Sicily , Italy

Etna & Alcantara

Active

(29 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A complete excursion for nature lovers. We will visit one of the most interesting areas of Etna, with lava flow caves, side craters, lava flows and, in the afternoon, the gorges of the Alcantara river will amaze us with columnar basalts and freezing waters.

Available options

Etna & Alcantara

Pickup included

What's included

Torches

trekking sticks

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Authorised tour guide

Typical products tasting, such as honey, liquors, creams.

Helmet

Air-conditioned vehicle

Insurance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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 1000 mt altitude where a protected area of 720km² begins. We also come across cold and dried lava flows that, like black highways, tear the mountainside.

Surrounded by uncontaminated greenery¹, we can enjoy the view of chestnut trees, pines, oaks, beeches as well as endemic plants like Etna’s birch and Etna’s brooms2. Eruptive cones, lava flows, lava valley stand out in front of our eyes, testifying the volcano’s incessant eruption activity that carves out its own shape since more than 500.000 years.

We will get into a fantastic Nature trail, inside the Etna Park, heading towards the craters. We will arrive on the top of a lateral crater, created by an eruption with the typical buttons’ line progress, called “bottoniera”. What is a crater? It is a pyroclastic slagheap that has been thrown out from the volcanic shaft and, once placed around the eruptive vent, creates a cone. Once we get to the edge of the lateral crater, in the exact point where incandescent lava used to come out from volcano slope, we will explain to you the features of Etna’s eruptions. You will have the opportunity to admire all of the different colours that lava turns into, as a beautiful reflection of a rainbow, and experience first hand all of the different kinds of consistency of pyroclastic rocks.
We will be able to see very few plant species that manage to survive in very extreme conditions both in winter and summer.

Let’s deeply penetrate in the heart of the wood to discover what’s hiding below the volcanic hard surface. Suddenly a crevice in the ground appears by our eyes: one of the about 190 Etna lava flow caves. We start our underground adventure: leaving the surface, we enter into the mountain deepness to discover its most hidden secrets, visiting a lava flow cave.

After having explored the most interesting Etna area, we take a break enjoying a nice lunchtime in a typical mountain hut/chalet that seems to have landed here in Sicily directly from Alps. We can try traditional dishes of our Sicilian kitchen, delicious mountain specialities, since in Sicily we are lucky to have both exquisite seafood and delicious mountain food, typical from the inland areas.

Eruption of 2002,
Honey tasting, typical products, liqueurs and "Fuoco dell'Etna" (liquor)

Stop 3

Coming down we come out from the protect area of the Etna Park and we go towards the Alcantara Valley. We meet the river for the first time near the Castiglione di Sicilia’s bridge and, from this moment, our path is intertwined with it until we reach the gorges.
We leave the jeep and go down walking until we get the riverbed: we are now in the deepest point of Alcantara gorges, facing 25 meters tall basalt cliffs that proudly stand all around us. Here we can touch the icy water of Alcantara river and the bravest of us can even plunge in the water and venture for a few dozen meters inside the gorges.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tell us in advance about any special needs or health issues, such as allergies, heart disease, pressure problems, walking difficulties, handicaps. We will do our best to let you enjoy the tour to its full extent. Thank you!

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.