Mount Etna on video: the climb, what to pack and skiing

Flip-flops at 8,200 feet? Bad idea. Here's why.

Mount Etna is Europe's highest active volcano and one of the most active in the world. Its height changes with its eruptions. In a drone survey in July 2024, the highest point stood at 3,369 meters, about 11,050 feet. Locals also call it Mongibello. Since 2013 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the way up, you pass through several landscapes. Up to 800 meters, vineyards, citrus, olives and figs grow in the fertile lava soil. Above that, up to 2,000 meters, come dense forests of oak, chestnut, beech and pine. Higher still, only Etna broom, lichens and mosses hold on. The summit is bare and often covered in snow.

On the eastern slope stands the Chestnut Tree of the Hundred Horses, believed to be the oldest tree in Europe. Since 1987 the Etna Regional Park has protected the land around the volcano. Foxes, wildcats, porcupines and golden eagles live here.

From Catania airport it's about 48 kilometers, or 30 miles, to Rifugio Sapienza, a little over an hour by car.

That's where the climb on the south side starts, at 1,910 meters. The cable car runs up to 2,500 meters, and four-wheel-drive buses with guides go on to almost 3,000. On the north side, guided off-road tours leave from Piano Provenzana, at 1,800 meters above Linguaglossa.

Up there it's much colder and windier than on the coast, even in summer. Pack sturdy high boots, long pants, layers and a windproof jacket. Spring, summer and early fall are the best seasons for hiking.

Above roughly 2,500 meters, the local towns set the rules for access. Near the craters, you may only go with authorized volcano or mountain guides. When Etna becomes more active, INGV in Catania issues a color code from green to red. Ash can close Catania airport, and flights are then diverted, for example to Palermo or Comiso. Before any tour, ask your guide or the cable car about that day's rules.

Few people know this: you can ski on Etna. And go sledding. The volcano has two ski areas, one near Nicolosi and one near Linguaglossa. The season usually runs from December to March, with slopes for skiing and snowboarding, cross-country trails, snowshoe routes and sledding runs. And from up top, you can see the Mediterranean.

For the south side, Nicolosi and Zafferana Etnea are good bases; for the north side, Linguaglossa and Randazzo. If you want the coast too, stay between Catania and Taormina.

Find more about Etna, and places to stay nearby, on Sicily Holiday.