Associazione Culturale by Fragranza di Sicilia
Address
Via Tommaso Fazzello 6B-C
Taormina ME 98039, Italy
Contacts
Our Social Media
Mount Etna
The name comes from the Greek Aitne, from aithō, “I burn.” Etna is the highest volcano in Europe and if you are lucky, you may see an eruption, which is an incredible natural show, especially at night. For the bravest, an excursion to the top might be a unique experience. We recommend one of the guided tours organized by one of our proven and experienced excursion partners, but if you have a car and you would like to explore by yourself, here are our recommendations.
The many sides of Etna...
On the Northside, which is closer to Taormina, you can reach Rifugio Brunei-Ragabo, Rifugio Citelli (mountain hotels with bar and restaurant), and Piano Provenzana by taking the highway (A18 Motorway)in the direction of Fiumefreddo and then heading up. You will first go through Piedimonte, and then through Linguaglossa, two small towns at the foothills of Etna. Around Rifugio Ragabo and Brunei, there is a large pine tree forest. It is easy to access and beautiful to explore. In Piano Provenzana, the ski facilities operate during the winter season, while in spring and summer, it is possible to join the jeep tours almost to the top of the Volcano. You can get information on hiking trails at one of the Rifugio’s, especially in Rifugio Citelli. You can start beautiful hikes from any of the places mentioned, but be aware that it may be very cold up there during the fall, winter, and spring months. We also recommend being cautious of the fog as it is very easy to get lost once visibility is diminished.
Piano Provenzana
Rifugio Citelli
Rifugio Ragabo
Piano Provenzana is part of the Linguaglossa territory and is more nature and less lava. At Piano Provenzana you will find beautiful Ragabo forest and many of the extinct craters.
Constructed in 1934 on the northeast side of Etna, you will find rifugio Citelli. In 1987, it was identified by the Etna Park Association as Base Point N.15 and renovated in 2012. Today, the refuge is chosen by the majority of sportsmen and mountain enthusiasts who come here to ski and for mountaineering trips but also for simple or long trekking walks.
Rifugio Ragabo is not only a strategic starting point for many Etna North excursions but also a hotel and a restaurant. Rifugio Ragabo located at Piano Provenzana in Linguaglossa. It is a great place to grab a bit to eat and continue with the trekking.
The south side, the creaters and the cable car...
On the South side of the volcano, close to the town of Nicolosi, you can find a cable car service at the Rifugio Sapienza, which also has an operational ski facility in the winter. Here you can take a cable car ride up to 2500 meters (www.funiviaetna.com), or at the level of Rifugio Sapienza you can easily reach and visit the Crateri Silvestri.
Rifugio Sapienza
Silvestri Crater
Funivia Dell'Etna
The most visited refuge on Mount Etna, Rifugio Sapienza, located on the south side of Etna, is also the home to the cable car that allows tourists to reach the upper craters. Here you will find bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and so much more.
The Silvestri Craters, located at an elevation of 1900 meters above sea level, were formed during the 1892 eruption. They are some of the most popular craters to visit on the south side of Etna. You can easily park at the Rifugio Sapienza and walk up to get a closer look.
Located at Rifugio Sapienza, the Funivia Dell'Etna allows tourists to reach the highest peaks of Etna and its upper craters. A specialized Alpine/Volcanological Guide is required above 2500 meters. Prices and excursions can be found directly on the Funivia website.
Gole dell 'Alcantara
Alcantara Canyon
While Visiting Etna, make a stop to visit the Alcatara Canyon...
The word Alcantara is of Arabian origins and comes from an ancient bridge that spanned the area. "Al qantarah" means "the bridge," however, it is also the name of an incredibly cold river generated by the melting of the ice and snow on Etna. It flows along a lava canyon of basalt rock that was excavated by the water over hundreds of thousands of years. You can observe the unique lava formations in the canyon and visit the surrounding natural park (www.parcoalcantara.it). If you have more time and like exploring, you can look for the “gurne,” a set of pools created by the river, easily accessible in the middle of a green area. When traveling by car (too far to be reached walking) you may also look for the Byzantine cube (a kind of chapel from the Eastern church tradition) located along the river, on a level higher than the gorges. The closest towns to Alcantara Park are Francavilla and Castiglione di Sicilia. The natural reserve can be reached by bus (Interbus) or with the help of organized guided tours. During the winter season, be sure to check the park's operating hours before heading out as they do vary, and the park is often closed.
Take a peek at our gallery!
We want to make sure our guests enjoy all of their experiences and excursions... so we test them all. Check out some of our adventures on Etna and the Gole Alcantara.
Etna Excursion organized by our partners at Etna People. Ask us how to book your Etna Experience.