Catania offers an exceptional base for Hiking and Trekking Tours, thanks to its proximity to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Whether you want to stand atop craters, explore lunar-like landscapes, or traverse scenic canyons, Catania’s diverse terrain makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. One of our favorites is the trek on Mount Etna, Lava Cave & tasting tour, which blends volcanic adventure with local flavors. This 7-hour trip includes lava field walks, cave exploration, and tasting Sicilian honey, oil, and wine at a farm, offering a full sensory experience. Its high rating of 4.8/5 from 553 reviews highlights its popularity among travelers seeking a robust, guided volcanic outing.
Catania also boasts guided summit hikes and scenic treks that cater to different fitness levels and interests—whether you prefer a quick half-day adventure or a sunset trek with wine. For a rundown, below are some of the best options, each with its own unique features and highlights.
1. From Catania: trek on Mount Etna, Lava Cave & tasting Tour
This 7-hour adventure takes you up to inactive craters, where your guide will lead you through lava fields and into a lava cave, helmet and lamp included. It combines hiking, cave exploration, and a visit to a farm, where you can sample local honey, olive oil, and wine. The tour is perfect for those wanting a well-rounded volcanic experience that indulges all senses. The itinerary includes a scenic drive, a guided walk on Etna’s slopes, and a tasting session that emphasizes Sicily’s land and flavors.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate group size—limited to 8 participants—and its balance of adventure and gastronomy. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the immersive nature of the trip. If you’re after a full-day immersion that combines nature, culture, and food, this is a top pick.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a comprehensive volcanic experience with personalized guidance and local tastings.
2. Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike
This 5-hour guided hike reaches the summit of Mount Etna at 3,000 meters, with a volcanologist guiding your ascent. The tour includes a cable car or jeep transfer (own expense) to 2,900 meters, from where you hike across lunar landscapes, passing lava channels and steam vents. The guide shares detailed insights into the volcano’s geology, making this a fascinating choice for geology lovers and active hikers alike.
Guests consistently rave about the guide’s expertise—Antonio, in particular, is praised for blending scientific knowledge with engaging storytelling. The tour is suited for those with a good fitness level who want to stand atop Sicily’s highest active volcano and Marvel at spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Bottom Line: For around $69.51, this is a well-organized, educational, and physically rewarding experience with guaranteed stunning scenery.
3. Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Trekking with Wine Tasting
This 6-hour sunset trek combines scenic hiking with a relaxing wine tasting as the sun dips behind Etna. Starting from Zafferana Etnea, you’ll traverse recent lava flows, admire the Bove Valley’s lunar landscape, and stop at scenic viewpoints. The highlight is enjoying a glass of Etna wine with panoramic views of Sicily’s coastline. The tour includes stops at the Valle del Bove and Silvestri Craters, with photo opportunities along the way.
Guests love the informative guides and the chance to experience Etna at sunset, when the landscape takes on a golden glow. It’s a more relaxed, less strenuous option than some of the full-day hikes, making it suitable for those wanting a casual yet memorable volcano outing paired with local wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an easy-to-do, scenic sunset experience with a wine toast and breathtaking views.
4. Mount Etna: North Upper Craters Guided Tour by 4×4 with Trek
This 2.5-hour off-road adventure takes you close to Mount Etna’s North Upper Craters in a specially-equipped 4×4. The tour features short hikes and the chance to observe active lava flows and craters from a safe distance. It’s run by guides who are passionate about volcanoes and eager to share their knowledge.
What makes this tour distinctive is its off-road exploration combined with short treks, providing a mix of adrenaline and education. The reviews highlight how the guides make the experience both fun and informative, with many noting the breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a compact, adventurous trip that combines off-road excitement with volcanic geology.
5. Etna trekking and wine tasting
This 8-hour tour pairs a guided hike across Etna’s lava flows and craters with a visit to a traditional winery. You’ll explore lava tunnels, admire extinct craters at about 6,500 feet, and then relax at a cellar sampling Sicilian wines paired with local cheeses and snacks. Helmets and flashlights are provided for cave exploration, making it engaging and safe.
Guests appreciate the combination of outdoor adventure and wine tasting, with some calling it a “full sensory experience.” This tour offers excellent value, especially for wine lovers who want a longer, immersive day that combines volcano trekking with regional delicacies.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine hiking with culinary delights in a relaxed setting.
6. Canyon of Sicily, Trekking Eco Tour in Iblei Nature Reserve
This 4- to 5-hour eco-tour involves a jeep drive to Monte Alveira and a hike through the Cava Carosello canyons. The trail leads past Byzantine tanneries carved into caves and along the ancient rock walls, with opportunities for swimming in natural lakes. The tour offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Reviewers praise the scenic beauty and the knowledgeable guide. The walk is moderately challenging but rewarding, especially if you enjoy exploring caves and ruins. It’s a great choice for those wanting a less touristy, more authentic experience of Sicily’s rugged landscapes.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for those interested in history, geology, and scenic canyon hikes.
7. Catania: Etna Morning or Sunset Trek with Lava Tunnel & Gear
Offering the flexibility of a morning or sunset trek, this 5.5-hour tour focuses on exploring lava deserts, secondary craters, and lava caves. It’s tailored for those who want a guided hike with the option to experience Etna at different times of day. The tour includes a visit to the Lava Flow Cave, with helmets and torches provided.
Guests highlight the expert guidance and the chance to see Etna’s various volcanic features up close. The option of timing—morning or sunset—lets you choose when you want to see Etna’s dramatic landscapes in the best light.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking flexibility and a detailed volcanic walk with professional guidance.
8. Mount Etna: Hike to the top 3350mt from the North Side
This 5-hour high-altitude hike takes you to 3,350 meters, with certified guides leading the way. Starting from Piano Provenzana, the trek includes scenic hikes over craters and lava flows and offers in-depth volcanological insights. The trail allows you to experience Etna’s evolution and impact firsthand.
With reviews praising the knowledge and professionalism of the guides, this tour appeals to hikers who want a challenging ascent and a deeper understanding of volcanic activity. The journey is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding for those aiming for a true summit experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for seasoned trekkers eager to reach Etna’s highest accessible point with expert guides.
9. Mount Etna: Special Hike on the Wild and Authentic Side
This 4-hour trek takes you to the less traveled northern slopes, avoiding crowds and revealing raw volcanic beauty. Your guide, a volcano expert, leads you along rarely visited paths, where you can see fractures, caves, and massive craters that are often closed to the general public. This tour is perfect for adventure seekers wanting a more authentic and untouched Etna experience.
Guests describe the walk as spectacular and intimate, often noting the panoramic views of Taormina and the Aeolian Islands. It’s especially suitable if the summit craters are closed due to activity, offering a safe alternative for exploring Etna’s wild side.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous travelers eager for a less touristy, off-the-beaten-path hike.
10. Mount Etna: Top Craters by 4×4 and Trekking Tour
This 4.5-hour tour combines off-road 4×4 exploration with a guided hike to the summit craters at 3,357 meters. Starting from Sole-neve Souvenirs, your guide will take you across the moon-like landscape of Etna’s highest point, with opportunities to observe active craters and lava flows.
Guests mention the small group size—limited to 10—making the experience more personal. The up-close views of the volcano’s activity and the deep connection with nature make this a top choice for those wanting both adventure and education.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to see Etna’s top features without a full-day commitment.
11. Don Mariano’s Etna Tour: Sartorius Trek & Local Tasting
This 4-hour tour combines a trek to the Sartorius Craters with a tasting of authentic Sicilian products. Traveling in an exclusive vintage car, you visit birch forests and scenic viewpoints before walking through rocky volcanic terrain. The final stop is a local winery where you savor wines and cheeses.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized atmosphere and the authentic local experience. The tour is suitable for families and is a great choice for those who want a relaxed, culturally immersive day exploring Mount Etna’s lesser-known areas.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, local food, and a more exclusive experience.
12. Sunset Trekking on Mount Etna
This 5-hour sunset trek takes you through volcanic landscapes, with stops at craters and lava formations. The tour starts from Mount Etna’s extinct craters at 2000 meters, exploring lava flow caves with helmets and torches.
Guests mention the spectacular sunset views and the knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the villages and volcano’s formation. It’s perfect for those wanting an easy, scenic walk with the added bonus of witnessing Etna’s dramatic sunset.
Bottom Line: Best for view seekers wanting a relaxed evening and a memorable sunset experience.
13. One Day Tour to Taormina and Trekking on Etna
This 8-hour trip combines a walk through Taormina’s medieval streets with a volcanic trek on Mount Etna. Starting with a nature walk in Taormina, you’ll learn about volcanic phenomena before heading to Etna’s caves. The afternoon is free to explore Taormina’s elegant Corso Umberto and historic sites.
Rated highly, this tour is for travelers wanting a combination of cultural exploration and outdoor activity. It offers a balanced day with both a scenic town visit and mountain adventure.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a full day of culture and volcano in one package.
14. From Catania: Guided Hike on Etna, wines and nibbles
This 5-hour experience combines guided volcano hiking with a wine tasting session on Etna’s slopes. Walk through lava tunnels and extinct craters, then relax at a winery sampling DOC wines and local delicacies. Helmets and flashlights enhance cave exploration, adding a fun twist.
Travelers love the combination of outdoor activity and gourmet tasting, with one saying it’s a “full sensory experience.” It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, tasty day with informative volcanic insights.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies and outdoor lovers who want to combine hiking with regional wines.
15. From Catania: Etna Trekking 2000m with Hotel Pick-up
This 6-hour tour offers an easy trek along the Sartorius Craters or 2002 eruption craters, including visits to lava flow caves. With hotel pick-up and small group sizes, it simplifies logistics and focuses on contact with Etna’s natural beauty.
Ideal for families or travelers who seek a comfortable, guided experience without strenuous climbs. The focus is on safe exploration with certified guides.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a relaxed yet authentic volcano experience close to Catania.
How to Choose the Right Hiking or Trekking Tour in Catania
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a comprehensive volcanic experience and enjoy gastronomy, the trek on Mount Etna, Lava Cave & tasting tour offers excellent value. For those with limited time, a shorter guided summit hike or top craters tour provides a quick dose of volcanic adventure.
If scenery is your priority, the Sunset Trekking and Sunset Trekking are beautiful choices. For a less crowded, more authentic experience, try the Special Hike on the Wild and Authentic Side or Canyon Eco Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall), when Etna’s weather and volcanic activity make for the best hikes.
Final Thoughts
Catania’s landscape offers a wide range of hiking and trekking options that suit all interests and fitness levels. Whether you want a full-day adventure combining volcano exploration and local food or a short, scenic walk at sunset, the options are plentiful. If your priority is to reach the summit, tours like the hike to 3,350 meters are perfect. For a more authentic, less crowded experience, the special hike on the wild side provides a glimpse of Etna’s raw power.
Whatever your choice, booking in advance and choosing a tour that matches your fitness level, interests, and schedule will ensure you get the most from your Sicilian adventure. Happy hiking!
