Sunrise Hiking Excursion to Mount Etna with Tasting of Local Products

About the Activity

What to Expect

Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure on the North-East slope of the majestic Mount Etna, near the scenic Rifugio Citelli. Your journey begins as you step past the gate marking the start of the trail, immediately immersing yourself in a stunning birch forest. This unique area is the only place on Etna where these beautiful, typically northern trees form extensive, nearly pure forests.

Continuing along the path, you'll reach the awe-inspiring Monti Sartorius, formed during the spectacular 1865 eruption. The secondary cones remain largely bare, with only a few scattered birches and pine trees shaped by the powerful north-west winds. Skirting the cones from the west, you'll witness the impressive field of eruptive fractures and marvel at the sizeable "volcanic bombs" scattered around the first cone. The trek then leads you to the historic Grotta dei Ladroni, also known as Grotta della Neve, a perfect example of a lava tube used by bandits in the 18th century. Equipped with a torch and helmet, explore its large chambers, carved steps, and fascinating geological features.

The final leg of your tour takes you to the southern side of Mount Etna to witness the lowest front of the 1992 lava flow near Zafferana Etnea. Here, you'll enjoy a brief hike and learn about the sacred procession believed by locals to have halted the lava's advance. Conclude your adventure with a delightful tasting of locally produced honey and wines at a certified organic farm. Highlights of this tour include the crater cones, ancient lava flows, supramediterranean vegetation, and a volcanic cave exploration.

Highlights

- Unforgettable hiking adventure on the North-East slope of Mount Etna

- Explore large chambers, carved steps, and fascinating geological features

- Delightful tasting of locally produced honey and wines at a certified organic farm

How to Get There

• Meeting place: at the Vip Bar Kiosk in Trecastagni (Via Luigi Capuana, 36, 95039 Trecastagni CT, Italy)

• Meeting time: 15 minutes before departure

Itinerary

• Departure at the Vip Bar Kiosk in Trecastagni

• North-east slope of Mount Etna, near Citelli Refuge

• Birch forest

• Sartorius Mountains

• Piano delle Donne

• Zafferana Etnea

• Return at the Vip Bar Kiosk in Trecastagni

Requirements

• Minimum age: 4 years

• Not suitable for people with serious medical conditions

• Not suitable for pregnant women

Included Services

• Tasting of local products (honey and wine) from a certified farm

Bring Along

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat

• Hiking equipment

• ID document

• Cash or card

• Bottle of water

• Snacks

Good to know

• The activity will take place with a minimum number of 2 participants. If the minimum number is not reached, the activity will be rescheduled, or you will receive a full refund.