Etna trekking tour in the Bove Valley

Get up close to Europe's largest active volcano with a day of total immersion in Etna's lunar landscapes. This trekking tour will take you well over 2,000 metres above sea level, letting you discover the volcano's most striking spots, including the immense Valle del Bove, a true geological jewel.

Together with an expert guide , you will cross lava deserts, paths covered with magmatic debris and dense birch forests, observe the Sartorius craters and visit the Serracozzo cave, formed by a gigantic lava flow from an eruption a few decades ago.

Don't you already feel the charm and breath of the volcano? Get ready to go!

What we will do

The activity begins at 8 a.m. with a shuttle transfer from Taormina or Giardini Naxos to the starting point of the trekking route (you will agree the meeting address with the guide after booking). In about an hour's journey we will reach Rifugio Citelli, at an altitude of 1,700 metres.

Boots well laced up and poles in hand, we will walk through pine and birch forests for a first contact with the very special Etnean ecosystem. After an hour's walk, we will arrive at Serracozzo (1,920 m), where we will stop for a short break before arming ourselves with torches and helmets to visit the cave of the same name.

Generated by the lava flow of ancient eruptions, the Serracozzo cave is one of the most evocative places onMount Etna. Entering it, one has the impression of being in a canyon enclosed by high walls of lava, a corridor that snakes down into the bowels of the earth, with special lighting effects created by the sun's rays penetrating through the narrow openings.

Then we leave for the Valle del Bove, located 2,100 metres above sea level. This will be the most demanding part of the route, with arduous uphill stretches, an effort that will be amply repaid by the breathtaking view of the lunar valley. This is an enormous volcanic basin, created by the sinking of two craters and the consequent depression of the ground. Today it looks like a desert caldera 1 km deep and 5 km wide, covered by recent lava flows.

From the Bove Valley we can continue to climb in altitude, walking along the ridge until we reach thePizzi Deneri volcanological observatory (2,847 m). Alternatively, if we are too tired, we will avoid this uphill stretch and descend directly to the Sartorius craters, where our eyes will be delighted by a magnificent panoramic view of the Sicilian coastline.

The complete trekking route is 14 km long with a difference in altitude of about 1000 m and takes about 6 or 7 hours to complete. The activity ends around 17:00 with the return by shuttle bus to Taormina/Giardini Naxos.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is of medium/high level, so participation is recommended for people in good physical condition and used to long mountain hikes, including uphill ones. The minimum age is 15 years.

Other information

This activity is bookable from April to November and is confirmed when there are at least 4 participants and weather conditions are favourable.

After booking, you will agree with your guide on the meeting point for the pick-up. If you live outside the Taormina area, you can fix the meeting point at the car park located just after the Giardini Naxos motorway exit. The shuttle will pick you up and take you back there.

Recommended clothing

• layered hiking clothing
• windbreaker or fleece
• hiking boots

Don't forget to bring

• backpack
• extra water
• energy snacks
• camera
• spare T-shirt