Alternative Hotels and B&Bs in each town: Start: Only once a day at 10:30 (be there at 9:00 AM sharp), Its cold up there at the top, even in the summer. Some visitors only do this quick visit and dont go further. Also with great architecture and museums. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Many of Sicilys most iconic landmarks are best viewed by ascending steep slopes to a lofty height in hot weather with bright sunshine. On this Etna tour, an expert guide will lead you across the lunar landscape of an active volcano so you can see the craters and explore a lava cave formed during an eruption. Find the Etna excursion that suits you best! Sicilian cuisine is distinctly Italian and Mediterranean but of a distinct local variety shaped by the islands rich history and the locally available food ingredients. If your health condition allows it, choose a tour to the higher summit craters (3,300 m). Taormina on the other hand is more like a typical tourist resort, but the transit connections arent as good. Blue-colored buses provide connections between cities. lava tube) by Sicila Adventure, Etna South | Catania > Nicolosi > Rifugio Sapienza, https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbar/363806251/in/photolist-y9AVz-wrzWeE-vCUVUf-AkYM9/, National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks, Brooks Falls Bears Katmai National Park. Make sure you take along your camera for the stunning photographs you can take while youre creating memories. The new freeways are wonderful but note that the A18 from Messina to Catania and the A20 from Messina to Palermo are toll roads. The average daily high drops to 660F and the low 570F. There is no direct (public) bus connection from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza. If a bus journey costs 1, expect to pay around 25 for a taxi ride to the same destination. North vs. South, which side is better? You are not allowed to ascend to 3300 m without a guide. Before boarding your train, you must stamp your ticket in one of the orange ticket machines in the station to validate it. Long Trek (1-3 up to 3,300m): Same transport to the summit area (Funivia + Jeep). Always bring a layer of clothes and a jacket, The typical temperature difference in July: Rifugio (1900m) vs. By taxi or book a tour with pick-up service: You can either hike self-guided or book a guided Etna North tour: Operators offer guided hiking tours to the top as well as jeep tours. You can hike Mount Etna without a guide up to 2900 m. Be at Rifugio Sapienza as early as possible to avoid the crowds. It was in the autumn and not very crowded, but not sure thats relevant 25 years later! Why choose this tour? This valley is an important barrier between flowing rivers of lava and the thriving city of Catania below. Mount Etna is an active volcano, so the ground around the island isnt as stable as most other places. The hike takes at least 2.5 hours. Everything from the text above (stations included in the public tours) is summarized in the following infographic: Monte Escriv (2650 m, April) by Enrico Strocchi, CC BY-SA. Most of the nightlife is found in the two largest cities of Catania and Palermo.
A popular vegetarian dish originating in Sicily is caponata. Popular activities and the best hotels can be fully booked months in advance. Along the coastline and beaches, the Addaura, Mondello, and Sferracavallo coasts are where youll find the locals drinking and dancing. Etna can be visited and hiked year-round. If youve got a sweet tooth like me, youll love the vast variety of desserts found around Sicily. If an active volcano crater is what you want to see, this is a perfect excursion to Etna for you. 50 rooms have been excavated by archaeologists to reveal over 38,000 square feet of mosaic floors and lots of fine features, such as a thermal bathhouse with a colonnaded courtyard and fountain. What are the most stunning things to do? Usually Etna is surrounded by clouds and its quite cold, also in summertime. When youre 2-4 people, a taxi is an alternative to consider. During both months the chance of a cloudy day is still high compared to the summer months. I visited Mt. The airport near Palermo is a little better. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The bars and dance clubs are clustered together making it a great place to tumble from bar to bar.
First of all, we strongly suggest staying 3 days or at least 2 days. Keep in mind that these have nothing to do with the park A,B,C,D zones). This is the most comprehensive Etna visit youll find from Catania. Be prepared for snow. If youre wondering who Norma was, its actually the name of an opera written by Bellini. The most recent outbursts tend to be smaller, but still dangerous enough to cause evacuations to nearby villages and stop air traffic with plumes of smoke and ash. Private tours require pre-booking of course. The trains are a fast option and provide great views of Sicilys landscape. If you have a care or if you skip day 2 (Etna South on your own) then it doesnt matter. The AMT Alibus runs services every 25 minutes from 5 am to midnight and takes around 20 minutes to the center and railway station. Catania is a student city and a focal point for Sicilys nightlife. The city is divided into 25 districts, but only 3 areas are really tourist-friendly: the Old Town, the Politeama and Liberta districts, and Mondello. I warmly suggest to walk along the sentiero dellasino, the donkey pathway. Some offer it even cheaper: Taxi Catania for 75 EUR. And Semifreddo alle mandorle is a molded frozen almond parfait that is soft and similar in texture to ice cream. If you want to snorkel and enjoy the water, summer is great. Alternative (taxi): If youre traveling with a small group of 2-4 persons, you may also take a taxi to Rifugio Sapienza. As a result, the landscape changes steadily as lava hardens, craters collapse and sometimes even new craters are created. To ensure you dont miss out, book in advance. Almost a thousand years ago, the Normans spread out across Europe and occupied many areas of coastland or islands, including Sicily. If you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the Bio Hotel in the Politeama area. The frequent eruptions of Etna have been observed and feared for thousands of years. On the smaller, rural roads, watch out for potholes and landslides. Preferably early in the morning. They make a great snack while youre walking around the picturesque streets of Palermo or Catania.
Local Bus No. Even the tour operators use both public means of transport. In a medical emergency, theres a First Aid Station in the Check-In area and a Pharmacy in Departures. If possible, try to avoid July and August on the south side, as its ridiculously crowded during both peak months. For Etna South its always: First get to Rifugio Sapienza, then take the Funivia (= cable car), then at the mountain station, you get into one of the large jeeps. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And if Mount Etnas volcanic landscapes appeal to you, then stay somewhere around Catania. Etna North can be ascended with jeeps as well, but only via privately pre-booked tours. Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and offers a wide range of options for tourists. The detailed mosaics paint a picture of everyday life in the Roman Empire along with scenes from history and mythology. During the busy summer months, its recommended to buy them the day before. This dish has a long history, and before refrigeration was invented was made using ice brought down from the high mountains on the island. Visited in May 2017. Hiking up to the summit of Mount Etna active craters, 3.300 mt altitude. However, its not like the rest of Italy. Its made using aubergine, locally grown tomatoes, salted ricotta, and garlic served with short pasta. The nightclubs tend to draw a younger crowd, many of them students. etna catania monte tripadvisor Photo North Side. The Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour is our Editors Choice for the Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania. The north side base station Piano Provenzana is a (ski) station at about 5,970 feet (1,820 m), with a car park and winter ski lift. twin holiday catania sicily resort beach holidays tailor selling They explain the volcanology and take you to lava tubes and special lava fields. Orange-colored buses run services around a specific town or city, and you can use them to reach attractions around that city. Every morning, you can see people sitting outside cafs like The Bam Bar in Taormina enjoying granita con brioche. From a viewing point, you can admire panoramic views of the Valle del Bove. Read below (Avoiding Tourist Crowds) for more details regarding an early morning visit. In winter, snow tops its peak providing fun for skiers and a beautiful skyline. The Inter City Express trains are the fastest and most comfortable, but theyre more expensive than the local trains that stop at every station.
Where can I see a lava cave? Be there at this time and youll avoid the heavy crowds which usually start to arrive around or after 10 AM. Ive selected 5 of the top-rated Mount Etna Trips to review. All seasons are good for a visit to the volcano, but personally avoid July and August, too hot and crowded, Etna is one of the most visited places in Italy. Using the A18 costs 3.70 and the A20 10.10. Silvestri Craters near Rifugio Sapienza at 1900 m. Usually, the whole summer season between late April and October is busy at Etna South. The main harvests are during September and October, when the pistachios, almonds, and olives are ready to reap. You can cross from Reggio di Calabria or Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina on the northeastern point of Sicily.
Every question is answered right here in this detailed guide! That means there is no way of getting to the high craters (3,300 m) on your own. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But if you want to live out in the beautiful countryside of Sicily, consider renting a villa for the duration of your stay. This is the only tour which takes you to the highest point at 3300m! Using the provided safety equipment, youll be perfectly safe. After a safety briefing, youll ascend 8,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna in a cable car before transferring into a 44 bus. The historic center is where youll find the less formal bars and clubs. Youll find the Information Desk in Arrivals, and its open from 6 am to midnight. Its also possible to take the cable car first and hike the rest. However, depending on the weather conditions there might be days when they are not operating. Before your visit, do a few practice hikes up and down hills near home to prepare your muscles. Read this brief guide to find out more. Etna many years ago, some time in the mid-nineties. It also has a small terminal, and the shops and eating outlets are on the expensive side.
Richard contributes his extensive travel and outdoor experience to the editorial topics and content on Outside Pursuits including outdoor gear, motorcycle accessories, auto/4x4 accessories, and tools. The bus runs once a day only (twice daily July-August) from Catanias Stazione Centrale, or main railway station. Its winter season and quieter. The puppets from Catania and Palermo are the best known. The bus stops halfway for half an hour at Nicolosi. Like elsewhere in Italy, pizza is a popular dish on the streets. aci castello catania tripadvisor sicily This is all changing very rapidly, with new roads being built and tourism going through the roof as more and more people realize what a prime cultural site the island is.
Whats more, Sicily boasts some amazing scenery, including one of the worlds most active volcanoes. When packing, take a hat for shade, plenty of sunscreen, and well broken-in shoes. Your knowledgeable guide will explain about the surrounding geological features and answer any questions you wish to raise about the volcano. Now its a popular morning meal on hot summer days. Which tour should you choose? If you are in Taormina and want it hassle free via bus: Book a tour: see below at C) Pre-Booked Tours. Sarde a beccafico is one of the signature dishes of the island.
aci Otherwise, where you stay depends upon whether your main interest is soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean or visiting some of the many cultural and historic sites. At the end of it you will discover a fantastic view on a great crater. Youll find a broad variety of nightlife in Sicily from quiet bars with soft piano music to wild beach bars and nightclubs. The views are stunning. If you dont have a car, then its easier to stay in Catania. Taxis are more expensive at night. How can I see volcano eruptions? Stromboli boasts the most active volcano, and its pyrotechnics frequently light the night sky.
There is no better side. Visiting Etna without a Guide? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You buy the tickets at their Meeting Point at Rifugio Sapienza.
From Taormina (and by car): Depending on which trek you are on. Long-distance ferries also link Sicily to more distant places, including Malta and Tunisia as well as major Italian seaports like Genoa and Naples. They also provide you with snowshoes and sticks. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your stay. Youll also see a stunning vista of the Valley of the Ox.
A popular vegetarian dish originating in Sicily is caponata. Popular activities and the best hotels can be fully booked months in advance. Along the coastline and beaches, the Addaura, Mondello, and Sferracavallo coasts are where youll find the locals drinking and dancing. Etna can be visited and hiked year-round. If youve got a sweet tooth like me, youll love the vast variety of desserts found around Sicily. If an active volcano crater is what you want to see, this is a perfect excursion to Etna for you. 50 rooms have been excavated by archaeologists to reveal over 38,000 square feet of mosaic floors and lots of fine features, such as a thermal bathhouse with a colonnaded courtyard and fountain. What are the most stunning things to do? Usually Etna is surrounded by clouds and its quite cold, also in summertime. When youre 2-4 people, a taxi is an alternative to consider. During both months the chance of a cloudy day is still high compared to the summer months. I visited Mt. The airport near Palermo is a little better. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The bars and dance clubs are clustered together making it a great place to tumble from bar to bar.
First of all, we strongly suggest staying 3 days or at least 2 days. Keep in mind that these have nothing to do with the park A,B,C,D zones). This is the most comprehensive Etna visit youll find from Catania. Be prepared for snow. If youre wondering who Norma was, its actually the name of an opera written by Bellini. The most recent outbursts tend to be smaller, but still dangerous enough to cause evacuations to nearby villages and stop air traffic with plumes of smoke and ash. Private tours require pre-booking of course. The trains are a fast option and provide great views of Sicilys landscape. If you have a care or if you skip day 2 (Etna South on your own) then it doesnt matter. The AMT Alibus runs services every 25 minutes from 5 am to midnight and takes around 20 minutes to the center and railway station. Catania is a student city and a focal point for Sicilys nightlife. The city is divided into 25 districts, but only 3 areas are really tourist-friendly: the Old Town, the Politeama and Liberta districts, and Mondello. I warmly suggest to walk along the sentiero dellasino, the donkey pathway. Some offer it even cheaper: Taxi Catania for 75 EUR. And Semifreddo alle mandorle is a molded frozen almond parfait that is soft and similar in texture to ice cream. If you want to snorkel and enjoy the water, summer is great. Alternative (taxi): If youre traveling with a small group of 2-4 persons, you may also take a taxi to Rifugio Sapienza. As a result, the landscape changes steadily as lava hardens, craters collapse and sometimes even new craters are created. To ensure you dont miss out, book in advance. Almost a thousand years ago, the Normans spread out across Europe and occupied many areas of coastland or islands, including Sicily. If you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the Bio Hotel in the Politeama area. The frequent eruptions of Etna have been observed and feared for thousands of years. On the smaller, rural roads, watch out for potholes and landslides. Preferably early in the morning. They make a great snack while youre walking around the picturesque streets of Palermo or Catania.
Local Bus No. Even the tour operators use both public means of transport. In a medical emergency, theres a First Aid Station in the Check-In area and a Pharmacy in Departures. If possible, try to avoid July and August on the south side, as its ridiculously crowded during both peak months. For Etna South its always: First get to Rifugio Sapienza, then take the Funivia (= cable car), then at the mountain station, you get into one of the large jeeps. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And if Mount Etnas volcanic landscapes appeal to you, then stay somewhere around Catania. Etna North can be ascended with jeeps as well, but only via privately pre-booked tours. Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and offers a wide range of options for tourists. The detailed mosaics paint a picture of everyday life in the Roman Empire along with scenes from history and mythology. During the busy summer months, its recommended to buy them the day before. This dish has a long history, and before refrigeration was invented was made using ice brought down from the high mountains on the island. Visited in May 2017. Hiking up to the summit of Mount Etna active craters, 3.300 mt altitude. However, its not like the rest of Italy. Its made using aubergine, locally grown tomatoes, salted ricotta, and garlic served with short pasta. The nightclubs tend to draw a younger crowd, many of them students. etna catania monte tripadvisor Photo North Side. The Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour is our Editors Choice for the Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania. The north side base station Piano Provenzana is a (ski) station at about 5,970 feet (1,820 m), with a car park and winter ski lift. twin holiday catania sicily resort beach holidays tailor selling They explain the volcanology and take you to lava tubes and special lava fields. Orange-colored buses run services around a specific town or city, and you can use them to reach attractions around that city. Every morning, you can see people sitting outside cafs like The Bam Bar in Taormina enjoying granita con brioche. From a viewing point, you can admire panoramic views of the Valle del Bove. Read below (Avoiding Tourist Crowds) for more details regarding an early morning visit. In winter, snow tops its peak providing fun for skiers and a beautiful skyline. The Inter City Express trains are the fastest and most comfortable, but theyre more expensive than the local trains that stop at every station. Where can I see a lava cave? Be there at this time and youll avoid the heavy crowds which usually start to arrive around or after 10 AM. Ive selected 5 of the top-rated Mount Etna Trips to review. All seasons are good for a visit to the volcano, but personally avoid July and August, too hot and crowded, Etna is one of the most visited places in Italy. Using the A18 costs 3.70 and the A20 10.10. Silvestri Craters near Rifugio Sapienza at 1900 m. Usually, the whole summer season between late April and October is busy at Etna South. The main harvests are during September and October, when the pistachios, almonds, and olives are ready to reap. You can cross from Reggio di Calabria or Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina on the northeastern point of Sicily.
Every question is answered right here in this detailed guide! That means there is no way of getting to the high craters (3,300 m) on your own. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But if you want to live out in the beautiful countryside of Sicily, consider renting a villa for the duration of your stay. This is the only tour which takes you to the highest point at 3300m! Using the provided safety equipment, youll be perfectly safe. After a safety briefing, youll ascend 8,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna in a cable car before transferring into a 44 bus. The historic center is where youll find the less formal bars and clubs. Youll find the Information Desk in Arrivals, and its open from 6 am to midnight. Its also possible to take the cable car first and hike the rest. However, depending on the weather conditions there might be days when they are not operating. Before your visit, do a few practice hikes up and down hills near home to prepare your muscles. Read this brief guide to find out more. Etna many years ago, some time in the mid-nineties. It also has a small terminal, and the shops and eating outlets are on the expensive side.
Richard contributes his extensive travel and outdoor experience to the editorial topics and content on Outside Pursuits including outdoor gear, motorcycle accessories, auto/4x4 accessories, and tools. The bus runs once a day only (twice daily July-August) from Catanias Stazione Centrale, or main railway station. Its winter season and quieter. The puppets from Catania and Palermo are the best known. The bus stops halfway for half an hour at Nicolosi. Like elsewhere in Italy, pizza is a popular dish on the streets. aci castello catania tripadvisor sicily This is all changing very rapidly, with new roads being built and tourism going through the roof as more and more people realize what a prime cultural site the island is. 
Whats more, Sicily boasts some amazing scenery, including one of the worlds most active volcanoes. When packing, take a hat for shade, plenty of sunscreen, and well broken-in shoes. Your knowledgeable guide will explain about the surrounding geological features and answer any questions you wish to raise about the volcano. Now its a popular morning meal on hot summer days. Which tour should you choose? If you are in Taormina and want it hassle free via bus: Book a tour: see below at C) Pre-Booked Tours. Sarde a beccafico is one of the signature dishes of the island.
aci Otherwise, where you stay depends upon whether your main interest is soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean or visiting some of the many cultural and historic sites. At the end of it you will discover a fantastic view on a great crater. Youll find a broad variety of nightlife in Sicily from quiet bars with soft piano music to wild beach bars and nightclubs. The views are stunning. If you dont have a car, then its easier to stay in Catania. Taxis are more expensive at night. How can I see volcano eruptions? Stromboli boasts the most active volcano, and its pyrotechnics frequently light the night sky.
There is no better side. Visiting Etna without a Guide? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You buy the tickets at their Meeting Point at Rifugio Sapienza.
From Taormina (and by car): Depending on which trek you are on. Long-distance ferries also link Sicily to more distant places, including Malta and Tunisia as well as major Italian seaports like Genoa and Naples. They also provide you with snowshoes and sticks. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your stay. Youll also see a stunning vista of the Valley of the Ox.