In our first article we described Etna as the “next-door neighbour” of anyone staying at Magma 610 — the viewpoints you can drive to, the first outings that don’t need much planning. This time we go into more detail: what the actual trails are, how demanding they are, and what to expect depending on your experience level.
Easy trails, suitable for everyone
Not all of Etna requires trained legs. Some routes can be tackled with children, or without particular physical preparation:
- Silvestri Craters trail: an about one-hour loop, flat and well-marked terrain, among extinct volcanic cones.
- Monti Sartorius: on the north side, a roughly 5 km loop through eccentric craters formed during the 1865 eruption, set in a forest of Corsican pines.
- Ragabo Pine Forest: more a walking area than a trail, ideal for those who want Etna without the effort.
Book your stay
Start your Etna trekking from Magma 610: book your apartment in Pedara on Airbnb.
Medium-difficulty routes
For those with a bit of experience already, willing to walk for a few hours:
- Valle del Bove: starting from Rifugio Citelli or Piano Provenzana, a route of several hours crossing one of Europe’s most spectacular volcanic depressions, with views of the Ionian coast on clear days.
- Monte Nero degli Zappini: a loop trail among the 2002 lava flows and woods spared by the eruption, a sharp contrast that tells the volcano’s recent history well.
These itineraries require sturdy hiking boots, a minimum level of fitness and, especially in summer, an early start to avoid the midday heat.
The ascent to the summit craters
This is the experience everyone wants to have at least once: reaching 2,900 metres, at the foot of the active craters. Above this altitude, access is only allowed with an authorised volcanological alpine guide, for safety reasons linked to the volcano’s activity — this isn’t a formality, it’s a requirement that must be respected.
Guides organise half-day or full-day outings, often starting from Rifugio Sapienza with the cable car making the first stretch easier. The rest is done on foot, over volcanic terrain that requires a steady step and a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness.
When to go and how to plan
The ideal trekking season runs from May to October. In late spring, higher-altitude trails may still have patches of snow, while in high summer it’s best to start early in the morning. From Magma 610, on the south side, almost all the starting points mentioned are 20–40 minutes away by car — close enough to pick the right trail based on the day’s weather, rather than having to plan it weeks ahead.
Anyone organising a stay with several days available might consider alternating an easy trail with a more demanding guided outing — Etna, after all, is best discovered one piece at a time.