Mt. Etna and Alcantara river full day tour from Taormina
Active
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
This full-day tour allows you to go from a morning visit to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to the beautiful and surprising valley of Alcantara river in the afternoon. In the first part of the excursion, you will submerge in nature and visit old craters and lava flow caves, enjoy breathtaking views, and taste typical local products. In the afternoon, before seeing the famous basaltic canyon named Gorges, you will walk next the river Alcantara through a lush vegetation until to visit the Gurne, little lakes created by the same river.
Available options
Tour in German
Tour with local German speaking guide<br/>Pickup included
Tour in French
Tour with local French speaking guide<br/>Pickup included
Tour in English
Tour with local English speaking guide<br/>Pickup included
Tour in Italian
Tour with local Italian speaking guide<br/>Pickup included
Tour in Spanish
Tour with local Spanish speaking guide<br/>Pickup included
What's included
INFANT price - Baby seat and baby carrier included
The kit for visiting the Cave
Multilingual guide
Trekking shoes (on request)
Sampling
Shuttle bus (round trip)
Detailed itinerary
1
excursion made by Etna Tribe
2
stop for Break
3
visit of old Silvestri craters
4
Stop 4
trekking through a natural path in mount etna
5
trekking through natural path of parco dell'etna
6
altitude option cablecar and jeep of road
7
visit of a lava caves with helmets and lamps
8
sampling of typical products in a biological farm
9
Stop 9
visit of alcantara gorges
10
visit of alcantara gurne
What's not included
OPTIONAL - Cableway + 4x4 minibus + guide to Maximum altitudes allowed (to pay on the spot)
All that is not specified under “the cost includes"
OPTIONAL - Extra activities available on Etna, as quad or bike, alternative to trekking.
OPTIONAL - Lift to reach the gorges (as an alternative to the steps)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
54 reviews
5★
51
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
61 reviews
5★
52
4★
6
3★
1
2★
2
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Important notes
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About Taormina
Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town in Sicily, known for its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It combines ancient Greek and Roman history with charming medieval streets, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
This well-preserved Greek theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used for performances and events.
Historical
1-2 hours
€10.50 for the combined ticket with the Odeon
Isola Bella
A small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free to visit, €5 for the nature reserve
Corso Umberto
The main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the town's atmosphere.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Varies by shop
Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)
Beautiful public gardens with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. They are a peaceful retreat from the bustling town center.
Nature
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Castelmola
A charming medieval village perched above Taormina, offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna. It is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, and local wine.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore, €5-€10 for wine tastings
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pasta alla Norma
A traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Arancini
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs.
Appetizer
Contains cheese and gluten
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten
Granita
A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hiking Mount Etna
Snorkeling and diving in Isola Bella
Jeep and cable car tours of Mount Etna
Sunbathing and swimming at Mazzarò Beach
Enjoying a granita at Bar Turrisi
Strolling through the Public Gardens
Exploring the Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Visiting the historic churches and museums
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit Taormina, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
- 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
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Taormina is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 50 km from Taormina
By train
Taormina-Giardini Station
By bus
Taormina Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The funicular is efficient and frequent, offering a quick and scenic way to get around the town.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Taormina
Mazzarò
Castelmola
Day trips
Mount Etna
40 km from Taormina • Full day
Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geological features.
Aeolian Islands
Varies by island, approximately 50-100 km from Taormina • Full day or overnight
The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning beaches.
Syracuse (Siracusa)
100 km from Taormina • Full day
Syracuse is a historic city with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches.
Festivals
Taormina Arte • July to August
Taormina Film Festival • June
Festa di San Pancrazio • May 12th
Pro tips
- Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
- Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli at traditional Sicilian restaurants.
- Explore the charming streets and shops of Corso Umberto and Via Naumachia.
- Take a day trip to Mount Etna for hiking, jeep tours, and wine tasting.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
