Once on-board of our 4×4 jeeps, we will make our way towards Etna’s hill. We will leave the wonderful “Riviera dei limoni” (Lemons’ coast), to approach Etna’s villages. We will then get on the road that leads through the volcano’s slopes, crossing old mulattiere (ancient mule drivers’ roads) and coalmen paths, we are soon at about 1000m altitude where a protected area of 720km² of begins. We also come across cold and dried lava flows, that like black highways, tear the mountainside. From the south slope ski station (Rifugio Sapienza), the cableway will bring us from 1800m up to 2500m. From this point, we start our trekking path that runs among the lava flows’ eruptions of 2002. That eruption gave life to the Barbagallo Craters, at 2900m. We continue our walk on lava flows which sprung out from the South East Crater in 2017, towards Summit Craters. Once we reach the top, you will find yourself immersed in a lunar-like landscape: total absence of vegetation, sulphur smell, uninterrupted gas emissions blown by wind, clouds below you, and all around you the neverending skyline. We are on the world’s rooftop. From this point the view is spectacular, in the clearest day you can even see the Aeolian Island, the Calabrian coast and a great part of the Sicilian hinterland. After the walking on Central Crater edge, we will start descending the North slope. On this path, we will step on rocks shaped by fire, and we will sink our boots in the volcanic sand as well. Walking down sandy canyons, entirely covered by ashes and lapilli, we reach Piano delle Concazze, a wide highland with a peculiar look, where the volcanological Observatory is located (2800m). We will stop for a pic-nic once a comfortable area will be found. Packed lunch is not included in the tour price. You can bring your own lunch or grab something at the local shops at the beginning of the tour. After the break, we continue to go down until we meet the path which will lead us to the 2002 lava flow’s eruption, the beech forest and lastly to Piano Provenzana, the final step of the excursion, at 1900m. After a lengthy exploration of Mt. Etna and after having satisfied our senses, we will have reached the end of our adventure together. Once down, we will cross the Etna Park again (Parco dell’Etna), and, going through antique lava flows, we will be going back home, tired but happy. See you on the next adventure!

Beautiful view of the Ox Valley