Here is a list of some day trips from Etnalodge

Etna

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano of Europe .

Presently it is active.

The volcano can be explored and enjoyed:

By train:

From Piedimonte Station.

As the time schedule changes according to the season and to the mood of our administrators we recommend you check the times at the station.

Tickets are not for sale at the station nor on the train. Purchase your ticket at any Tobacconist (Biglietto per la Ferrovia Circumetnea ).

We recommend the trip as far as to Bronte/Adrano because after that it runs through the non charming suburbs of Catania.

Rail track on map: red

The train does not run on Sundays: it sleeps!

By car.

Around: 165 km clockwise or counter clockwise. Piedimonte, Linguaglossa, Randazzo, Bronte, Adrano, Belpasso, Sapienza, (Nicolosi), Zafferana, Milo, Vena, Piedimonte

Up: The highest points you can reach are:

Piano Provenzana (1810m.). In Linguaglossa turn left on the only existing left turn, Follow the signs “Etna Nord”
Rifugio Sapienza (1960m.) From Zafferana follow the signs “Etna Sud”.

On foot: the best way to enjoy the volcano.

Below the tree line (circa 2100 meters above sea level)

An excursion to the Sartorius mountains is extremely interesting for both geological and botanical reasons. The route goes along rich clearing of endemic species, volcanic bombs of considerable size and wooded formations ruled by birch (betula aetnensis).
The geological interest is represented by the imposing lava flow of 1865, that gave birth to Sartorious mountains, characterized by the alignment of seven eruptive cones ("bottoniera").Sentiero Sartorius. Drive towards Piano Provenzana and at Km 18 take the only turn left that there is, follow the road Mare-Neve towards Milo , turn right following the road sign “Rifuggio Citelli”.

Valle del Bove (1660 meters) in which you can admire the 2006 eruption.

There are two options to reach the valley:

Drive to Zafferana
At the entrance of the village turn right on SP92 direction Etna Sud (Sapienza)
At km 30 of SP92 the is a crossing with a very sharp turn right. The sign indicates “Monte Zoccolaro” drive 3 km to the parking at the dead end of the road. Walk up following the trail for about 40 min to the top of the crest for a view. The trail is not difficult just 6 or 7 meters where you will have to use hands and feet. If you stay until sundown the show is more impressive in the dark.
Drive to Zafferana
At the entrance of the village turn right on SP92 direction Etna Sud (Sapienza)
At km 27 of SP92 there is Piano del Vescovo. You will recognize it because it is the only crossing to the right (with a couple of garbage cans), a flat area with 3 abandoned and destroyed houses. If you miss the crossing after 300 meters there is a sign in wood on the right “Piano del Vescovo – Proprietà dell’Arcidiocesi di Catania ” go back to the crossing with no indication. Park.
Looking towards Etna (West) you have two possibilities to go up towards the crest. Take the left one (the South one) passing left of the abandoned house. Follow the trail through the chestnut forest and up. The climb is less than one hour. The last 20 minutes are the hardest because you are on gravel. On top you reach the crest with a fantastic view on Valle del Bove and towards the eruption.
From the top of the crest you can follow a trail southbound that will take you down to the valley or follow the crest towards the eruption (very long).

Monti Spagnoli: Drive to Linguaglossa, left towards Etna Nord, first turn right towards Randazzo. Left and up at “Bivio Pirao” ( 4 km before Randazzo). Following an easy dirt road to your left you can admire the "hornitos" of the 1981 eruption which, even if of very short duration (only seven days), because of its speed and fluidity endangered Randazzo.

Above the tree line and up to the top craters.

Two options:

Etna Nord, the most beautiful trekking. Drive to piano Provenzana and follow the service road up. Long and splendid trip of about 8 hours. Note: you can also take the busses up but do let you free to explore!
Etna Sud. Drive to Rifugio Sapienza Take the cable car and 4 wheel trucks as high as they take you (depending on the activity of the volcano) and walk up and around. Cost € 50 per person .

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