How to go to Mount Etna: everything you need to know

The idea of climbing Mount Etna is super exciting and we show you how to go there easily. But climbing to the top allows you to see a wonderful sight: you will discover its craters up close, as well as a viewpoint over Catania and Sicily that is unique in the world.

For a safe visit, here are our tips on how to go to Mount Etna. A guided day or half-day excursion is ideal for getting to know this striking place. Equip yourself with trekking shoes and a windproof jacket and explore one of the most beautiful volcanic territories in the world.

First of all, an important question for those planning how to go to Mount Etna is how to dress before a hike. Answer: it depends on the season and temperatures.

If you go in winter, even in Sicily, there may be low temperatures, and on Etna, it is easy to encounter gusts of freezing wind and snowstorms. It is, therefore, necessary to bring a good jacket or coat, preferably waterproof or windproof; it is a good idea to cover your head with a cap or woolen hat and, of course, snow gloves and a scarf. A good pair of hiking boots and you already have everything you need for a safe excursion.

If, on the other hand, you visit the volcano during the summer, don't be fooled by the hot temperatures in Sicily. On Etna, it may still be windy and colder due to the altitude. It is a good idea to dress comfortably and in layers: long but light trousers, a t-shirt, and a good sweatshirt. If your hike is in the evening, it will be better to cover up with a little extra. As for shoes, it is best NOT to opt for sandals or open shoes. Hiking or mountaineering shoe is ideal; if this is not available, a sneaker with a non-slip sole will also do to avoid losing contact with the ground.  

Whatever the season of the year, you will be more comfortable in your travels by hiring a car that will allow you to move around independently. You can also take extra clothing with you to cope with any weather changes due to the altitude.

Whether you want to leave by private car or by public transport, to visit Etna's various craters at their best, you must first reach Rifugio Sapienza, which is about two thousand meters above sea level. Once there, you can climb almost a thousand meters by special 4x4 and continue to the top on foot for another two kilometers. 

If you leave Catania by car, drive along State Road 120 to Rifugio Sapienza, where you will find a suitable place to park your vehicle. Always check the pressure of your tires and the obligation to have chains on board. If you have any problems, contact specialized centers on-site such as Centro Auto Pruiti. Once on-site, you can take the Etna cable car up to an altitude of 2,500 meters, and then continue on foot to the summit, immersing yourself in its marvelous scenery. 

To reach the Refuge by public transport, you can leave daily from Piazza Giovanni XXIII at 8.15 a.m., arriving in about two hours. The return is scheduled for the afternoon at around 4.30 p.m. You can buy a return ticket for about 6.60 euro both at the ticket office or directly on the bus.

Another option? Rely on a tourist transfer.

If you are in Palermo and still want to visit Mount Etna, you can get there both by car or by public transport. First, however, you will have to reach Catania or go directly by car to the Refuge.

There are several roads that allow you to get to Mount Etna by car or motorbike. The main ones are these, the distance to cover is about 230 km:

Provincial road 92 Nicolosi-Rifugio Sapienza

Provincial road 92 Zafferana Etnea-Rifugio Sapienza

Strada Mareneve Zafferana Etnea-Rifugio Citelli-Linguaglossa

State road 120 Linguaglossa-Randazzo

State road 284 Randazzo-Adrano

If you are travelling by public transport, you can reach Catania by bus in about 4 hours or by train from the main stations in about 5 hours. Then take the bus from Piazza Giovanni XIII as indicated above. Have a good trip!

If you have the opportunity to visit beautiful Taormina, don't miss the chance to explore an iconic volcano. We recommend useful hikes if you are planning how to go to Mount Etna. From Taormina, you must reach Rifugio Sapienza. The drive takes about an hour. From here, take the A18 motorway in the direction of Catania to get to the southern summit of Etna. From the Giarre exit, you must follow the signs for Etna.

The north side can be reached from Piano Provenzana, the route in this case is 45 minutes. The motorway is always the A18 towards Catania until the Fiumefreddo di Sicilia exit, then follow the signs for Linguaglossa and the Mareneve road.

The roads are regularly asphalted, from 15 November to 15 April there is an obligation to have chains on board. The closest tourist resort to Taormina is Etna Nord and is recommended in summer because it is less frequented by tourist groups.

Public transport is usually compatible with the timetable of excursions to go to Etna's summit. Transfers by reservation allow you to choose when to leave and to relax during the trip. Cars, either owned or rented, allow total freedom of stops during the day.