Practical guides
Etna and Alcantara in one day: how the itinerary works
Morning craters, lunch and the Alcantara Gorges: plan a full day between volcano and river, including walking and what to pack.
News, guides, trekking, and stories from Europe's highest active volcano.
Morning craters, lunch and the Alcantara Gorges: plan a full day between volcano and river, including walking and what to pack.
Plan flexibly in autumn: daylight and conditions at altitude can differ considerably from the coast. Choose a departure time that fits the itinerary and pack removable layers.
Distinguish an itinerary adjustment, cancellation by the organiser and cancellation by a participant. Different terms may apply: read the product and booking conditions before payment.
Choose your side of Etna and your tour first. Rifugio Sapienza in the south and Linguaglossa or Piano Provenzana in the north are not interchangeable meeting points. Navigate to the address in your confirmation, not simply “Etna”.
A half-day visit suits travellers who want time for other stops and a first experience of Etna North. Our half-day trekking programme normally runs from 09:00 to 14:00: allow additional time to reach and leave the meeting point.
Discover how an Etna wine tour works: Sartorius Craters, a lava cave, winery lunch and Etna DOC wines, plus walking and meeting points.
Compare walking distances, ascent and terrain on Etna tours. Find out how a half-day walk differs from the Serracozzo trek.
Compare Etna tour meeting points in Taormina: the town-centre post office, Il Principe in Mazzarò and Taormina-Giardini station.
Explore Etna’s side craters, trails and lava caves without a cable car. Compare the walks and choose the right meeting point.
Complete guide to the Etna Cable Car: 2026 prices and timetables, the difference between the 2,500 m ticket and Tour 3,000, included services, and alternatives from Etna North.
The 2026 Feast of Saint Agatha has ended: traditional dates, processions, candelore, crowds, transport and how to prepare for the next edition in Catania.
The volcano has woken up for Christmas. Ash rain on Catania, closed airport and spectacular lava fountains. Here is the direct report of what is happening (and why there is nothing to fear).
Etna and Vesuvius present different hazards: a comparison of activity, eruptions, risk to cities and visiting conditions, with practical advice to help you choose.
A scientific explanation of lava temperature, density, crust and radiant heat, with the real risks and rules for visiting Etna.
Not just Etna. Discover the Alcantara Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved into columnar basalt. Refreshing baths and river trekking.
Don't know how to visit the Alcantara Gorges? Discover the difference between municipal and private entrance, when to go and if body rafting is worth it.
An evergreen page cannot confirm access to the summit today. Altitude, route and departure depend on volcanic activity, weather, official restrictions and the guides’ assessment.
A comparison of Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Giardini Naxos, Letojanni and Spisone: beach type, access, facilities, and how to combine the coast with an Etna excursion.
The Golden Hour on the lava is magical. Less crowds, milder temperatures and incredible colors. Discover the evening tours.
Are you in Taormina and want to see the volcano? Here is how to go and return in a day, by bus, car or guided tour.
One of the few lava flow caves easily visitable. Discover the legend of the brigands who inhabited it.
The oldest and largest tree in Europe is located on Etna. The legend of Queen Joan and the story of a millennial giant.
The story of the eruption that destroyed Piano Provenzana. An extraordinary geological event that changed the face of North Etna.
Discover the wild side of Etna with an off-road tour. Cross lava flows, off-road woods, and caves in total safety.
The story of Polyphemus and Odysseus, the Cyclops Sea Stacks, Hephaestus, Typhon, and Acis and Galatea: what the texts recount and what geology explains.
A complete comparison of Etna North/Piano Provenzana and Etna South/Rifugio Sapienza: landscapes, cable car, trekking, access from Catania and Taormina, and available tours.
Polenta, sausage, and porcini mushrooms. The best refuges to taste typical Sicilian mountain cuisine. Sapienza, Citelli, and others.
Hop on board the historic Circumetnea railcar and visit the most beautiful wineries. A unique food and wine tour.
Nerello Mascalese and Carricante are conquering the world. Discover the best wineries to visit and why Etna wine is unique.
From the Etna Broom to the White Birch. Discover the pioneer plants and animals that inhabit the Etna Park.
How to reach Etna South and Etna North by car, bus, transfer or tour from Catania and Taormina, with approximate journey times, starting points and costs to check.
In the footsteps of Michael Corleone and Don Tommasino. Discover the real film locations: Bar Vitelli in Savoca and the Castello degli Schiavi.
A complete checklist for what to wear on Etna in summer, winter and the shoulder seasons: footwear, layers, wind, snow and equipment for every type of excursion.
Why is it said that Polyphemus lives on Etna? What is the Cave of Thieves? A journey into the folklore and ancient myths of the volcano.
An easy and complete loop that crosses all the environments of Etna: forest, lava, caves and hornitos.
Etna is a land of magic. Discover the legend of Empedocles' Sandals, of King Arthur in the volcano and of Fata Morgana. Stories that have fascinated for millennia.
Guide to Nicolosi, the town on the slopes of the volcano. Where to sleep, what to visit and the history of the village repeatedly threatened by lava.
After 6 years of closure, the historic Rifugio Brunek reopens its doors. Discover the services, menu, and new rooms in the Ragabo forest.
The most panoramic trek to admire the Valle del Bove from above. A medium difficulty path that offers unique emotions.
Skiing on an active volcano looking at the Mediterranean? On Etna you can. Guide to Etna North and South lifts, rental and skipass.
Guide to tasty and artisanal shopping. The Bronte Pistachio, Zafferana Honey, Caltagirone ceramics and much more.
A complete guide to visiting Etna with children: easy routes, minimum ages, clothing, altitude, strollers, and a comparison of available excursions.
The weather on Etna is unpredictable. Find out which sites to consult, how to read wind alerts and when it is better to give up the excursion.
What the cloud above Etna may be: the differences between steam, volcanic gases and ash, how to interpret webcams, and where to check activity before an excursion.
Zafferana is the city of honey. Discover the Ottobrata Zafferanese, Sicily's most famous autumn festival, and the gastronomic excellences of the East slope.
How to check snow and webcams on Etna, road conditions, whether lifts and tours are operating, and the clothing needed for a winter visit.