Calcarazzi Mountains Hike

On this hike in the Calcarazzi Mountains, we will explore the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the Sicilian coast.

Hike Details

We will meet at the Schiena dell'Asino parking to begin the hike through the Calcarazzi Mountains. The 7.5-kilometre (4.6-mile) trek will circle the Bove Valley and lead us to the craters formed after the volcanic eruption in December 1991.

We will start under the shade of pine trees, and after navigating some curves, a view of Sicily's southeastern coastline will emerge. We will continue to the peak of the Schiena dell'Asino route, overlooking the Bove Valley, a remarkable 8-kilometre (5-mile) geological depression rich in volcanic sand.

From this point, we will reach an altitude of 2245 metres (7365 feet) with Mount Etna's craters in sight. We will head inland towards the Calcarazzi Mountains and the Silvestre Superiore crater, where we will enjoy another scenic view before descending to the Sapienza refuge and returning to the initial meeting point. The hike will last a total of 4-5 hours.