Etna

The highest active volcano in Europe dominates the entire region with its impressive size. Its spectacular eruptions, the fiery lava flows, has always aroused the interest of scientists and the curiosity of visitors from all over the world. A unique destination for summer hikers are the visits to the active craters in the summit areas.

However, this Volcano also offers the surprising opportunity in winter of practising winter sports, just a few kilometres from the sea. Walking tours climb along the trails of Etna Park, through forests and lush fruit orchards, up to higher altitudes with fascinating views of lunar landscapes, centuries-old lava flows, caves and active fumaroles, revealing the charm of this unique natural oasis, included in 2013 in the UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the “more emblematic and active volcanoes in the world”.

Informations and news from Mount Etna by INGV of Catania

Guided Tours on Mount Etna

The areas near the summit can be accessed from the south and north faces of Mount Etna. Both of them offer spectacular ways to climb to the crater: a panoramic cable car and an exciting 4×4 minibus from Rifugio Sapienza (20 km from Nicolosi) and Piani Provenzana (19 km from Linguaglossa).

Mount Etna south face – Nicolosi

Starting from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza with cable car and/or 4×4 minibus (organised by the Co. Funivia dell’Etna Spa) Tel. (+39) 095 914141 – 095 914142 funiviaetna.com

Trekking and visiting the caves

Alpine Guide Etna South Piazza Vittorio Emanuele , 43 – Nicolosi

Tel. (+39) 0957914755 / Fax (+39) 095 7916916 www.etnaguide.eu

The Caves

There are many caves, but the most famous caves are: Gelo, Lamponi, Ladroni, Serracozzo.

Etna tour with the Circumetnea railway

Only for very romantic people …

Departure from Catania- Stazione Borgo Arrivo a Riposto.

Information: Circumetnea Via Caronda 352/A – Catania

Tel.095.541250 www.circumetnea.it

Trekking in Natura del Parco dell’Etna

Low, medium and high difficulty paths.

Via Del Convento, 45 – Nicolosi (CT) Tel. 095821111

Maps and information at Ente Parco dell’Etna

Also visit:

Astrophysical Observatory

Observation of the stars and planets (period June – September)

Contrada Serra La Nave – Versante Etna sud – Strada provinciale 92 Nicolosi – Etna. Bookings: Tel. +39 095 911580+39 095 911580 / 095 7332312095 7332312 www.oact.inaf.it

Parco Monte Serra – The Butterflies House

Paths, synthetic ski slopes and equipped areas.

Viagrande (CT) – Tel. +39 0957890768 – 3470415868

www.parcomonteserra.it

Botanic garden Nuova Gussonea

Botanic Dept.– University of Catania.

Contrada Serra La Nave – Versante Etna sud Strada provinciale 92 Nicolosi

Bookings for guided tours: turrisirosario@yahoo.it – epolimar@unict.it