Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna

Europe's highest active volcano, with lava fields and craters.

  • Apr–Nov
  • 1 night
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Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Mount Etna

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the cable car up from Rifugio Sapienza, then the 4x4 bus higher towards the summit area.
  2. AfternoonWalk around the Silvestri craters near the car park, left by the 1892 eruption.
  3. EveningTaste wine at a winery on the volcanic slopes, then dinner in a village like Zafferana.

Day 2

Hike to the summit craters with a licensed guide, or explore lava tubes.

What to eat

Etna Rosso wine and anything with Bronte pistachio.

Local tips

Make the most of Mount Etna

Beat the crowds

Start early: the higher areas get busier from late morning, and clouds often build up in the afternoon.

Best photo spot

The old craters around the Rifugio Sapienza area, with lava fields in every direction.

Getting there

Drive or take the bus from Catania to the Rifugio Sapienza area. A cable car goes higher up the mountain.

Don't miss nearby

The vineyards on Etna's slopes, with wines grown in volcanic soil.

Good to know

The summit areas can only be visited with an authorised guide. It's much colder up there: bring a jacket even in summer.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Mount Etna

Our most hidden places around Mount Etna: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Mount Etna to take with you.

91 km away
96 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Mount Etna

Getting there

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Nov
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryItaly

Questions

Mount Etna: good to know

Is Mount Etna worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. Europe's highest active volcano, with lava fields and craters.

How many days do you need in Mount Etna?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Mount Etna?

The best time to visit is Apr to Nov. Start early: the higher areas get busier from late morning, and clouds often build up in the afternoon.

How do you get to Mount Etna?

The nearest airport is Catania Airport (CTA), about 30 km away. Drive or take the bus from Catania to the Rifugio Sapienza area. A cable car goes higher up the mountain.

What is there to see near Mount Etna?

Nearby hidden places include Taormina (28 km), Syracuse (Ortigia) (81 km) and Scala dei Turchi (143 km).

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