Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion

Are you looking for the perfect mix of volcanic adventure and refreshing moments of relax? The Etna and Alcantara Gorges excursion is the perfect choice for you!

Etna is one of the wonders that make Sicily unique, at 3350m above sea level it is the highest active volcano in Europe and is known for its frequent eruptions and the adventurous landscapes it offers.

The Alcantara Gorges are one of the main attractions on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a spectacular Sicilian lava canyon created by the waters of the Alcantara and ancient Etnean eruptions. The view is breathtaking and the wilderness of the area creates a magical atmosphere.

Etna and Alcantara Gorges Tour

Our Etna and Alcantara Gorges excursion is always the perfect choice for every enthusiast, from novices to experienced hikers, it is our most popular and beloved itinerary among hikers!

Discover the fascinating landscapes of Etna’s northern slope: you will enjoy the impressive views of Etna’s foothills, have the opportunity to see up close and touch ancient lava flows, admire craters still in activity, and appreciate a typical Sicilian landscape with its crops and rural villages.

After a lunch break (included in the price) our adventure will take a more relaxing turn with a visit to the Alcantara Gorges: after the walk on Etna, particularly in the warm months, it’s a pleasure to bathe in the refreshing river waters of the Alcantara and relax on the beach (the entrance fee is included in the price).

One of our experts will accompany you throughout the tour, telling you about the history, geology, and unique features of Etna. We will give our best to ensure you have the most fun, so that you will be left with the sweet memory of an unforgettable experience!

Itinerary Etna and Alcantara Gorges excursion

Etna: Lava Front of the 2002 eruption
  • The Etna and Alcantara Gorges tour starts by SUV or minivan (up to 8 passengers per vehicle), the first stop of our tour is an off-road route to the 2002 euption lava front, the largest eruption of recent times that destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski facilities and part of the Ragabo Pine Forest.

Etna: Monti Sartorius craters
  • Passing through the Ragabo Forest, following the Mareneve road, we will reach the starting point of the trek to the Monti Sartorius craters near Rifugio Citelli, where our hike will continue on foot. This is a walk of easy difficulty, suitable for everyone, the route is about 3km long in total, starting from an altitude of 1665m and arriving at an altitude of about 1775m.

  • We will walk along a characteristic Etnean path, among birch trees and button crater sides (“bottoniera”), the Sartorius Craters, on the northeastern slope of Etna. We will reach several vantage points with unique and spectacular views.

  • If you are interested in learning more about the name of these craters we refer you to this article on the famous volcanologist Wolfgang Sartorius.
Etna: Grotta dei Ladroni - Grotta delle Nevi (lava cave)
  • After our trek to the Sartorius we will go to explore an Etna volcanic cave, the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta delle Nevi). Equipped with helmets and flashlights, we will go inside this lava flow tunnel to discover its formation and history.

  • This is a tunnel of lava origin, located at Piano delle Donne at 1540 m a.s.l. Part of the cave has been excavated by man, as evidenced by the date engraved on a rock at the top of the entrance: 1776. In addition to making steps and widening what was a lava flow tunnel, a number of holes were drilled in the vault to allow for the introduction and accumulation of snow. In centuries past, Etna’s inhabitants used this cave to store snow in the winter months, later reselling it in the warmer months.

Lunch break at a restaurant
  • We will then stop at an Etnean restaurant to rest and have lunch: first course, drink and coffee are included in the price of the excursion.

Alcantara Gorges
  • After lunch the tour will continue to the Alcantara Valley, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia: it is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, with features similar to a medieval village, famous today for its wineries that produce an excellent Etna DOC.

  • Our Etna and Alcantara Gorges excursion will come to an end with a visit to the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges. They are located in the “Alcantara River Park”, at the point where the Peloritani mountain range ends in the municipalities of Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra (one of the places where some scenes of the famous film The Godfather were filmed). We will descend inside the Alcantara Gorges via the municipal entrance, the entrance fee is included in the price.

Etna and Alcantara Gorges tour details

Price
  • Adults price (10 years and older): € 80.00 per person
  • Children price (3-10 years old): € 60.00 per person
  • Children (under 3 years old): free
  • Lunch is included in the price
Timetable
  • Departure time: 09:00
  • Return time: 17:00

Etna:

  • April to May:
    Variable weather and temperatures, we recommend winter clothing with layers and sneakers.
  • June to September: Warm temperatures, we recommend summer clothing with t-shirt, trousers or shorts, and sneakers. However, we suggest bringing a light jacket or a k-way in case of passing rain. Optionally, to protect yourself from the sun, you can bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • October: Variable weather and temperatures, we recommend winter clothing in layers and sneakers.
  • November to March: We recommend winter clothing with a jacket, long trousers, winter hat, and waterproof or hiking shoes (available on request).

Alcantara Gorges:

  • Summer time: We recommend bringing a towel, swimming suit and beach slippers. To walk inside the Alcantara river, we recommend that you bring water shoes, depending on personal preference it is also possible to walk barefoot inside the river. It’s up to you whether or not you’d like to bathe or walk in the Alcantara river; if you wish, you are free to dive and cool off in the chilly river water of the Alcantara.
Trekking info
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Length: approx. 3km
  • Maximum altitude: 1780m a.s.l.
  • Altitude difference: approx. 100m
Availability

Year-round

Pick up
  • Pick up available
  • Free upon request (within 30 km of Linguaglossa)
Customizable tour

Upon request

What's included in the Etna and Alcantara Gorges excursion

Included

Excluded

€ 80.00 per person

€ 60.00 children 3-10 years old

Free for children under 3 years old

Reservation request

Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion

We will contact you within 1 hour!

More information?

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We are available daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

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