Etna

A volcano of nature, beauty and flavours

It is the highest mountain in Sicily and peninsular Italy, as well as the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. With a perimeter of 165 kilometres and a surface area of almost 1,600 km², Mount Etna is a 3,340-metre giant towering over the Ionian coast, between the charming Taormina and Catania.
To get as close as possible to the summit, we recommend taking the cable car that starts near the Rifugio Sapienza in Nicolosi. In a few minutes, you will gain 2,500 metres in altitude; you can then continue by taking an off-road bus.

One of the best ways to get to know this area, especially for families, is to board the Circumetnea train. Head to Catania-Borgo station and board the old steam locomotive no. 14, known colloquially as “Meusa”.
It takes three hours to get to the last stop on the Giarre-Riposto line, but it is well worth it: circumnavigating the volcano and passing through various villages and towns, this journey offers enchanting landscapes, with countryside and vineyards alternating with lava paths, pistachio trees and prickly pears. You can choose where to stop on the way, but two unmissable pearls are Bronte and Randazzo.