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How to Get to Mount Etna from Catania: Your Complete Guide
Updated: Jun 24
Time to head to Sicily! Catania, one of the biggest cities in Sicily, is an ancient port city on the east coast. Known for its stunning ruins and beautiful architecture, Catania is also a popular travel hub. Many adventure enthusiasts come here to explore the majestic beauty and thrilling activities on Mount Etna.
On my one month trip to Italy, I figured out how to get to Mount Etna from Catania. I share the best travel route and tips below to help make your journey smoother.
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Why Visit Mount Etna?
Mount Etna attracts thousands of visitors each year. It's a renowned destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. In the summer, visitors flock for hiking and biking adventures, while the winter season transforms Etna into a unique skiing destination.
Planning how to get to Mount Etna from Catania is essential to ensure a smooth trip, whether you're aiming for a summer mountain bike or a winter ski adventure.
How to Get to Mount Etna from Catania
Though it can be mildly inconvenient to figure out how to get from Catania to Mount Etna, this guide will share my experience and tips to make your journey easier. If you have time to explore, check out the top free things to do in Catania.
If you want to skip the hassle of navigating public transportation to get to Mount Etna, you can rent a car in Catania and drive yourself up.
⭐️ Guided Tour of Mount Etna from Catania
Opt for ease and book a fully guided tour of Mount Etna! Hotel pick up and drop off are available from Catania. This tour includes transportation, hiking, seeing lava flows, learning geographical history, and more. It's the best tour of Mt. Etna!
Taking the AST Bus from Catania to Mount Etna
You’ll likely start your journey from Catania Centrale, the main train station. This is an ideal place to begin your journey from Catania to Mount Etna, as the AST buses depart from here. Here’s how to navigate your way:
Locate the AST Office: Head to the AST office located just down the street from Catania Centrale to purchase your bus tickets. Arrive as early as possible to secure your tickets and seats.
Buy Your Tickets Early: The bus from Catania to Mount Etna typically departs at around 8:15 am. Tickets can sell out quickly, so it's best to buy them the day before to ensure you get a seat. We managed to get tickets the day of, but some reviews state they had to wait until the next day to get tickets.
Boarding the Bus: The bus ride from Catania to Etna will take you first to Nicolosi, a small town about 45 minutes away. After a brief 30-minute break in Nicolosi (where you can enjoy local treats like granite and brioche), the bus continues for another 45 minutes to Refugio Sapienza, the main lodge on Mount Etna.
How Far is Catania from Mount Etna?
The journey from Catania to Mount Etna covers about 30 kilometers (or 18.6 miles). The bus ride from Catania to Refugio Sapienza, including the stop in Nicolosi, takes around 2 hours in total.
Activities at Mount Etna from Refugio Sapienza
Once you arrive at Refugio Sapienza, you’ll have several hours to enjoy Mount Etna. Make sure you know exactly when the bus back to Catania leaves so you can be back at the refugio in time to catch it. Below are some popular activities:
Hiking: If you’re up for a physical challenge, you can hike from Refugio Sapienza up to 2800 meters. This is a free but physically demanding option, taking about 3 hours round trip.
Cable Car: For a more relaxed option, take the cable car up to 2500 meters. It costs around $32 per person and offers stunning views of the volcano. Be prepared for the heights though.
Jeep Tour: For more exploration, consider a jeep tour that takes you up to 2900 meters. This option costs about $73 per person and includes a guided tour.
Guided Tours: Various companies offer fully guided tours from Refugio Sapienza, reaching up to 3320 meters. Expect to spend over $75 per person for this guided experience.
Take a guided tour on Mount Etna that includes transportation, hiking, learning the volcano's history, and more! Search tour availability here.
Mountain Biking on Mount Etna
For a thrilling adventure, consider a mountain biking tour on Mount Etna. Unlike other activities, this option doesn’t require you to reach Refugio Sapienza. Instead, you’ll take the bus from Catania to Nicolosi and stay there (make sure you tell the bus driver you won’t be continuing on to the refugio).
Spend a couple of nights in Nicolosi to enjoy a local experience, and then embark on your mountain biking tour, exploring craters, lava tunnels, and old lava flows. This is a unique way to see the diverse landscapes of Etna.
Now that you know how to get to Mount Etna from Catania, planning your visit is straightforward. Whether you choose to hike, bike, or ski, Mount Etna offers a unique adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. While the bus ride from Catania can be a bit challenging to maneuver, the breathtaking experience awaiting you on the volcano is worth it.
Have I convinced you to plan a trip to Mount Etna yet? If you’re visiting Sicily, add this volcano and its exciting activities to your itinerary. Share this guide with a friend you’d love to go with and start planning your adventure from Catania to Mount Etna today!
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