4-Hour Mount Etna Hike to Serracozzo Cave and the Bove Valley

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Serracozzo Cave, a striking lava canyon formed in 1971
• 02 Hike through Mount Etna's characteristic birch forests and volcanic terrain
• 03 Take in the vast Bove Valley and Serra delle Concazze on Etna's eastern side
• 04 Follow a no-touristy path with few people around for a closer nature experience

Join this 4-hour trek to Serracozzo Cave on Mount Etna, starting from the Citelli Refuge car park at 1740 metres. Hike through characteristic birch forests and across volcanic rock remains as you ascend to 2160 metres above sea level to reach this striking lava canyon, formed in 1971 and lit by a shaft of sunlight through its ceiling. The route continues to the Bove Valley and Serra delle Concazze, an immense depression on Etna's eastern side with breathtaking volcanic scenery. This is a no-touristy path, offering a quieter and closer connection with nature.

Formed in 1971, this elongated lava canyon has a shaft of light entering through a small hole in the ceiling.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Trek to Serracozzo Cave and the Bove Valley

• At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Citelli Refuge car park and start a trekking route to the most important cave of Etna, Serracozzo Cave.
• We'll start walking up Etna from 1740 metres (5708 feet) until we reach 2160 metres (7086 feet) above sea level, where we'll find the entrance to Serracozzo Cave. Along the way, we'll cross the birch forests that are characteristic of the area and see the remains of volcanic rock.
• We'll enter Serracozzo Cave through its volcanic tunnel. Formed in 1971, this elongated lava canyon has a shaft of light entering through a small hole in the ceiling. You'll be mesmerised by the sparkles!
• After that, we'll hike to the Bove Valley, specifically Serra delle Concazze, a large 8-kilometre-long (4.9-mile) depression on the eastern side of Etna. There, we'll stop to rest and recover your strength with the food you brought.
• After walking along the Bove Valley, we'll return to the meeting point after 4/5 hours of hiking.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private hiking guide Mirco Mannino
• Visit to a volcanic canyon on the largest volcano in Europe
• Discover Mt. Etna and its relation to the surrounding towns
• See the Bove Valley, a huge desert 8 km long

What's Not Included

• Food and beverages

What to bring

• 1/2 litre of water per person
• Sneakers, trainers, or hiking boots
• Something to nibble on while we walk
• A pullover, sweater, or jumper in case of cold or wind

Know before you go

• You're taking a no-touristy route. During our walk, we'll be practically alone or with very few people around us. This will help you enjoy the area and Mt. Etna even more and feel closer to nature.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Citelli Refuge Parking

Tour start

Via Mareneve, 95010 SantAlfio CT, Italy

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.