Things to Do at Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano and Sicily's towering giant, rising over 3,300 meters above the Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been erupting for thousands of years, constantly reshaping its summit and creating a landscape that's genuinely otherworldly. The volcano actually sits on the eastern coast of Sicily, dominating the skyline and influencing everything from local wine production to daily life in nearby towns. What makes Etna particularly fascinating is how accessible it is - you can literally drive partway up an active volcano and explore its lunar-like terrain. The mountain creates its own weather system, and you'll often see its peak shrouded in clouds while the base basks in Mediterranean sunshine. The fertile volcanic soil has created some of Sicily's most interesting wine regions, and the contrast between lush lower slopes covered in vineyards and the stark, rocky upper reaches is pretty remarkable.

Most visitors drive from Catania-45 minutes to the cable car station at Rifugio Sapienza. You can rent a car or book tours from Catania, Taormina, or other Sicilian towns that run daily during peak season. Public buses exist but don't count on them. AST runs limited service from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza, and schedules change without warning. The northern route through Linguaglossa draws fewer crowds. Roads wind but they're well-maintained, though you'll need to check volcanic activity alerts before making the drive up.