[ ETNA EXCURSIONS, enjoy Etna Volcano with us! ]

[ MOUNT ETNA - Useful Information ]

ETNA is an important Sicilian highlights and it is an active volcano located on the east cost of Sicily. It is the largest volcano in Europe, reaching a height of approximately 3,326m (10,910 ft) above sea level. Etna covers an area of 1190 sq km (460 sq miles), which the base circumference of about 140km.
This makes it the largest active volcano in Italy.  
The ancient Greeks believed it to be the home of Vulcan, the God of fire - to them, Mount Etna erupting merely meant Vulcan was forging weapons for Mars, the god of war. The fertile volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture. Vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south side of Sicily. In this side there are a multitude of vineyards and olive groves. As you climb higher, the lowlands evolve into dense woods sheltering a surprisingly large number of animal species that call the mountainside home, until you are left at the third tier of the mountain, a spartan wasteland of historic lava flows and volcanic ash. Dotted with snow most of the year, some of the lava is dated at 300,000 years old. 

Introduction: Mount Etna does not represent a great attraction exclusively for the presence of its eruptions. It’s also a wonderful natural park with evocative landscapes. The are forests green of the vineyards and beautiful walking paths for excursions on Etna. It’s easy to walk in the park and fell the nature renaissance into the destructive scenery of the past eruptions hear voices of animals and enjoy the peace. The vegetation of the Etna-North is subject to continuous changes due to the several eruptions that have changed its landscapes. At lower altitudes there nut forests apple forests and chestnut trees; At 2000 meters there are the faggio and the birch; between the 2500 meters and the 3000 meters there is the volcanic desert.

How to Ascent to the TOP: a climb up the volcano can be approached from the South or the North. Both routes offering different views and contrasting qualities:
Rifugio Sapienza - Etna South
AAA: the route from Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South | 1.900 meters) is through a barren, black and desert really similar to a lunar sceneries.

Upon arrival to Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South) we can:
1) ascent the volcano up to 2.500 meters
from Rifugio Sapienza we can catch on the first cable car ride (Cable Car fee: eur 28,30 per person payable on the spot) up to 2.500 meters (Montagnola). Upon arrival at 2500 meters we can walk around or hiking or just take a cappuccino at the bar overlooking the area.
2) ascent the volcano up to 2.920 meters
from Rifugio Sapienza we can take the cable car ride up to 2.500 meters. Upon arrival at 2500 meters (Montagnola) we can walk around or hiking or just take a cappuccino at the bar overlooking the area. Then on board on the UNI-MOG (mini-coach WD4X4) to reach 2.920 meters with Etna Guide (Cable Car & Uni Mog fee: eur 55,00 per person payable on the spot).
Etna North - Piano Provenzana
BBB: the route from Piano Provenzana (Etna North | 1.950 meters) is definitely green with lovely landscape.

Upon arrival to Piano Provenzana (Etna North) we can:
1) ascent the volcano up to 2.800 meters
from Piano Provenzana we can catch on the STAR UNI-MOG (mini-coach WD4X4) to reach 2.920 meters with Etna Guide (Uni Mog fee: eur 55,00 per person payable on the spot).

Understand: the mountain has an amazing volcanic landscape, with solidified "rivers" of lava. It is used for skiing in winter, so be prepared for the cold at this altitude, even in summer. Even in good weather in summer, sometimes the top of the mountain is covered in cloud, especially during the afternoon, obscuring the wonderful views. We strictly recommend to visit the Etna Volcano during the morning.

Equipment: whether aiming for high or low altitudes, it is important to remember that temperatures can plummet even here in Sicily. It is therefore advisable to carry a thick sweater, a wind-cheater and appropriate footwear --preferably hiking boots suitable for walking through snow higher up--. Those arriving without suitable attire can, however, hire jackets and boots locally (subject to availability). It is also advisable to have sun glasses and sun screen to hand for the sunlight can be dazzling when reflected off the snow and the ultra-violet can be deceptively powerful in the clear mountain air.