Mountain-Bike Adventure on Mount Etna

Set off on a sporty, fun-filled adventure and discover Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna, whose charm never ceases to amaze visitors from all over the world.

A hiking guide will take you along volcanic paths, past lava flows and craters from the most recent eruptions, but also through dense pine and birch forests scattered here and there like green oases in the barren lava desert.

Prepare yourself for an itinerary 20 km in length and 600 m in altitude difference on mixed terrain and with fairly technical sections, but don't let yourself be intimidated: the effort will be amply rewarded by the wonder of nature and landscapes. Guaranteed!

What we will do

The activity is scheduled to start in and around Taormina at around 9am. You will be picked up at your hotel or at a point convenient to you (you can agree this with your guide after booking) and in about 40 minutes you will reach Piano Provenzana, on the north-eastern slope of Etna, at 1950 m above sea level. This will be the starting point for themountain-bike excursion.

First we will have a briefing on the route and the rules of behaviour and safety. Then we will start cycling for about 5 km through a lush pine forest, on off-road trails with a sandy surface in places and several short but rather steep climbs.

The second section, about 6 km, is mostly flat and characterised by a lunar landscape of craters and ancient lava flows. At a certain point, the landscape changes abruptly and we find ourselves immersed in a wonderful forest of white birch trees.

The third section is the shortest but most technical. It is a 3-kilometre single track in a lava desert, with several short but steep climbs on a sandy surface. Here the quadriceps will be put to the test, but only until the next stretch, which is relaxing and fun.

We will tackle almost 4 km downhill on a wide bike path through a pine forest, while on the south side we can observe the large lava flow from the 2002 eruption.

After that, we will prepare for the grand finale of our mountain-bike excursion on Etna with a 3-km uphill section on an asphalt road that will lead us to a refuge where we can rest and refresh ourselves.

For the less fit, there is the possibility of doing the tour by E-MTB (electric bike), choosing this option when booking. In this way you can use the assisted pedalling in the more demanding sections and finish the route without any particular fatigue!

After a well-deserved restorative break, we will return to Taormina by shuttle bus. The activity lasts a total of 5 hours, of which about 3 hours will be required to complete the mountain-bike route.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is of medium level and is intended for cyclists with good training and experience. However, thanks to the possibility of hiring pedal-assisted e-bikes, the tour can also be undertaken by people who are not particularly well trained. Participation is possible from 15 years of age.

Other information

This activity is bookable from April to November, with the exception of July and August due to high temperatures, and is confirmed when there are at least 4 participants.

After booking, you can tell the guide theaddress for the pick-up if you live in the area of Taormina, Giardini Naxos and surroundings. If you are coming from outside, the appointment will be at the car park just outside the Giardini Naxos motorway exit.

You can do the tour on a 29" MTB trek (muscle bike) or an E-MTB with assisted pedalling, front shock absorber, available in different sizes from XS to XL. Choose the option you prefer when booking.

A different departure time can be agreed with the guide, depending on availability.

Recommended clothing

Sportswear and trainers

Don't forget to bring

• Backpack
• Extra water
• Sunglasses