshoeing and winter skiing
From December to March, Etna becomes a unique ski resort where you can ski with a sea view.
There are facilities on both the southern (Nicolosi Nord) and northern (Piano Provenzana) sides, with intermediate-level slopes.
For those who love unspoiled nature, snowshoeing through snowy woods and lava fields offers peaceful and evocative views.
Even in winter, it is advisable to book excursions with expert guides and check weather conditions in advance.
Educational activities and family visits
Many local organizations and cooperatives offer educational visits for schools or families, with simplified routes, nature workshops, and learning experiences to understand how a volcano works.
These activities are often combined with visits to local museums, such as the Etna Volcanological Museum in Nicolosi.
Cultural and food experiences
Visiting Etna can also mean exploring the terraced vineyards and wineries that produce Etna DOC, a mineral-rich, complex wine appreciated internationally.
Many tours include guided tastings of wine, honey, cheeses, and local pistachios.
Towns like Zafferana Etnea and Randazzo host seasonal events and festivals celebrating the products of the volcanic land.
The volcano between myth and culture
Etna is not only a geological wonder but also deeply intertwined with Sicily’s history and culture.
In Greek mythology, the volcano was believed to be the forge of Hephaestus (Vulcan to the Romans), who crafted weapons for the gods inside the fiery mountain.
According to some legends, the giant Typhon is imprisoned beneath Etna, and his breath fuels the eruptions.
Over time, the volcano has represented a feared but respected force: a source of destruction but also of fertility thanks to the mineral-rich soil.
The villages on its slopes, such as Zafferana Etnea, Bronte, or Randazzo, have coexisted with this “gentle giant” for centuries, honoring it with religious festivals and local fairs.
Today, Etna is also a symbol of identity for Sicilians: a constant presence on the horizon that shapes the landscape, agriculture, and even local cuisine (think of Bronte pistachios or Etna DOC wines produced on lava-rich soils).
When to visit Etna
The best time to visit Etna depends on the type of experience you are looking for.
Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for hiking and excursions.
Summer is perfect for those wanting to enjoy the peaks in good weather, but be prepared for heat and crowds.
In winter, the volcano is covered in snow and offers unexpected scenery, with the possibility of skiing with a sea view.
It is important to dress in layers, bring water, sunscreen, and hiking boots—even in summer.
Above all, check the current volcanic activity: excursions to the summit craters are often suspended during periods of increased activity.
Etna and sustainable tourism
Visiting Mount Etna responsibly means respecting the environment, following guide instructions, leaving no waste, and choosing sustainable activities.
More and more local tour operators offer green experiences, such as nature walks with guides, tastings of organic products, and overnight stays in local agritourism.
Etna Park has long promoted slow and conscious tourism, supporting local communities and traditions.
Joining these initiatives means not only enjoying a more authentic experience but also helping to protect this extraordinary environment.
A journey into the heart of Sicily
Visiting Etna is not just an excursion on a volcano, but a true journey into the beating heart of Sicily: among breathtaking landscapes, ancient stories, and ever-changing nature.
Whether it’s a simple walk or an adventure to the summit craters, Etna always leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
An experience that tells the story of the power of the earth, the deep bond between humans and nature, and the unpredictable beauty of a unique island.