Etna Hike and Alcantara Gorges Excursion, Sicily
Discover two of Sicily’s most iconic natural sites with this full-day adventure combining a hike on Mount Etna and a visit to the Alcantara Gorges!
Practical information
Join this excursion in Sicily and explore Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorges in one day!
- Convenient and easy activity with pick-up included
- Visit a lava cave with helmet and torch
- Learn about volcanology with a certified local guide
Course of events
Please allow 8 hours in total for this activity.
- Welcome & check-in (≈ 15 min)
Pick-up from Taormina or Giardini Naxos between 08:30 and 09:00. Meet the certified local guide, short introduction to the day and itinerary overview.
- Transfer & coffee break (≈ 45 min + 15 min)
Scenic drive through two mountain villages on the slopes of Mount Etna. Stop at a mountain chalet at about 1500 meters for a coffee break and restroom stop. Distribution of trekking boots and walking poles if needed.
- Equipment & safety briefing (≈ 10 min)
Safety briefing and explanation of the hike, terrain and volcanic environment. Helmet and torch provided for the cave visit.
- Etna hike & lava cave visit (≈ 2 hours)
Easy guided hike of about 4 km through lava desert and birch forest. Reach panoramic craters on the northern side of Mount Etna, with photo stops. Descent into an Etna lava cave using helmets and torches, with explanations about volcanology and the history of the volcano.
- Lunch break (≈ 60 min)
Return to the mountain chalet for lunch. Two menu options available on site. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request.
- Transfer to Alcantara Gorges (≈ 45 min)
After lunch, transfer by minivan to the Alcantara River Park.
- Alcantara Gorges visit (≈ 1–1.5 hours)
Walk inside the first stretch of the Alcantara Gorge, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. Time to enjoy the natural scenery, take photos and, for those who wish, cool off in the river or relax along the riverbanks.
- End of activity, return & debrief (≈ 30–45 min)
Return transfer to Taormina and Giardini Naxos. End of the experience around 16:30 – 17:00.
Activity requirements
Being in good physical condition is required to take part in this activity.
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this activity.
Special terms
This activity is not recommended for pregnant women.
Trekking boots and walking poles are provided free of charge on request.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Please list any dietary restrictions when booking.
Transport from Taormina and Giardini Naxos is included, as well as pick up from specific meeting points.
Pick-up time may vary slightly depending on the meeting point. Exact details will be confirmed after booking.
Spoken languages:
English, French, ItalianIncluded
- Certified guide
- Helmet and torch
- National Park entrance fees
- Pick-up service
- Trekking boots and walking poles on request
Excluded
- Meal Lunch (to pay on site at the mountain chalet)
- Snacks
Do not forget to bring
- Clothes adapted to the weather
- Hiking shoes
- Small backpack for personal items
- Light windbreaker or jacket
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Bottle of water
- Snacks
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, French, ItalianCancellation: Super flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its stunning landscapes: crystal-clear beaches, limestone cliffs, and salt flats. Among its unmissable natural wonders are Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and the Alcantara Gorges, with cliffs reaching up to 30 metres in height.
Join this expertly organised full-day excursion with Sicily Active and explore both sites in a single day! Accompanied by a certified local guide in a small group, you’ll enjoy an immersive experience away from the crowds. Everything is carefully planned for your comfort—you only need to bring suitable clothing for the day and a backpack for your personal items. Your guide can even pick you up directly from your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about reaching the meeting point.
The day begins with a guided hike on Mount Etna. Suitable for beginners and covering approximately 4 km, the route takes you across the lava fields, panoramic craters on the volcano’s northern slope, and a birch forest. For an extra touch of adventure, you’ll descend into a lava cave equipped with helmets and torches. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into volcanology and the history of Etna.
After a well-deserved lunch break, you’ll be transferred to the Alcantara Gorges. Here, you can stroll along the river, marvel at the gorge’s unique lava-carved walls, take photos, or simply relax on the riverbank and enjoy the scenery.
Perfect for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, this Etna hike and Alcantara Gorges excursion will make your Sicilian experience truly unforgettable!