We woke up quite early (just before 8:00 am) to go to see Etna volcano today. Just a day before yesterday we arrived to Catania from Taormina.
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The hotel Palazzo Cerami had an amazing breakfast and room and an amazing breakfast!
Getting to Etna Volcano
There are few options of getting to Etna Volcano and all depends on your situation. However, if you decide to take a cable car, you will require to book the ticket. We booked it on the spot, but in busy periods it might be not possible, so do your research and plan ahead.
You can also climb to the top of the mountain on foot, but beyond the cable car station, travellers are allowed to continue hiking on foot independently up to an altitude of 2,800m to 2,900m. This allows unguided visitors to walk up to the area around the Barbagallo Craters and the historic Torre del Filosofo site.
Climbing higher than the 2,800m–2,900m mark requires the mandatory presence of a licensed alpine or volcanological guide.
Getting to Etna by Bus
The public bus connecting Catania to Mount Etna departs from Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, located directly outside Catania Central Railway Station (Catania Centrale). Specifically, the service is operated by Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST) and leaves once a day at 08:15 AM. Furthermore, the bus climbs up the southern slopes along the SP92 road, arriving at the Rifugio Sapienza terminus at an altitude of 1,910 metres at around 10:15 AM. Additionally, travellers usually arrive at the bus stop by 07:45 AM, as seats fill up rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis. Consequently, taking this morning service provides a direct and affordable route to the base of the summit cable car.
The return journey from Mount Etna back to Catania leaves Rifugio Sapienza at 16:30 (4:30 PM). In addition, return tickets cost approximately €6.60 and can be purchased directly from the driver or at local sales points. However, the service does not operate on select public holidays such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, 1st May, and Easter Sunday. Verifying the operating schedule prior to travel ensures a smooth day trip up the volcano.
Booking a Tour to Etna
Travellers can easily arrange guided excursions to Mount Etna from major Sicilian departure hubs such as Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, or Palermo. Furthermore, independent visitors opting for self-drive travel can hire a vehicle to take the scenic SP92 road towards Rifugio Sapienza on the southern slopes, or follow the Mareneve road leading to Piano Provenzana on the northern side. In addition, hiring a private door-to-door transfer or chauffeured vehicle provides maximum flexibility for custom itineraries without relying on rigid group schedules.
Getting to Etna by Car
Best to go to Volcano in the early morning. Once you arrive to Rifugio Sapienza you can either take a cable car to the top (you will require to purchase a ticket) or hike up free of charge if you’re on the strict budget and in general love the altitude challenge. The hike up the hill will take around 1.5-2h, so it is quite strenuous exercise. Make sure you have enough water and cover up from the sun and don’t forget sunscreen as you will burn very quickly up the hill. If you wish to hike Mount Etna, it is mandatory to have a guide and it is not permitted to attempt the summit walk past 2,900m without one. Also, it would be quite foolish to try to bend those rules as they are for your own safety as volcano is still active.
Please note, that if you are taking a public transport you need to check the departure time as it is once a day. I remember years ago it was like one bus in the morning 8:00 am (now it seems 8:15 am). Also, be careful not to get stuck in Rifugio Sapienza on your way back as there is only one single bus a day!
Also, remember that the temperature difference in the top is significant, so don’t forget your jacket and sunscreen! Both helps to block the sun UV rays, which twill burn your skin to very red colour quite quickly at the high altitude if not protected. We went from 35°C to 10-15°C, so we really felt cold even wearing jackets. Every 1000m up the hill temperature drops around 5°C-10°C. Also, it was very windy at the top!
Parking was very easy to find next to Rifugio Sapienza, though you we had to pay for it. Funny enough someone decided to park in the bus parking spots and also diagonally on the blue lines. The police was already standing there waiting to fine the person.
Tour to Etna Volcano
We decided to save valuable time and energy by taking the Cable Car (Funivia del L’Etna), which quickly whisked us up the slopes of Mount Etna. Furthermore, the cable car journey offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape before bringing us to the upper station at La Montagnola, situated at an elevation of 2,500 metres. In addition, reaching this mid-way hub provided immediate access to amenities such as a cafe, gift shop, and viewing platforms. Because the cable car does not travel all the way to the active summit craters, we then boarded a special high-clearance 4×4 off-road bus to continue our journey further up the rugged volcanic mountain. Subsequently, this second leg of the ascent transported us over dramatic fields of black ash and crushed lava rock toward the higher summit zone near 2,900 metres. Using this combined transport system allowed us to experience the higher reaches of Europe’s most active volcano efficiently and comfortably.
We had to queue for a short time to go up and it was getting quite chilly.
Oh yeah, also make sure you sit by the window!!! Otherwise all you will with your camera will be this!
During our journey to the top, we noticed four young Russian women venturing further up the volcano despite being completely ill-prepared for the extreme conditions. Furthermore, they had set off wearing light, casual clothing that offered virtually no protection against Mount Etna’s famously harsh element. In addition, high-altitude volcanic summits are notorious for strong, freezing gusts of wind and intense UV radiation reflected off the light cloud cover and dark volcanic rock. When we later spotted them on the bus ride down, the physical toll of their decision was painfully obvious, as they appeared severely sunburnt from the high-elevation exposure (they probably didn’t even apply sunscreen). Subsequently, shivering from the relentless freezing wind without proper thermal layers or windbreakers made their trek far more challenging than anticipated. Their ordeal served as a striking reminder to always wear sturdy shoes, warm layers, and heavy sun protection when exploring high-altitude mountain environments.
Lesson About Etna Volcano
Mount Etna stands as Europe’s highest active stratovolcano, reaching a towering height of over 3,350 metres above sea level. Furthermore, it remains one of the most volatile and continuously active volcanoes in the world, with recorded eruptive activity dating back over two millennia to the fourth century BCE. Throughout its long, dramatic history, the volcano has produced countless spectacular lava flows and explosive eruptions. In addition, its 2002–2003 eruption stands out as one of the most destructive events in recent decades, destroying ski resorts, local infrastructure, and visitor centres on the upper slopes. On the other hand, the single most catastrophic eruption in recorded history occurred in 1669, when massive lava streams swept through dozens of villages and breached the city walls of Catania, while vast plumes of volcanic ash darkened skies across the Mediterranean basin and disrupted regional shipping lanes.
Despite its destructive potential, Mount Etna features an extraordinary geographical landscape that supports a surprisingly rich ecosystem. Furthermore, the volcano’s dramatic terrain shifts from lush forests and agricultural terraces at lower elevations to barren, high-altitude lunar landscapes marked by steaming fumaroles and towering cinder cones. In addition, the mineral-rich volcanic soil, combined with high elevation and a unique microclimate, creates exceptional conditions for agriculture and viticulture. Local winemakers cultivate some of the world’s most sought-after wines here, as the unique volcanic terroir yields grapes with remarkable minerality, complex aromas, and intense flavour profiles. Beyond agriculture, even the cooled lava rock itself serves a practical purpose, as local artisans routinely transform volcanic basalt into durable building bricks, garden landscaping tiles, decorative sculptures, and handcrafted jewellery.
Beyond its physical beauty, Mount Etna—often affectionately referred to as the “Mountain of Fire”—is deeply embedded in mythology and classical folklore. Furthermore, ancient Greek mythology connected the fiery peak to the god of fire and metalworking, Hephaestus (Vulcan in Roman myth), who was believed to maintain his underground forge beneath the mountain alongside the giant Cyclopes. In addition, another famous legend tells how the supreme god Zeus defeated the monstrous, multi-headed giant Typhon, trapping the defeated beast beneath Mount Etna so that his fiery breath and thrashing limbs would forever fuel the mountain’s bursts of smoke and lava. Similarly, classical lore links the volcano to the grief of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, whose fiery despair over the abduction of her daughter Persephone was said to have scorched the surrounding land. Mount Etna remains an enduring symbol of Sicily, seamlessly blending natural raw power with ancient mythology, historical heritage, and rich cultural tradition.
After going down by cable car, we chose to spend an hour exploring the two inactive craters of Silvestri, which were formed due to the eruption of Mount Etna in 1892. They are situated at a height of 1900 meters, but you can ascend to a higher altitude if you so desire.
Arancineria Espresso Serafino
After our long, exhilarating day exploring Mount Etna, we returned to Catania feeling completely famished and in desperate need of a satisfying treat. Furthermore, we decided to grab a quick late-afternoon snack before dinner and made a bee-line for Arancineria Espresso Serafino, a famous local spot renowned for serving some of the best arancini in the city. In addition, as we approached the small shop, we were greeted by a lively queue of hungry locals and travellers spilling out onto the pavement. Seeing so many people eagerly waiting and enjoying piping-hot, golden rice balls outside confirmed that we had picked the right place to recharge our energy. Joining the queue only made us more excited to finally taste these iconic Sicilian treats for ourselves.
Exploring Catania at Night
As darkness fell over Catania, the vibrant city came alive with an unmistakable energy. Furthermore, traffic buzzed through the lit streets while crowds of locals and visitors strolled past illuminated shopfronts and grand dark-stone Baroque architecture. We made our way towards the central heart of the city, where we reached the grand Piazza del Duomo and admired the towering facade of the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata as it stood beautifully lit against the deep night sky. In addition, we listened to street musicians entertaining lively crowds gathered around the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante, who filled the open square with acoustic melodies.
Continuing our evening walk, we discovered how deeply culture and community were woven into Catania’s public spaces. Nearby, we paused to watch an inspiring outdoor theatre performance by actors with Down syndrome, whose heartfelt show drew warm applause from the surrounding audience. On the other hand, we saw those seeking a quieter moment gathered along the dimly lit pathways and stone benches of Villa Bellini park, where they took in the gentle evening breeze beneath towering tropical palms.
Eventually, the irresistible aromas of Sicilian cuisine guided us into the bustling dining lanes tucked away off the main thoroughfares. String lights stretched between historic stone buildings overhead, casting a warm golden glow over outdoor terraces packed with diners who enjoyed long, relaxed meals. Wandering through these lively avenues offered us a rich taste of Catania’s night-time charm and soulful street culture.
Dinner at Restaurant Dal Barbuto
Later on we went to search where to eat the dinner. The restaurants were very busy at it was peak dinner hour, so the only place we found that could serve us was a Restaurant Dal Barbuto. It didn’t look fancy, not at all! I would even argue if it is a restaurant or more like take away place. To our surprise the food was absolutely amazing! The owner literally just brought the table from the restaurant and put it on the street and the house wine we ordered was bottled in a plastic bottle, but it tasted very good!
Tips for Visiting Etna
💀 Dress in warm layers: Temperature drops significantly as elevation increases, and high winds are extremely common near the top. Bringing a windproof jacket, fleece, and long trousers ensures comfort even on sunny summer days.
💀 Wear sturdy footwear: Volcanic terrain consists of loose ash, sharp gravel, and uneven lava rocks. Closed-toe hiking boots or sturdy trainers with good grip are essential for safety and comfort.
💀 Apply strong sun protection: High altitude combined with reflective cloud cover and dark volcanic rock creates high UV exposure. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a brimmed hat protects against severe sunburn.
💨 Prepare for rapid weather changes: Mountain weather on Mount Etna changes quickly, shifting from clear skies to cold fog or sudden rain within minutes. Carrying a lightweight waterproof layer ensures protection against unpredictable conditions.
🚕 Book transport in advance: Combining the cable car (Funivia del L’Etna) with $4\times4$ off-road buses saves time and energy when travelling from Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m) up to the higher zones (2,500m–2,900m).
🌋 Hire a certified alpine guide for the summit: Access to the active summit craters (above 2,800m–2,900m) is restricted by law and requires a licensed volcanic guide for safety reasons.
🍕 Carry sufficient water and snacks: Amenities are limited once traveling past the main cable car stations. Bringing at least 1.5 litres of water per person alongside high-energy snacks keeps energy levels steady.
🚌 Sit at the window in 4×4 bus: If you sit at the window you will have the best view while going up. It doesn’t really matter which side.
Next we were going to Syracuse and I couldn’t wait to explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park!