Travel Guide of Mount Etna in Italy by Influencers and Travelers

Q: Things to do in Catania around Mount Etna?

During your stay in Catania, you must visit the Piazza Del Duomo and the Duomo di Catania with its cathedral, just next door you can visit the Roman Theater and admire its magnificent architecture.

Mount Etna, or Etna, is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the cities of Messina and Catania. It lies above the convergent plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

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Pictures and Stories of Mount Etna from Influencers

15 pictures of Mount Etna from Vitor Pinto, Shawn Appel, Jonas Tebbe and other travelers

brown and white mountain under white clouds during daytime in Mount Etna Italy

Experienced by @Vitor Pinto | ©Unsplash

black mountain with flowing lava at nighttime in Mount Etna Italy

Powerful Reminder ...click to read more

Experienced by @Shawn Appel | ©Unsplash

mountain alps under gray sky in Mount Etna Italy

Experienced by @Jonas Tebbe | ©Unsplash

person standing near snow caps mountain in Mount Etna Italy

Kid on the Monn ...click to read more

Experienced by @Martino Pietropoli | ©Unsplash

man standing near mountain during daytime in Mount Etna Italy

Experienced by @Alex Blăjan | ©Unsplash

landscape photo of mountain in Parco dell'Etna Italy

Mount Etna Magic ...click to read more

Experienced by @Jonas Tebbe | ©Unsplash

aerial mountain scenery in Parco dell'Etna Italy

Experienced by @Alexis Subias | ©Unsplash

people walking at the valley in Mount Etna Italy

Experienced by @Sander Crombach | ©Unsplash

Experienced by @Alexis Subias | ©Unsplash

hills under cloudy sky in Parco dell'Etna Italy

Experienced by @Alexis Subias | ©Unsplash

white street light near building in Mount Etna Italy

Etna view ...click to read more

Experienced by @Alexandre Debiève | ©Unsplash

Etna ...click to read more

Experienced by @Ilona Bellotto | ©Unsplash

gray mountain under blue sky during daytime in Mount Etna Italy

Experienced by @Jack Krier | ©Unsplash

Mount Etna ...click to read more

Experienced by @Matteo Badini | ©Unsplash

brown mountain under blue sky during daytime in Parco dell'Etna Italy

Picnic lunch on mount Etna ...click to read more

Experienced by @Petr Slováček | ©Unsplash

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Reviews of Mount Etna from Travel Influencers

- Get your tickets for Mount Etna at the cable car station
- You can buy tickets for just the cable car or for the 4x4 bus as well
- The 4x4 bus will take you to higher altitudes
- It is a good idea to wear sunscreen and a hat
- The views from Mount Etna are beautiful and definitely worth the visit

Travelers' favorite tours and activities:

How to visit Mount Etna ?

Why travel there?

Mount Etna offers breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and unique flora and fauna. It is one of the world's most studied and monitored volcanoes, and its eruptions offer a fascinating display of nature's power.

How to get there?

The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle bus to various towns around Mount Etna. Alternatively, you can also reach the area by train, with the nearest station being in the city of Catania.

What to book in advance?

It is highly recommended to book guided tours to Mount Etna in advance, as they offer a safe and informative experience. You can choose between various types of tours, including hiking, off-road jeep tours, and even helicopter rides.

What are the costs?

The costs of visiting Mount Etna depend on the type of tour and activities you choose. Guided tours can range from €40 to €120 per person, while helicopter tours can go up to €500 per person. Cable car tickets cost around €35 per person. Accommodation prices vary depending on the location and the type of lodging.

What are the best things to do?

- Hiking: Explore the diverse trails around Mount Etna, from easy walks to challenging treks.
- Cable car ride: Take the cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to an elevation of 2,500 meters for spectacular views.
- Lava tube exploration: Visit the lava tubes created by previous eruptions, such as Grotta del Gelo and Grotta dei Lamponi.
- Wine tasting: Enjoy the unique flavors of Etna wines produced from vineyards located on the volcano's slopes.

Where to eat?

1. La Casa del Nespolo: Located in Sant'Alfio, this restaurant offers traditional Sicilian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
2. Ristorante da Rinuccio: A family-run restaurant in Zafferana Etnea, offering delicious pizzas and typical Sicilian dishes.
3. Al Ponte: Located in Nicolosi, this trattoria serves authentic Sicilian cuisine, including pasta and seafood dishes.

Where to stay?

1. Hotel Corsaro: A comfortable hotel located near Rifugio Sapienza, offering easy access to Mount Etna's hiking trails and cable car.
2. Monaci delle Terre Nere: A boutique hotel situated on an organic farm, featuring elegant rooms and stunning views of Mount Etna.
3. Etna Hut: A cozy bed and breakfast located in Nicolosi, offering a relaxing atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Off the beaten path:

For a truly unique experience, consider visiting Mount Etna during the winter months to enjoy skiing or snowboarding on its slopes. The Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi ski resorts offer ski rental and ski school services, allowing you to combine your passion for winter sports with the thrill of being on an active volcano.

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Map of Mount Etna

View Mount Etna on a map with the the closest popular places nearby

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More Travel spots to explore around Mount Etna

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Mount Etna

⛰️ Hill spots 🌋 Shield volcano spots 🌋 Volcano spots ️🏜️ Desert spots ❄️ Glacial landform spots 🏘️ Town spots

Learn More about Mount Etna

Mount Etna is a volcano in Italy, located in Sicily. Rising to 10,800 feet (3,357 meters) above sea level, it is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, with nearly 80 eruptions during the 20th century. The volcano erupted for the first time 500,000 years ago, and the last one dates back to 2016. This volcano overlooks Sicily and the city of Catania, and attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. A parking lot is nearby to park and start visiting Etna. In Sapienza, it is possible to take the funicular up to 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level, at the Funivia Terminal. Be careful, the funicular is closed when there is fog or strong winds. A minibus can take you up to 9,500 feet (2,920 meters), to go around the craters and observe the steam that escape from it. There are many excursions or treks of one day or more. Accompanied by a guide, these expeditions can be done from Catania, Palermo or Taormina. Even if the temperature is quite high at the bottom of Etna's slopes, bring warm clothes! As you approach the summit, you will cross microclimates and the temperature will drop drastically, and the winds will blow stronger, so be prepared. Come and discover the lunar landscapes of the lava fields, along the natural paths. Along the way, your guide will tell you various anecdotes and information about the largest active volcano in Europe. The volcano is surrounded by a protected natural park. And in addition to the rocky scenery, forests, vineyards and other plants that contribute to the beauty of the landscape, there is something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Mount Etna

Where to get a good view of Mount Etna?

The views of Mount Etna are magnificent throughout Taormina, but the best views are from the top of the Greek Theater.

Things to do in Catania around Mount Etna?

During your stay in Catania, you must visit the Piazza Del Duomo and the Duomo di Catania with its cathedral, just next door you can visit the Roman Theater and admire its magnificent architecture.

When is the best time of the year to visit Mount Etna?

Mount Etna is accessible to tourists all year round (except in case of a volcanic eruption). However, the best months to visit it, with pleasant temperatures, is between September and October, which is the ideal period to avoid too many tourists, who usually come in the summer.