Family excursion to Mount Etna

5,0

The enchanting birch forest and the thieves' cave: an adventure for the whole family

The Sartorius craters: the spectacular route from an altitude of 1660 metres takes us into the Betula aetnensis forest and then along the crest of the seven craters, immersed in a magnificent landscape that was a vast lava field a century and a half ago. Through boulders and stone slabs we return to the magical birch forest and then visit the ‘Grotta dei Ladroni’.

09:00 - 13:00

1780M

EASY

max. 10 persons

Itinerary

MEET AND GREET!

At an altitude of 1660 m our hike begins: on the nature trail in the Etna Park we enter a special forest. It is a unique variety of birch, Betula aetnensis. During the last Ice Age, birches spread as far as Sicily. After the end of the Ice Age, they retreated to the north, where we still find them today. Only on Etna has a population survived that has adapted to the special conditions of the volcano, thus becoming endemic.

ASCENT OF THE 7 CRATERS

After reaching the 1865 lava flow that surrounds the knob, we walk along it until we reach the first crater that was formed at the highest point of the fracture and is closest to the Monte Frumento delle Concazze crater.

We climb up to the crater rim and look at the ‘buttonhole’ for the first time: as if tied together, the seven craters line up, one next to the other, forming one of Etna’s most impressive formations. As we follow the crest of each crater, we learn what they have in common but also what makes each one unique.

DESCENT AND BIRCH FOREST

We descend again from the craters to cross what was an enormous field of incandescent lava 150 years ago.

The path now takes us up and down, between boulders and slabs of stone formed during the cooling of the lava, until we reach the birch forest again. Here the flora shows its extreme diversity and adaptability to this altitude, the location and the peculiarities of Etna’s volcanic soil.

THE THIEVES' CAVE (OR SNOW CAVE)

To explore what lies beneath the hard lava, we enter one of some 190 lava tunnels scattered across Etna. Equipped with helmets and lamps, we explore the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta della Neve). It is said that this cave once served as a hiding place for a gang of thieves. However, here we find not only evidence of its former use, but also unique formations that were formed during the formation of the cave.

PROVENZANO PLAN

Hotel destroyed by lava in 2002 and tasting of typical products.

We return to the starting point of our tour, full of breathtaking views and some of the most beautiful formations Etna has to offer.

Until the next adventure!

Meeting Point

Restaurant, bar, Mareneve meeting place (visit on Google Maps).

Recommended equipment

If possible, closed hiking or running shoes, layered clothing appropriate to the weather and altitude: during the winter season, snow clothing is recommended (gloves and hat very important!); in the summer, an anorak, cap, sunglasses and sun cream are recommended.
1l of water and possibly a small snack

Services included

Insurance throughout the tour
Authorised Italian-speaking guide (tour guide, AIGAE hiking guide, with BLSD certificate)
Equipment: trekking poles, windbreakers, rucksacks, helmets, lamps.

Services not included

Everything that is not listed under ‘Included Services’.

Services on request

Pick-up from hotel or other meeting point (price to be agreed upon).
Child seats for transfer.

Important information

Please inform us in advance of any special circumstances: health problems, allergies, heart disease, blood pressure problems, limited mobility, disability. We will find the best solution for you for an unforgettable day on Mount Etna.
Changes may occur or the tour may be cancelled if the guide deems it necessary if weather or volcanic conditions threaten the safety of the group.
Of course, all our staff are fully vaccinated for your and our protection.

Reviews

Reimar Suess

Wir haben eine wunderschöne Wanderung erlebt. Sebastiano ist ein toller Guide, der für den Ätna “brennt” und zusätzlich zu dieser Begeisterung fundiertes Wissen über die Natur und den Vulkan mitbringt. Toller Service, dass EtnaWay auch noch Ausrüstung (in unserem Fall die vergessenen Wanderschuhe) bereitstellt. Alles in allem absolut empfehlenswert!!

Susanna Borek

Wir hatten eine fantastische Tour mit Christiano! Er hat super viel gewusst und keine Möglichkeit ausgelassen uns mehr über Aetna, seine Entwicklung und auch die Geschichte drumherum zu erzählen! Wir waren mit 2 Kindern (4 und 8 Jahre) unterwegs, war super!! Wanderschuhe sind besser als Sportschuhe 😉 Sehr empfehlenswert.

Francisca

Hiking in Etna was an incredible experience. Gianpaolo is very easy going and a great guide who knows a lot about Etna. Not only did he taught us a lot about vulcanos, but also how Etna has shaped the Sicilian culture.
Our group got a bit of a cloudy day, but has Gianpaolo kept telling us, Etna is never boring! And as the clouds moved, we did get to see great views.
It was a great hike (we also got to visit a lava tunnel), and I learned a lot more than I was expecting!

mikhail glazunov

We took the top craters hiking tour. It was a high quality hiking experience. Organized very well, in an enjoyable and safe way. Christian, the guide, was super friendly, speaking English, German and Italian. Truly unforgettable experience.