Nicolosi, Catania · Sicilia•1 day•Hiking · 3,000 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Catania, Sicilia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+15
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Etna South at 3000 metres
Il trekking a 3000mt di quota è tra le esperienze più complete ed affascinanti oltre che di grande interesse geologico da poter vivere sul versante Sud del vulcano attivo più alto d'Europa. E' una valida alternativa ai Crateri Sommitali, adatto a chi vuole camminare tra crateri, fratture, colate laviche.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Le Guide Vulcanologiche regolarmente autorizzate alla conduzione sui vulcani attivi, in accordo e nel rispetto dei livelli di rischio vulcanico, effettuano questa escursione fino alla quota massima di sicurezza consentita, attualmente prevista a 3000 metri in prossimità dei crateri sommitali del vulcano.
Incontro e partenza dal piazzale Rifugio Sapienza a 2000 metri di altitudine. Con l'ausilio della funivia guadagneremo rapidamente quota fino a 2500mt. Qui inizierai il tuo trekking a piedi fino alla quota massima consentita, visitando un canale di scorrimento lavico, colate laviche ancora fumanti delle eruzioni più recenti, Crateri Barbagallo con la meravigliosa vista del Cratere Centrale ed il Cratere di Sud-Est.
Discesa verso il belvedere sulla vasta Valle del Bove e sentiero di discesa attraverso divertenti sabbioni fino alla stazione superiore della funivia che ci riporterà al punto di partenza.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
+15 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
500 m D+ · 8 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 500 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Travel to Nicolosi
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
500 m
Max altitude
3,000 m
Distance
8 km
Duration
5 h
Day
8 km · D+ 500 m · 5 h
The stops · 8 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza - Meeting point Ashàra, Via Biagio Motta, 95030 Nicolosi città metropolitana di Catania, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Meeting and departure at the Ashàra meeting point, located at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South) inside the Terrazza dell'Etna restaurant
09:30TRANSFER
Cable car terminal at 2500m
With the help of the cable car we will quickly reach 2500m, where the hike will begin entirely on foot up to 3000m
10:30HIKING TRAIL
Lava flow channel
Visit to a lava flow channel
12:00SUMMIT
Barbagallo Craters and view of the Summit Craters
Trek to the Barbagallo craters with a view of Etna's Summit Craters, including the Central Crater and the South-East Crater
12:30VIEWPOINT
Valle del Bove Viewpoint
Start of the descent trail, admiring the viewpoint over the vast Valle del Bove, from where part of the Sicilian coast and Calabria can be seen
13:00HIKING TRAIL
2001 Cone and return to the upper cable car terminal at 2500m
On the way down, through fun stretches of fine volcanic ash, we will visit the 2001 cone and return to the upper cable car terminal
13:30TRANSFER
Return to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
Once back at 2500m, the cable car will take us back to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
How do you get to Nicolosi? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Your guide
Massimo F.
· 1 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Massimo, born in Ragusa in 1979, a trainee mountain guide (1L) and a volcanological guide registered with the Sicilian Regional College of Alpine and Volcanological Guides. But first of all I'm a passionate lover of mountains and of climbing. Etna, the volcano on my doorstep that I've been out on for around 25 years, has played a vital part in my life: thanks to her, a silent and ever-present teacher, I grew up as a man, as a climber and as a guide. Being a mountain professional isn't just a dream come true: it means passing on passion and becoming a point of reference for whoever puts their trust in me. Let's walk together. 🌋 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 500 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Il trekking a 3000mt di quota è tra le esperienze più complete ed affascinanti oltre che di grande interesse geologico da poter vivere sul versante Sud del vulcano attivo più alto d'Europa. E' una valida alternativa ai Crateri Sommitali, adatto a chi vuole camminare tra crateri, fratture, colate laviche.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Le Guide Vulcanologiche regolarmente autorizzate alla conduzione sui vulcani attivi, in accordo e nel rispetto dei livelli di rischio vulcanico, effettuano questa escursione fino alla quota massima di sicurezza consentita, attualmente prevista a 3000 metri in prossimità dei crateri sommitali del vulcano.
Incontro e partenza dal piazzale Rifugio Sapienza a 2000 metri di altitudine. Con l'ausilio della funivia guadagneremo rapidamente quota fino a 2500mt. Qui inizierai il tuo trekking a piedi fino alla quota massima consentita, visitando un canale di scorrimento lavico, colate laviche ancora fumanti delle eruzioni più recenti, Crateri Barbagallo con la meravigliosa vista del Cratere Centrale ed il Cratere di Sud-Est.
Discesa verso il belvedere sulla vasta Valle del Bove e sentiero di discesa attraverso divertenti sabbioni fino alla stazione superiore della funivia che ci riporterà al punto di partenza.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
500 m D+ · 8 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 500 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
NOT INCLUDED
✕Travel to Nicolosi
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 8 km
Meeting point 8:30Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza - Meeting point Ashàra
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Meeting and departure at the Ashàra meeting point, located at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South) inside the Terrazza dell'Etna restaurant
09:30TRANSFER
Cable car terminal at 2500m
With the help of the cable car we will quickly reach 2500m, where the hike will begin entirely on foot up to 3000m
10:30HIKING TRAIL
Lava flow channel
Visit to a lava flow channel
12:00SUMMIT
Barbagallo Craters and view of the Summit Craters
Trek to the Barbagallo craters with a view of Etna's Summit Craters, including the Central Crater and the South-East Crater
12:30VIEWPOINT
Valle del Bove Viewpoint
Start of the descent trail, admiring the viewpoint over the vast Valle del Bove, from where part of the Sicilian coast and Calabria can be seen
13:00HIKING TRAIL
2001 Cone and return to the upper cable car terminal at 2500m
On the way down, through fun stretches of fine volcanic ash, we will visit the 2001 cone and return to the upper cable car terminal
13:30TRANSFER
Return to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
Once back at 2500m, the cable car will take us back to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
How do you get to Nicolosi? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Your guide
Massimo F.
1 outings with Guiddy
Guida alpina
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Massimo, born in Ragusa in 1979, a trainee mountain guide (1L) and a volcanological guide registered with the Sicilian Regional College of Alpine and Volcanological Guides. But first of all I'm a passionate lover of mountains and of climbing. Etna, the volcano on my doorstep that I've been out on for around 25 years, has played a vital part in my life: thanks to her, a silent and ever-present teacher, I grew up as a man, as a climber and as a guide. Being a mountain professional isn't just a dream come true: it means passing on passion and becoming a point of reference for whoever puts their trust in me. Let's walk together. 🌋 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 500 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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