From Wikitravel

Mount Etna is a 3323m high active volcano in Sicily, Italy.

[edit] Understand

The mountain has an eerie volcanic landscape, with solidifed "rivers" of lava. It is used for skiing in winter, so be prepared for the cold at this altitude, even in summer. Even in good weather in summer, sometimes the top of the mountain is covered in cloud, especially during the afternoon, obscuring the wonderful views.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

One bus a day runs to and from Catania and Nicolosi, to Rifugio Sapienza about 1400m below the summit on the south side, giving you enough time for a trip up the mountain and a wander.

[edit] By tour bus

Many agencies in Taormina offer organised trips to and around the mountain.

Tours can also be arranged by contacting: the Parco Regionale dell'Etna, Via Etnea 107, Nicolosi, tel: +39 095 914588.

[edit] Get around

There are 2 ways to get around on Mount Etna:

1) From Rifugio Sapienza (Etna south) during good weather, you can pay for a trip on a 4-wheel-drive vehicle + cable car (48€ A/R) about 800m nearer the top. In bad weather, you can walk if you are experienced and prepared for freezing weather.

2) From Piano Provenzana (Etna north) by walking to arrive on the summit Crater. This is a beautiful tour because it's possible to admire forests and lava sceneries.

[edit][add listing] See

• The solidified rivers of lava.
• The great views.
• Many entertainers on the sides of the roads. for example, artists, singers, and photographers. *The many Mini-shops along the side walks, the old fashioned houses and restaurants, and the locals that live there.

[edit][add listing] Do

• If you're fit and adventurous, check out the possibility of a guided climb of Etna. Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud, Via Etnea 49 (Nicolosi), +39 095 7914755, [1] (English-language page not working properly as of June 2007), is the guide service applicable for ascents from Sapienza. The guides' English can be a bit hit or miss, but they know vastly more about conditions on the mountain than anyone else, and have by far the best understanding of what's safe and interesting. Climbing to the summit without a guide isn't just prohibited, it's foolhardy, even if you're a capable hiker in more conventional surroundings.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are lots of souvenir shops around Rifugio Sapienza.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are several cafes / restaurants around Rifugio Sapienza.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

You can sleep in Rifugio Sapienza itself.

• Hotel Corsaro Etna Sud, Sapienza, +39 095 914122, [2]. A ski-lodge-like hotel that advertises itself as the "highest" lodging on Etna, referring to elevation, not price. 17 rooms, restaurant. Within easy walking distance of the lower funicular terminal.

• There is a youth hostel about 15km away in Nicolosi.

• Camping Etna, Via Goethe, ☎ 095/914309. is also in Nicolosi, in a pine forest a few kilometers up Etna. It has a swimming pool and is well shaded.

[edit] Get out

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