Mt. Etna (Monte Etna)

You can hike, ride, or take a cable car up Mount Etna, with 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, or a less strenuous 4x4 jeep ride. Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorge, carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mount Etna sunset tours are especially spectacular, and wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that combines a visit to Mount Etna with wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.

• 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 is 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.

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.

Eruptions occur on Mount Etna with such regularity that there’s always the possibility of witnessing one. Eruptions that come from the summit of the mountain (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.

Despite the fact that eruptions 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.

While you can still explore much of Mt. Etna on your own and hike without a guide, tour guides can promise a safer experience and take you to the highest craters at about 10,800 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level. Without a guide, you can only reach about 9,500 feet (2,900 meters).

During the winter and fall on Mt. Etna, you should wear heavier clothing for cold, and possibly wet, weather: a jacket, gloves, and a hat. In the spring and summer, wear comfortable walking clothing and a light jacket. No matter when you visit, always wear shoes you feel comfortable hiking in.

Yes, there are public bathrooms with toilets at Mt. Etna. You can find them at either end of the cable-car line (Funivia dell'Etna) running from the Rifugio Sapienza to the craters, at the gift shop at Montagnola, and in cafes and restaurants on the road up the mountain.

Hiking boots are highly recommended for Mt. Etna as the terrain is often steep and passes over layers of volcanic sand. You can ride the cable car (Funivia dell'Etna) from Rifugio Sapienza to the lower craters and walk the paved paths without hiking boots, but taking on any trails requires sturdy shoes.

How long it takes to walk Mt. Etna depends on where you start. From the end of the cable car line, the hike to the summit takes about six hours round-trip, but from Piano Provenzano on the north side of the mountain, the round-trip hike to the summit can take 8–10 hours.

Yes, visiting Mt. Etna is worth it. It's one of Europe's tallest volcanoes, one of Italy's most unique natural attractions, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking to the crater is among the most popular activities in Sicily and offers unmatched views of volcanic landscapes, forests, and vineyards.