Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world. How to get there, where to stay, what to see

Active Mount Etna– one of the main attractions of Sicily. To visit the island and not to visit famous volcano it would be a big omission, because there are various ways to get to. The most convenient way to get from Catania– the nearest major city to the volcano, but if you wish, you can also get from other cities of Sicily.

Excursions to Mount Etna

If you don’t want to climb the volcano on your own, you can always book around Etna with a Russian-speaking guide, where you will learn about its unusual features, centuries-old influence on people and the environment, hear the myths and legends associated with it.

Book a guided tour in advance– the most interesting, but rather costly option.But its main advantage is that it makes it possible to climb where everyone else is not allowed.– to the crater of the volcano. You can also rent electric bikes to explore the area.

How to get to Etna from Catania

One of the most popular ways for tourists to get to Etna– drive along the southern slope to the base of Rifugio Sapienza, which is located at an altitude of 1900 meters. From Catania go there commuter buses. Every day at 8.15 the bus leaves the square Papa Giovanni XXII (opposite the Catania railway station) and actually goes to the Rifugio Sapienza funicular station. The ticket can be bought from the driver, it costs 4 euros one way, 6 euros– round-trip, and the journey takes about two hours. return bus leaves at 16.30– during this time you need to have time to see everything, otherwise you will have to spend the night at a tourist base.

Arriving at Rifugio Sapienza, you will need to take the funicular and climb to a height of 2500 meters– there is the base of La Montagnola. A ticket for a cable car trip will cost 27 euros. Climbing La Montagnola, you can walk or rent an SUV with a tour guide (about 30 euros) to climb to a height of 3000 meters– to the top of the volcano. The tour lasts 30 minutes but only English or Italian. In bad weather cable car does not work and you can only get to the top on foot (the journey takes about two hours).

How to get to Etna from Taormina

If you choose the route on the southern slope, you should go along the A18 motorway, at Giarre there will be a congress, then you have to follow the signs S. Venerina - Zafferana Etnea - Etna Sud .

To the north slope you need to go along the highway A 18 to Fiumefreddo , then go up to Piedimonte Etneo - Linguaglossa - Etna Nord to Piano Provenzana . Then you will need to climb on the cable car to a height of 2500 meters, and then on SUV buses to the mark of 3000 meters.

What to Avoid When Visiting Mount Etna

Some tourists order a taxi or rent a bicycle to get to Etna on their own. These options are the least successful: a taxi will be expensive, and you can only use it to get to Rifugio Sapienza. Riding a bike is not much more comfortable than walking– it will be difficult to go up, and going down is possible only along the road rolled by buses.

We wish you an unforgettable trip to Mount Etna!

Whoever has visited Sicily does not leave indifferent. So they say. Everything touches - the beauty of the local nature, the historical content of the island, the friendliness and friendliness of the local population, the varied cuisine. The most amazing and amazing thing for me in Europe, and especially in the Mediterranean countries - this is vividly drawn - amazing and harmonious combination fantastic beauty of nature and historical values, absolutely inscribed in the everyday unhurried life of happy locals. They do not seem to notice the splendor that is happening around, but I am amazed every time and even slightly envy their heavenly residence.

So, Sicily, Trinacria, as it was called from the 7th century BC. The name indicated the triangular shape of the island, and in its modern symbol you can see the head of the Gorgon Medusa, which protects from evil spirits, three legs directed in different directions and forming a circle informing the guests of the island about cyclicity and development; this composition is framed by wheat ears, which are a symbol of fertility.

The east coast was surveyed in the first week of the stay. The most beautiful city is Taormina. The most unusual experience is a trip to Etna. The most amazing thing is the sea. Its azure color ... This is what one dreams of on creepy dank Moscow nights. The combination of sea - sun - sky - greenery pleases the eye incessantly. It takes about 3 hours from the Catan airport due to local traffic jams (they are repairing the road), and we are in the town of Giardini Naxos, where the Greeks once landed for the first time in search of new fertile lands. A typical resort with an excellent sandy beach, a promenade, a street covered with shops, hotels and restaurants, a cloud of tourists hanging around almost around the clock, and a feeling of relaxation. Our club hotel, Naxos Beach, is a little aside and almost at the very end of the town stretched along the coast. Behind the fence, a whole city is discovered - everything is for the laziest, who do not even want to go to the nearest store outside the hotel. There are two options for accommodation: in the main building in a room or in villas scattered throughout the territory. Villeta is a two-storey house designed for 9-10 rooms. I liked these dachas much more: there is less noise, fewer people, there is no feeling of hotel bustle, as if, indeed, in the dacha, there are gardens around. Especially if on the first floor - so you take out an armchair and sit, sunbathe (for lovers), and from the veranda of the second floor I saw the sea and a flowering garden, woke up in the morning from the singing of birds and the jingle of bells - 3 times early in the morning they drove through the neighboring meadow flock of sheep. Huge territory, its own beach, 3 swimming pools, all kinds of sports activities. The first evening, of course, was devoted to settling in, exploring the surroundings, as well as making plans for the next week. I walked along the beach, saw enough of the sea, breathed in its slightly salty smell (it’s not the Baltic, so that it carries iodine and fish for a kilometer!), Walked along all the hotel paths (it took about an hour!), Chose a lesson for tomorrow, and and dinner was here. It was decided not to slow down, and the very next day I left for Etna.

I'm not the first time in the mountains, not the first time in mediterranean country, but the combination of colors and relief is still surprising. We pass small towns, villages, the guide slowly tells their history, the history of the island. I am surprised to learn (apparently, the course of history in this country passed me by) that Sicily has become Italy only in 1860 thanks to comrade Garibaldi, and until that moment to whom it just did not belong. An appetizing piece of land at the crossroads of sea trade routes, the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea opened its fertile lands to the Greeks, then they were replaced by the Romans, perpetuating their presence in stone and the hearts of the locals. Then the Carthaginians, the Normans, the Spaniards (the longest stay), quite a bit of the French and Austrians, and finally the Italians. There is still some coquettish rejection of each other. The Italians joke that they are giving a kick to Sicily, and the Sicilians do not recognize the rule of Italy, choosing their parliament and promoting their laws. Even the language, they say, is very different. Now it is already a fairy tale.

Etna is the pride of Sicily, the locals respectfully call her Lady - La Seniora. She gave them the basis of the economy - fertile lands, which the Greeks coveted in their time and began their conquest of the island. Citrus fruits here all year round and even enter such a unique state when you can see flowers, ovaries and ready-to-eat fruits on the same tree. The Italians call this state the beautiful word zagara (same as the orange flower).

Mount Etna was visible from the window of my hotel. And in the morning, waking up, I tried to guess what kind of weather the coming day promises us. Although, often, the clouds that thickened over the highest point of Europe and closed the abode of the gods from human eyes hung over it all day, accelerating the winds and freezing travelers to the bones, and at the foot and in the valleys the sun shone brightly and it was hot. This happened on the first trip to Etna. From the sun-drenched valleys, where the air was hot and still, we came to the cold realm of the winds. Warm clothes are needed! I took a windbreaker and, just in case, a woolen jacket - it didn’t help, having gone a second time, I grabbed another woolen sheepskin coat (in Moscow at this time of the year there is still snow.) But it didn’t save much either. The wind pierced.

Here, not yet at the highest accessible height, you understand what it means to "live like on a volcano." It is clear that in the mountains the weather changes every five minutes, but here... Every 5 seconds! Clouds are flying at a monstrous speed, covering the top of the crater, which I have to climb, it becomes abruptly cold, the wind knocks me down and cuts me to the bone. A minute later, the cloud is already far away, the sun is spitting in all the rays, I unbutton my jacket, sweater, pull off my gloves. But the next cloud is already emerging from behind the top, as swift as the previous one. The wind is so strong that people squat, afraid to fly away, grab each other, bulging stones.

The mountain is dotted with craters. One of them is Selivestre. Opened, erupted in 1979 and died. Now crowds of tourists crawl along its top. It strikes and surprises the lifelessness of the earth. Such a Martian landscape, the air is about to turn off. There, at an altitude of 1900 m, everything is completely covered with lava, and there is no hope that someday it will be as green here as half a kilometer below. Vegetation begins to break through in 5-10 years, at best, but Etna erupts every 2-3 years.

Down in the valley where the greenery rages, these dead lava flows seem even more absurd among all the delight of life that surrounds them. At this height, even houses are not insured - the risk is too great, but those below, in the valley, are a must. Scientists have long learned to predict eruptions, and after the mandatory evacuation of the population, even if nothing happened, money is paid for the disturbance caused.

The second time the weather was clear. I go up to 2500 m by cable car, from there on special jeeps along the road dug by graders in a huge snowdrift (3-4 m high) we climb almost 3000 m. it's already spring, black clearings are peeping more and more often. By snowy peak we go to the not yet completely closed crater, which erupted in 2002-2003. And again in contrast: only a couple of hours ago I walked barefoot on the green grass, and here the winter freshness makes its way through the soles of summer boots. The eruption lasted 3 months, the lava moved from average speed several hundred m / hour, i.e. You can run away if you want. Of the five craters that erupted at that time, one remained not completely closed, it "breathes", i.e. emits warm vapors (they say very useful). I put my hands on the stones, they are covered with perspiration in a matter of seconds. Here, there is less wind, and it is quite warm. As soon as you climb to the top of the crater, you get the feeling that the wind is blowing you down on purpose. I observe something sinister in all this brown-black mass, which covered everything around with a thick layer.

On the nearby closed crater, the edges are swept over with sulfur. Eyes stop with pleasure at yellow-green spots. The upper body is icy from the piercing wind, and the legs feel the rising heat from the ground. The lifelessness of the landscape kills, there are always three colors in the eyes: black-brown earth, bright blue sky and white snow and clouds. Thoughts revolve around the vanity, pettiness of my aspirations. Still, it was not by chance that the gods chose this abode for themselves. It seems that the clouds would make a helpless gesture, and the whole of Sicily at a glance.

The contrast is especially noticeable in Zanferrino, where an experiment was conducted in 1993, and now it is passed off as a legend. It was decided in a dense stream that he was advancing on this town to dig a hole and take the main mass to the side where no one lives. Two explosions, and the lava flowed in a given direction, but still 30% of the flow went its own way. The miracle is that he stopped 2 m before the apartment building!! In front of this house is an image of the Virgin Mary, so tourists are told that the Virgin Mary performed a miracle and the flow stopped. Let it be. Although, indeed, there is such a place (the name can no longer be remembered), where the lava flow hangs over the altar of the Virgin Mary, forming a niche. It is very strange to observe such a monstrous combination. After all, everything around is buried in greenery, the most diverse - flowers, trees, and shrubs. And even the vineyards here are gorgeous, despite the rocky soils. The earth is very fertile, because the lava contains the entire periodic table. Grapes are very tasty and tart.

If you go up the path from this very house, and then go to the one to the left, from there the view opens up amazing: from the saddle between the two peaks, solidified lava flows in a porous stream, a lifeless, blackening and gleaming mass in the sun, it fills the entire central part of the opening landscape, and around, as if for balance, the gorse is blooming, some kind of white-yellow shrub, scattering its panicles on the neighboring wide leaves of agave, prickly pear, bindweed, timothy, saxifrage, something purple, pinkish. Butterflies fly above all this luxury, green lizards bask on the stones, which are also in abundance here, the birds do not stop for a minute. And out of the corner of my eye I notice that in the middle of this stream, which reached 25 m in height, the roof of a tiny hut lurked. I saw the same thing above, where among the black earth (nothing grows there at all), the lava-filled roof of the house peeps through. Now there are guided tours. The phenomenon is truly amazing.

It's great to stay in this place. As soon as they leave tourist buses- silence and grace. Climb a little higher, lay out the lunch you have brought with you on a boulder, and enjoy a picnic in a cozy clearing under the trills of birds. Take a walk, breathe in the air dense with diverse flowering, find out what is there, in the saddle, walk along this black stream - where else can you see such a thing ?!

Going down to the sea, we pass San Verina, which suffered more from the earthquake that preceded the eruption. The front part of the cathedral is supported by a special iron structure. The cathedral seemed to split in two, if not for support, so the walls, like shells, would have disintegrated in different directions.

About the essential

The cost of a lift ticket consists of several components: cable car + jeep + guide. I didn't have time to think. those who wanted to climb to the top from my group had already left, and they gave 2 hours for everything (!!!). Without understanding, I bought at full price. However, for tourists who are curious and not lazy, traveling on their own and not in a hurry anywhere, it is reasonable to pay for the cable car lift, and overcome the next 400m (heights, not roads) on foot (by the way, many people did this, including pensioners) . The road, of course, is not the most beautiful and simple, but the feeling, I'm sure, is unforgettable! The guide did not help me much, because. the English speaker just left with a mini-group to inspect the crater, it was not possible to catch up with him, and my mini-group was given an Italian and a Frenchman to choose from. Still, in French I understand more than in Italian, but not enough to perceive the completeness of the picture. In general, the story was about how many times the volcano erupted throughout history, that Etna is one of the 10 constantly active volcanoes on our planet (3-4 days before departure, the volcano began to smoke. I was a little scared and a little glad - to see an eruption - wow! But the guides explained that this happens often with him), that the geothermal stage is only 70 cm and other technical details that you can read about in encyclopedias. Many tourists in special equipment (by the way, warm clothes and comfortable shoes can be rented - 1.5 euros per item) overcome the climb without going out onto the road. First over lava hills, then over snow-covered valleys, they make their way to the summit. It seems that the occupation is monotonous, but you feel like the ruler of the world. Etna is the most high point in Europe (3340 m). There, at the top, you feel strength, human power, unity with nature. The air is wonderful! Transparent and clean! You look from there, from above, and it seems that the whole world is spread out at your feet. The gods really do live here.

Souvenirs

You can buy in this tourist place. Especially honey. It seems to me that it will be "environmentally friendly", plus everything, saturated the maximum number useful elements (soils are lava). And the variety... almost the Moscow honey fair, only the names are unusual: pistachio, orange, almond, lemon... Everything is very tasty. It’s hard to carry, of course, because. everything is in glass jars, but I collected different things in small jars, now at home I remember this place Zaferrino with pleasure. Yes, it is better to buy honey in Zaferrino. Upstairs, on Etna, there is less choice, more crowds, and prices, if they differ, are not much. Tastings are organized everywhere. At the top, in the shop, which is exactly on the way to the ski lifts, they also serve local liqueurs. Aunts like, of course, almond. Men fall more on Fuoсo del Etna, a 40-degree vodka of vigorous red color, slightly reminiscent of Campari, only much stronger. Tasty. Especially after wind blower. Well, and a lot of souvenirs made of lava stone, basalt, alabaster: beads, ashtrays, figurines and so on. crap - more than enough. Better to buy here. And there is more choice, and prices are lower than in the capital or other major cities. For especially relaxed tourists who have arrived but don’t want to go anywhere, there are a couple of cafes “with a view” where you can hang out and admire the running clouds and the panorama down.

The tour costs approximately 50 euros. Guides, of course, persuade you to go, promising never-before-seen landscapes, healthy air and adventure. I love mountains, even in summer, when you just walk on them like in a forest, only at an angle all the time, but for some reason this time doubts did not let me go: well, what will I see there? Yes, and the road will take 3 hours... Isn't it better to go to Taormina? I am very pleased that I went and even repeated the pleasure.

Of course, it is better to go by car, rented. Freedom of movement is very important on vacation. But I, even on a sightseeing bus, received incredible pleasure and impressions that were rare in contrast. Etna is a must!

Katerina Panteleeva

Discussion

Interesting. more pictures to see

Will there be photos?

Comment on the article "Sicily. Climbing Mount Etna"

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I ask you to count Italy: mother + child 3 years old and mother + child 6 years old. Sicily maybe. Or you can any coast of Italy that you advise. from there I would like accessibility by train not far - to see a couple of cities in Catania, we took an excursion to Etna - I was not impressed ...

Discussion

You need to go to Rimini and it’s cheaper and you can travel a lot where, you can get to any place from the train station by train. We went to Milan and Verona and Florence and even to Lake Garda. In Sicily everything is very far away and there are no special attractions, we we rested in Naxos beach, took a car with a driver, went to Palermo, we were very tired for a long time, we took a bus to Catania, we took an excursion to Etna, we were not impressed ...

The situation with Etna means the eruption is taking place, but so far they haven’t been writing about it especially massively with my mother since the 5.06 tour, she tried to cancel / reschedule ... obviously only with a fine of 50%, maybe less than 2 weeks left.

Discussion

Thanks to all who answered) after much thought, throwing, my mother still decided to go)

It really is always like that. An active volcano after all ... But, I think, you shouldn't worry too much. We went on a trip to Etna. So there is on one side of the excursion, and on the other side there is an active crater .. It smoked a little .. It’s always like that, as I understand it ..

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From excursions took only Sicily. It was a little expensive, in my opinion, 150 euros per person, but I have never been and it was worth it: the Strait of Messina on the ferry, a walk around Taormina, the ancient Greek theater and Etna.

Discussion

Yes, Milano Marittima is very good. We vacationed with a child last year. I liked it very much - the climate, the nature, and the conditions.
We lived in a hotel - Adria 4 *. very beautiful area, its own beach. The child was happy, there is a playground, swimming pools!) near the forest)
Together with excursions and visa processing, we ordered everything about one travel agency - milanmarittima.ru. They have the same website for our hotel read. Good guys. If you book in advance, you will also get a discount. We got for early booking!)

Consider Calabria, the price tag is not exorbitant and excellent beaches.
That year, Pegasus did it on his charters, it was generally excellent for the price.

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In general, from the sights, so to speak, Etna and the Cathedral in Montreal near Palermo are most memorable, it's nice to wander around Cefalu. There are other good places too. Yes, an important point.

Discussion

We always went to the Tyrrhenian Sea, where the most comfortable climate is guaranteed, the sea is warm and the air is not hot. In the Mediterranean, you may not be very lucky in this regard: a cool sea with terrible heat. The Ionian in the north is closer in essence to the Tyrrhenian, in the South - to the Mediterranean.
Taormina is probably the most expensive and at the same time the most crowded place in Sicily, where there are the most compatriots.
On the Tyrrhenian, there are a lot of beaches and pebbles and sand, and they, one might say, alternate, i.e. you need to find out about the beach at a specific point.
We went for a walk in Syracuse. Liked it, worth a look. Also nearby is Noto, who is very nice. But it was terribly hot that day, up to 45C.
In general, from the sights, so to speak, Etna and the Cathedral in Montreal near Palermo are most memorable, it's nice to wander around Cefalu. There are other good places too.
Yes, an important point. We always rested completely on our own, but not in the tourist places where we rented accommodation, they practically do not speak English. The first time I had to buy a dictionary in Palermo. I prepared a little for the next trips and carried this dictionary and self-instruction manual everywhere, so that I could speak in normal sentences. I enjoy it :-)
Most of all I remember the trip to Patti, next to Milazzo. But the point is not in the town itself, but in our neighbors, who saw the Russians for the first time and helped us a lot: they took us to the supermarket, showed us what is better to buy, drew plans from the food stalls, where it is worth eating and how to get there, what else needs to be seen, where is the stock of clothes, etc. The neighbor cooked for us (came, cooked and left :-)) delicious pasta and fish. He didn't speak English either.
All, of course, IMHO. Ready to answer questions.

I was...what exactly are you interested in?

Discussion

We were in Terrasini at the beginning of June. bathed in all

We were in Taormina in the middle of June. It was impossible to swim, although the temperature was quite at the level of both air and water.
But! Jellyfish! Small, flat (from above when viewed). My husband's burn scar lasted six months. They say that jellyfish are the only joys of the Ionian Sea. Maybe they don't exist on the other side of the island.
But it was not without reason that the Gorgon jellyfish lived in Sicily.

But we didn't regret it. There were many interesting excursions. The overall aura of the place is amazing

In general, I got the impression that Sicily has the glory of a former resort. We drove along it quite a lot both along the coast and in the center. Of course, the trip to Etna made an unforgettable impression.

Discussion

Thanks to all. "Will seek!"

We rented an apartment near Taormina last summer. Taormina was chosen because they wanted to go there for a long time. Our village was called Fondacello. But there are only two restaurants. No one speaks English (learned Italian), there are no tourists at all. Russians were never seen there. Sometimes the Germans come. The sea is wonderful, but the beach in our village was quite dirty. There is no entertainment. But we were specifically looking for quiet place, wherever "umbrellas for vacationers would not stand in rows." Nearby (about 10 minutes by car) was a fish market.
A little closer to Taormina is the village of Letojani. It's more civilized there. There are restaurants on the coast, the menu is in Russian, there is no siesta, so you can eat at any time of the day. Umbrellas are still standing. The beach is clean.
In general, I got the impression that Sicily has the glory of a former resort. We drove along it quite a lot both along the coast and in the center.
Of course, the trip to Etna made an unforgettable impression. Actually, this was one of the goals of our trip.
searched through google
Finally found through this site. It cost 45 euros per day for a three-room apartment. We rested in June.
www.ownersdirect.co.uk

lack of mini-clubs in the hotel.
And so - the food is delicious, even very. Look - depending on where you will be. There is an amphitheater in Taormina, and wineries, and horses. ONE Etna is worth something, and if it starts working ...
I think that there will be enough entertainment for these of those listed. But if you want something more interesting, then try to book an excursion to Stromboli. This is an island-volcano in the Strait of Messina. Impressive.
I won’t say anything about the degree of water, because I didn’t visit Sicily in August-September, but you can swim in all other places in Italy at this time.

Tell me who was there, since childhood I have dreamed of going to Sicily. Where is better? I have been to Italy, but Sicily is special in my opinion. In principle, it doesn’t matter :) there are 2 zones of palermo and skiing ... Each zone has its own :) but you need to see Etna, Taormina, swim for 1 ...

Time compared Sicily to Cyprus as it was my only trip
to the foreign south. Arrived at the airport of Catania (the second
largest city in Sicily after Palermo). Our group was met by guides from
Aurinkomatkat (the company in which we bought a ticket). After driving for an hour
bus to Naxos small town with a population of 8,500 inhabitants, the first
Greek colony).

We lived in Villa Sant Antonio. The owner and all his family live here
they also take care of cleanliness, breakfast, garden and tourists. The room is small
but very cozy: paintings on the walls, a separate shower, fr. balcony. us in the morning
prepared breakfast. It was possible to have breakfast on the street next to some kind of cage
an exotic bird that constantly yelled something in Italian.

I really liked the Italian language. English Sicilians don't count
necessary to teach, therefore, in a week of stay, they learned by themselves
numerous words.
Italians are very emotional, smiling, men love to look
(in a cheeky way). All are very stylish (there are no such loshpeks as in Finland)
you will meet!) A lot of men in suits from the needle. I was just amazed at how
they are wearing jackets. Yet the Italians know a lot about fashion. A selection of bags and
shoes, well, just the head is spinning. And the prices are naturally cheaper than in
Finland. The quality of the leather and suede is amazing. In general, Italian shoes are the best. Women are not shy (as in Finland) to wear skirts and heels. Jeans
worn mostly by teenagers. Everyone is tastefully dressed, regardless of age.
On the first day we came to the sea, we were shocked by how cold the water was.
The Ionian Sea is clean and crystal clear. It was hot all 7 days and
penultimate day before our departure it was possible to swim without trembling from
cold.

Italian Cuisine!!! You can talk about this for a very long time. culture
service in restaurants is very high, despite the fact that all restaurants are located on the coast, and it would seem that they should be a la
runaway type. Nothing like this. Pizza, spaghetti, maceroni (not
pasta), lasagna, fish dishes and tomato soup are something. Sea of ​​wine. We went to restaurants twice a day at lunch and in the evening, and in the evening you can
was to sit on the beach for three hours after a hearty delicious dinner, sipping
Amaretto. In these very coastal establishments there are many residents themselves, who
there they dine and dine. (Italian shops have lunch for 3 hours).
Banks in Sicily generally work until one in the afternoon. Food prices are low
compared to Finland) for 10 euros you can eat very well and tasty. Wine
cheap because every restaurant produces something of its own. Sicilian
sweets are associated with various nuts, honey and marzipan.

During the 7 days of our stay in Sicily, we visited 4 places: Taormina (city
on the mountain with the Greek theater), the active volcano Etna, Palermo and Monreale.
The trip to Palermo (600 km) was very tiring due to getting up early
(5:00) and long road and sweltering heat. I will not complain about the car, it is very comfortable. Palermo is a dumb city, although there are architectural masterpieces ( Cathedral, the opera house, churches with crazy mosaics). Untidy facades of houses, narrow streets, a lot of garbage, traffic jams. Such
the impression (or maybe it is) that all the money ends up in pockets
mafia, and there is no money left for the city. Palermo is not a city of tourism and
all because of its reputation as a mafia capital (this is where the most brutal
mafia). Palermo is a city of contrasts: homeless children sit by the cathedral and
begging, and next to them on the polished boulevard in restaurants sit elegant
gentlemen in impeccable suits, smoking cigars. The city made me
very contradictory impression, I could not live there. Another fact in
Palermo 27% unemployment!

Mount Etna also makes an impression. On frozen black lava
yellow and red islands of flowers. We were brought to a height of 2,000 meters (by myself
volcano over 3,000) it was very cold, but if you touch the "earth", then it
radiates heat, if you throw a piece of paper, it lights up. Last eruption
it was a year ago, we were shown a film telling how it all happened.
From Sicily we brought wine called ETNA, the bottle is all showered
volcanic crumb. In general, many souvenirs are made from
volcanic black stone: beads, jewelry, figurines, ashtrays and many
something else.

The level of rest is higher than in Cyprus. The island and nature on it are richer and
greener, many tangerine and lemon gardens.

In general, I have not cooled down from the impressions of this trip.

Mount Etna is the very first attraction we saw in Sicily. And, perhaps, she is the brightest and most memorable, must-see in a word. As I said, we flew to Catania on a direct flight from Moscow. We immediately rented a car at the airport and went closer to the Etna volcano in the town of Nicolosi. We left a visit to Catania for the last time, after we have traveled around the entire island. There were several reasons for this, which I will discuss later. I decided to tell about the journey sequentially along the route. You can familiarize yourself with this in full.

Before climbing Mount Etna, we made a stop at Nicolosi . The town is located right at the foot of Mount Etna and is located on the territory natural park Etna . This famous place among those heading for the volcano. We did not explore the town itself, we just drove along the main street Via Etnea leading to the volcano. I regret a little that I was too lazy to go for a walk. However, the town left a pleasant impression: unhurried life, narrow streets, small coffee houses and shops.

In Nicolosi we spent the night at the hotel. The villa is located one kilometer from the center of Nicolosi and only 1.5 km from Etna Park. The distance from here to the base of Rifugio Sapienza, where the cable car to the volcano is located, is about 18 km (30 minutes by car). The most convenient way to get there is by car along Strada Provinciale 92 or via Via Catania. The hotel has 2 free parking, restaurant and pizzeria, swimming pool with sun loungers and well-kept garden.

Before climbing Mount Etna, I was looking for a hotel with a swimming pool to take a break from the road. First I found an amazing villa for a ridiculous price on Airbnb , but the owner tactfully refused to book. It discouraged and upset me, I really liked that option. Then I found this hotel in a villa on the good old for about the same price. And you know, I have no regrets. It's one and the best hotels where we stayed in Sicily. I will prepare a separate review about it.

How to get to Etna

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. Etna is UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is located in the eastern part of the island of Sicily, 35 km from Catania. Etna is 3340 meters above sea level.

There are many ways to get to the volcano. Around Etna runs Circumetnea train . This is an original way to see the surroundings of the volcano, but it is not the most convenient for climbing. There are direct buses to Etna from Catania. This is a great option to get to the volcano on a budget. But in my opinion it is more convenient to get on your own by car or by taxi from Catania, the road takes no more than 1 hour.

Bus from Catania to Etna and back

Bus routes along the route Catania - Etna carries out company AST . One way ticket price is 4 euro, two-way ticket - 6.60 euros. Only 1 flight per day on the route Catania - Etna and one return flight from Etna to Catania.

Departure from Catania at 8:15 s Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII near the main railway station of Catania. Travel time 2 hours. Arrival at the base of Rifugio Sapienza at 10:15. The bus goes through Nicolosi and makes several stops there.

Return flight from bases of Rifugio Sapienza to Catania at 16:30. Arrival in Catania at 18:30. Flights to Etna operate every day on weekdays and weekends according to this schedule, except for holidays. Learn about holidays in advance.

You can buy tickets at the company's office and in tobacco shops (tobacco kiosks selling drinks, cigarettes, newspapers). You cannot buy a ticket from the driver. There are many people who want to get to Etna, so come early to buy tickets. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of departure, they are not sold in advance or online. The company's office is located next to the bus stop in Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII next to the main railway station.

Website bus company AST: www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it

Self drive to Etna

Getting to the foot of Mount Etna by car is the most comfortable option in my opinion. First, you are not limited by time. You can go up and down at any time, no need to rush to the bus. Secondly, on the way to the volcano, you can enjoy the scenery to your heart's content and make stops along the way to take cool pictures or just breathe in some fresh air. mountain air. Thirdly, it is most convenient to travel with your family in Sicily by car. Warm jackets for climbing the volcano, a stroller and all the necessary things are always at hand.

To climb Mount Etna, you need to go either along the most popular southern route to Rifugio Sapienza, or northern route to Linguaglos. Read more about climbing routes in the next paragraph.

From Catania along the southern route to the base of Rifugio Sanienza you need to move towards Via Etnea and Via Tarderia/SP141 towards Via della Regione and Via Catania.

If you make a stop in Nicolosi, then you can continue the route to Etna along Strada Provinciale 92. It takes almost the same time as Via Catania, but there is less traffic.

From Catania on the Northern Route to Linguaglossa take the A18/E45 and Strada Regionale/Via Mareneve.

By train around Etna

You can ride around Etna on the historical Circumetnea train (Circumetnea). This route was launched already in 1898 and is still in operation. The Circumetnea train is not only a tourist attraction, it is primarily intended for local residents living in the vicinity of Etna. The train makes almost a full circle, plying through the villages at the foot of Mount Etna.

The train leaves from the railway Borgo stations (Borgo) in Catania. The final station of the route is in the coastal town Riposto (Riposto). The length of the route is 111 km. Travel time is about 3 hours. The train makes many stops along the way.

Tickets for the Circumetnea train can be purchased at the box office at the railway station. A ticket from Catania to Riposto will cost 7.9 euros one way and 13 euro both ends. Buying one ticket, you can get off at any station and take the next train. In this way, you can see Etna in 360 degrees.

I talked to two traveling American uncles. We met in the port of Catania. They told us how they rode around Etna on the Circumetnea train and were delighted with the scenery and the trip in general.

Mount Etna climbing routes

There are many ways to climb the volcano. There are 3 tourist routes to Etna. You can climb on your own or buy a group tour or hire a personal guide. Any of them promises a lot of impressions from picturesque views of the mighty volcano.

Mount Etna climbing routes:

• southern route (Etna Sud)- the most popular way to the volcano. It starts from the base of Rifugio Sapienza (altitude 1900 m). The itinerary includes going up by funicular or on foot from the base of Rifugio Sapienza to the base of La Montagnola (2500 meters), then climbing by bus or on foot to a height of 2920 meters.
• Eastern route starts from the village of Zafferana Etnea and also leads to the base of Rifugio Sapienza.
• northern route (Etna Nord) passes through the small towns of Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa and leads to the base of Piano Provenzano. There is no cable car here. But the northern slopes are more picturesque and green.

We have chosen the most convenient and popular southern route to climb Mount Etna. We got to the base of Rifugio Sapienza from Nicolosi by car along the Strada Provinciale 92 road. The main landmark from the road is the hotel, which is located next to the funicular. The hotel is popular among travelers at any time of the year. After all, the ski season opens on Etna in winter. The parking area has a cafe and many souvenir shops.

Near the Rifugio Sapienza station are the lowest and oldest Silvestri craters . Signs lead in the direction of these craters. So it is not necessary to climb higher on the funicular to see the craters. For some travelers, a short walk to them is enough. But I see no reason to go to Etna, so as not to make a real climb at least to a height of 3000 meters.

The most popular option for climbing the volcano is to take the funicular up to the base of La Montagnola (2500 meters) and take the bus to a height of 2920 meters. Ticket " funicular + bus + guided tour" costs 63 euro. The ticket already includes a guided tour. Tickets are sold at the box office of the funicular.

Separately Funicular from Rifugio Sapienza to La Montagnola worth it back and forth 30 euro. Then you can go on foot. Many people do just that. But halfway through, they already look tired and, in my opinion, openly envy those who ride the bus.

By the way, the ascent to Etna from the base of Rifugio Sapienza can be done completely on foot and free. However, consider your strength and time. If you are into sports and you want to conquer Etna, then put on comfortable shoes and go!

Etna cable car official website: www.funiviaetna.com

Since we are traveling with a child, for us the funicular + bus option to the craters turned out to be ideal and as comfortable as possible.

First, we took the funicular up to the base of La Montagnola at a height of 2500 meters. Keep in mind that it is windy and colder here than below. If you are going to climb even higher to the craters, I advise you to take a warm jacket with a hood, comfortable boots or sneakers. Just in case there is warm clothes rental for a couple of euros.

Of course, we fell behind the group while packing Eve in an ergo backpack (we didn’t take a stroller with us). Therefore, I listened to the basic information. But on the other hand, we calmly and slowly enjoyed the black cosmic landscapes of solidified lava. By the way, you can join the next group and go down to the buses later at any time. Nobody is limited by time.

There is information on the forums that local guides offer a climb to the very top crater Bocca Nuova (Bocca Nuova) at an altitude of 3340 meters. The ticket costs 85 euro. It includes a funicular, a bus up to 2920 meters and a hike to the top of Bocca Nuova with a guide, clothing and necessary equipment. The group consists of 20-30 people.

It is a pity that I learned about the possibility of climbing to the highest crater later. I would like to see with my own eyes what is hidden from the crowds of tourists. But I'm not sure if we would be allowed with a one-year-old child?

The best photos at the top are obtained with good visibility. Although overhanging clouds and light fog, on the contrary, add special magic to the photo.

• The official height of Etna changes with each eruption.
• In the same way, with each eruption, they change hiking trails climbing the volcano.
• As a result of lateral eruptions, Etna formed over 400 craters .
• On average, once every three months, the volcano erupts lava.
• Silvestri Crater - one of the old extinct craters of the volcano Etna. It is located at an altitude of 1900 meters and can be reached by car.
• Etna in winter ski season . There is an Italian ski school on the Nordic route
• Products grown on the slopes of Etna have a unique taste. Lava the soil is rich in trace elements . Produced here honey, wine, nut butters
• Lava stone is used to make a variety of souvenirs for every taste. And you can grab small pieces of lava directly from the volcano, they didn’t take it from us at the airport.

Excursions to Mount Etna

If you are too lazy to organize a bus trip and bother with car rental, you can buy an excursion to Etna. Such excursions are sold at all popular resorts. The cost is different, depending on the distance to Etna and the tour program. Specify what exactly is included in the price of the tour and what you need to pay extra for(for the funicular, lunch and drinks for example).

Tours can be bought from private guides or booked online on tour sites from local residents - such as, or on Airbnb in the impression section. See what individual and group . Prices do not bite, please note that often the cost for the tour is indicated regardless of the number of people. It is especially beneficial if you are traveling in a small company of 4-6 people.

By the way, at first I wanted to do this: book volcano tour with Giuseppe on Airbnb . But then I thought that it would not be very comfortable with Eva, because I did not know how difficult the route would be. Although now having already visited, I understand that it would be interesting to get such an experience of an excursion with local guide. The price is not expensive, but what a thrill to communicate with a real Sicilian.

In general, it took us about 3.5 hours to climb Etna. This is not counting the road by car to the base of Rifugio Sapienza. It took about 1 hour to climb to a height of 2920 meters (funicular + bus). We spent about 1.5 hours at the top. And the descent through the gift shop also took 1 hour. We traveled in May, there were not so many tourists, so we did not have to stand in lines. Therefore, we managed quickly enough and went shopping in Sicilia Outlet Village . Most better place for shopping in Sicily, but more on that another time.

I hope that our little trip to Etna will inspire you to visit Sicily and make your own ascent of the volcano, on your own routes. And we always welcome your happy feedback! Take your children with you so that they not only learn about Mount Etna from geography textbooks, but see with their own eyes and touch pieces of lava with their own hands.

So, we spent a month at the foot of Mount Etna in the town, which he calls Piedimonte Etneo (at the foot of Mount Etna). Here we have done a lot different discoveries, and also found out: how to get to the southern slope of Etna on your own, what is the trick of the railway around Etna for local residents, in general, many discoveries are related to transport around Etna and its environs.

Transport around Etna

Piedimonte Etneo is cut off from the world, it was visible even on the map. There is nothing to do here without a car. But we took the risk. The owner of the house promised bicycles, but they turned out to be unsuitable for riding in the mountains: they were too old, the brakes were not working. Therefore, we used the following mode of transport: bus, train, hitchhiking, and also walked.
If you happen to be in Piedimonte-Etneo, Linguaglossa, Randazzo, Jiarre, Riposto, look for a tobacco shop with the FCE (FCE) logo on the door. This is a transport company that serves settlements located around Etna. There is little to understand on the FCE website, and any tobacco shop will give you a fresh schedule (orario fce).

When we returned from , we hoped for the last FCE bus, which was scheduled to be on Sunday. But there was no bus, so we had to wait out the night at McDonald's. In the morning we took the Trenitalia train from Catania to Giarre Riposto. And there they moved to the railway station of the FCE company. It is worth noting that the first train was not on schedule, despite the fact that it was a regular weekday.

To get from Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa, Randazzo to Catania by bus, you need

- buy a ticket to Catania in a tobacco shop, it will be cheaper round-trip (adanto a retorno);
- get the FCE timetable from a tobacconist and look carefully: times marked with A/S: flights are canceled on these days, probably on weekends and holidays.

To travel from Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa, Randazzo to Catania by train, you need

- find a tobacco shop with the FCE logo on the door;
- ask for a timetable from Linvaglosso, Randazzo, Piedimonte to Catania (orario fce);
- buy a ticket at the station;
– get to the Giarre station from Linguagloss;
- from Giarre station, go to the train station with Trenitalia trains;
- buy a ticket to Catania from Giarre Riposto, validate the ticket at the station (tickets were checked every time we rode the train).

The Ferrovia circumetnea railway is very good way look at Etna up close, admire the beauty that the volcano creates around itself.

Route from Catania around Etna railway companiesFCE will look like this:

Without stops and transfers in Rondazzo to another train, you can drive around Etna 3 times a day: if you leave Catania at 5.43, 11.08 and 15.12. The train is heading south and the final station will be Riposto. As can be seen from the FCE schedule, transfers to the next train from different stations are carried out with a break of 5-10 minutes, which is also suitable.
The most convenient way to get from Catania to Giarre is by train Trenitalia. Trains run very often. From Giarre get to Rondazzo.
– we leave Catania at 8.00 to Giarre;
- at 9.32 from Giarre to Rondazzo, where you can have a great time for a few hours;
- at 13.32 you can go towards Catania from Rondazzo, thereby capturing very interesting landscapes;
- or: go back to Giarre, for example at 13.15 or 17.22, and from there to Catania.

How to get to the South slope of Etna on your own by bus

– From Catania, the Ast bus departs every day at 9 am from bus station next to the railway station (+- 15 minutes at the request of the driver!) to the Refugio sapience base, from where you can climb to the top on foot, using the funicular, on special cars.
In general, go on foot.
The same bus goes back at 16.00

In general, there are no problems with transport if it is a regular weekday and you know the schedule. It is more convenient to travel around the island by car, but car rental in Sicily is not cheap.

Hitchhiking (and walking) on ​​the main roads of Italy is prohibited, you can see a warning about this before entering the track.

It is possible to move along country roads, but for a very long time.
Walking along country roads is pleasant, until it is a serpentine, which is sometimes simply dangerous to walk along. road traffic here is regulated by everyone at their own will.

At least once in a lifetime, not everyone manages to visit the top of a real active volcano. We were so lucky, we were on top of one of the highest volcanoes in Europe, it is called Etna and is located on Italian island Sicily.

Actually, the desire to go to Sicily, and was primarily due to a visit to this unique place in Europe.
Mount Etna, the height at the time of our visit was 3325 m above sea level. Last time actively erupted in February 2013, i.e. recently. Since that time, the soil on the summit has not yet cooled down, and when we wandered between its side craters, it was felt through the soles of the shoes that the earth was hot. Around the main crater there are many small ones, of which periodically, with an interval of an average of once a year, an eruption occurs with lava flowing out. Many Italians told us that they are waiting for the next eruption, like manna from heaven, because at this time there is a massive influx of tourists on the island, and this is real money for the locals.

There are three colors of smoke over Etna, and all Sicilians know this from early childhood. Waking up in the morning, every inhabitant of the island involuntarily tries to catch a glimpse of the volcano, since it can be seen from afar. For a native Sicilian, a quick glance is enough to assess the situation. So, if white smoke still rises above the volcano, as usual, then everything is in order in Sicily, you can safely go about your business and not worry about anything. If the smoke is red, then most likely an eruption is possible in the coming days or weeks, you need to be ready. And blue smoke means that it's time to get off the island, or rather, immediately take your passport, money and valuables and go as far as possible from the volcano, if possible to the airport to leave the island.

Road to Etna. Lichens grow here and there.

How to climb Mount Etna on your own. Climbing instructions.
There are several ways to climb Mount Etna. The easiest way is to buy a tour from a tour operator. You will be brought there from anywhere in Sicily, they will tell you everything and show you and take you back.
If you decide to get to Etna on your own, then you can get there in two ways: from south side, from where we actually drove from the northern side of the volcano, which is called Etna Nord. If you are going to north side, then you must first take the motorway to Fiumefreddo and then further to the Piano Provenzana site.
We were on a more picturesque slope, on the south. From Taormina we drove along the toll highway to the town of Giarra and immediately turned right following the sign through the villages of S.Venerina-Zafferana and Etnea-Etna Sud to Etna. Signposts are common, brown in color and hard to miss. A winding serpentine winding among massive blocks of solidified lava will lead you to the foot of the volcano to a site called Rifugio Sapienza, which is located at an altitude of 1900 meters. An excellent paved road leads here. This name is on the map, but the navigator that I took with me did not see it. Therefore, we drove mainly according to road signs, which turned out to be not at all difficult.
Here, at Rifugio Sapienza, there is a large parking lot, by the way, paid, 4 euros per day. There is also an hourly parking fee. A man walks around the parking lot and explains to everyone where you can pay for parking. We paid for the whole day. After payment, you are given a ticket that you need to put under the glass of your car. From the parking lot to a height of 2300 meters, you already need to climb the cable car.
We knew that it would not be hot on the top of Etna, and maybe even cold, despite the almost forty-degree heat below, so we prepared for this at home, took warm jackets, socks and closed shoes with us. If you do not want to bother with this, you can rent warm jackets and boots. It costs 2 euros per set.

Rifugio Sapienza site.

So, we went into the hangar of the station, from where the cable car starts. There was a small queue for tickets, but it moves quickly. While we were standing in it, for nothing to do, we looked at the smoking peak of the volcano on the “plasma” placed on the wall, where the image is broadcast from a web-camera installed somewhere on top. You can immediately see what the weather is like there. Finally, we come to the checkout. The cashier asks exactly what height you are going to climb, the cost of tickets depends on this. At first, we bought tickets only for the cable car, and already at the upper station, then we bought more tickets for the bus, which takes us even higher and closer to the crater. It was necessary to immediately buy tickets for the bus, but something slowed us down or I did not immediately understand something.

Queue for tickets for the cable car.

Corridor to cabins.

Rope cab.

Then, following the sign, we go to the moving booths. You are greeted by an electronic ticket composter very similar to those installed in Moscow buses. Those. insert the ticket and it immediately jumps back already validated. We pass a little forward and see the approaching booths with the doors already open. We sit down on the move, the doors close automatically and forward, i.e. up. The cabin is designed for six, its walls are glass and everything is perfectly visible through them. She crawls to the top for ten minutes. The impressions are breathtaking and the view from the cabin is amazing, you don’t have time to click the shutter of the camera.

Cable car to Mount Etna.

After getting up and leaving the cabin, you find yourself on a small platform, the height is already 2300 meters. Black loose rubble underfoot. It is felt that it has become somewhat cooler and an idea arises, how not to freeze there, at the top. If you decide to climb Etna without your warm clothes, then here you can rent warm jackets and mountain boots at a price of 2 euros per set. From here, many tourists begin to independently climb to the top of the crater. I really don't recommend doing this. Already at this place it is felt that the air is discharged, there is little oxygen and it really becomes difficult to breathe. I don’t know who you have to be to decide to climb on your own. And we have seen dozens of such self-propelled guns. Many stomp in shorts and regular beach sandals. What they are counting on is not clear, maybe they are atoning for some sins.

The site is at an altitude of 2300 meters. There is a bus stop here.

Here on this site there is a small cafe where you can have a sandwich or pizza and a cup of coffee. We did this on the way back. There are also a pair of monitors on which they show a film about last eruption Etna in all its beauties. Very spectacular!
From here, from this site, the main adequate mass of tourists gets on Mercedes buses, which are already taking you to a height of 2900 meters to the side craters. I had to queue up for the bus again. True, they come every ten to fifteen minutes and the queue moves quickly.

The bus goes up to the volcano.

A winding cinder road leads uphill, buses rise along it. It gives the impression that you are driving through a hilly desert plain. Around only black cinder and pieces of crushed penza. On these black hills, lovers of hiking to volcanoes rise or slide down in single file. There is no vegetation around.

Tourists walk on the slopes of Mount Etna. And why should they be afraid, the smoke is white.

The upper platform, where they bring up on buses. From here the buses go down. Here he is, handsome, in all its glory, sleeping for now.

Finally the bus stops and you find yourself at an altitude of 2900 meters. Here the air is even thinner. If you start to go uphill a little, then you immediately feel shortness of breath. There are a lot of people, everyone walks along the paths around the small side craters. When you get off the bus, the guide will immediately try to lure you, for whom, by the way, you have already paid 9 euros at the bottom. This tour fee is sold together with bus tickets. The guide is useful for those who know Italian. In English, especially in Russian, we did not see guides. We walked around the volcano on our own. It wasn't cold at all, but autumn jackets came in very handy for us, especially closed shoes. Through the sole it was felt that the earth was hot, apparently not yet cooled down from the last eruption.

On one of the small craters. In the distance, the main large crater is visible, which still smokes, or, as they say in Sicily, smokes.

Unexpectedly found a small snowdrift. The ground is hot underfoot, but here the snowdrift is real.

Remains of volcanic activity.

We are on the ground, but above the clouds.

Small craters smoke themselves slowly.

It took us an hour and a half to do everything, after which we returned to the bus stop and boarded the first one going down.
There was no longer any queue back to the funicular, and we rode together in the booth. Having gone down to the Rifugio Sapienza, we walked around the souvenir shops. People mainly buy Sicilian honey, it is sold in almost every shop. Basically, all souvenirs from Etna are all kinds of crafts made from black lava or penza. We changed by the car. The cost of tickets for Etna per person is: 28.75 euros (cable car) + 22.40 euros (bus) + 9 euros (guide). Total 60.15 euros.

Souvenirs from Etna.

We were already descending back along another road, but also along the southern slope. Our path lay in Catania.
Etna volcano can also be reached by regular bus. First you get to Catania, there at the bus station take a bus that will take you to Rifugio Sapienza. The ticket costs something around 30 euros for one. And then it is already clear what to do.

Eruption of Mount Etna in April 2011. Video author: AndreaErcolani

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