There are many opportunities for hiking in and around Catania. Paths, villages that climb the slopes of Mount Etna (the highest volcano in Europe) and plenty of places to stop and taste culinary delicacies of the highest level. We at Sicilianblog.net will try to give you pointers with respect to which, in our opinion, turn out to be the best hiking routes in and around Catania.
Hiking among the Craters of Etna Volcano
At 3357 meters high, Mount (Volcano) Etna dominates the city of Catania and encompasses all around the main towns of the Etnean hinterland. How not to mention the city of Bronte–famous as the Pistachio capital–or Randazzo from where one can easily reach the Nebrodi plateau.
At 3357 meters high, Mount (Volcano) Etna dominates the city of Catania and encompasses all around the main towns of the Etnean hinterland. How not to mention the city of Bronte–famous as the Pistachio capital–or Randazzo from where one can easily reach the Nebrodi plateau.
Hiking among the craters of the volcano Etna – Pond Crater Loop itinerary from Tarderia is a hiking route reserved for experts. In fact, with more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain, the ascent (and subsequent descent) are not suitable for those unfamiliar with hiking and unable to handle the harsh rhythms of a prolonged hike on an incline. Sure footing, sturdy footwear and mountaineering experience are required. The Tour starting point is accessible by public transportation.
Militello in Val di Catania and Ossena Falls – loop tour
Hiking in Catania is not just Mount Etna, however. As mentioned earlier there are also lovely villages in the province of Catania where you can explore territory through hiking. One example is Militello in Val di Catania and Ossena Falls. Intermediate hiking route. Good training required. Mostly accessible trails. Safe walking pace required. Tour starting point is near a parking lot.
The Oxena (or Ossena) Falls are a natural waterfall in the territory of Militello in Val di Catania, a municipality in the province of Catania, Sicily.
They are natural waterfalls located south of the territory of Militello, bordering the territory of Francofonte (province of Syracuse), accessible via Provincial Road 28 ii (Militello-Vizzini Scalo), junction for Francofonte. Set in an environmental context characterized by riparian species that accompany the watercourse and by the presence of wild olive trees, carob trees, oaks, prickly pears, tamarisks and oleanders, the falls are fed on a permanent basis by the Oxena stream. The Oxena, which is never deep, is a tributary of the Trigona stream, which in turn flows partly into Lake Lentini and partly into the San Leonardo (a river that crosses the Plain of Catania and flows into the Ionian Sea).
Basaltic rocks characterize, in the section including the falls, the bed of the Oxena stream. The environment around is formed by verdant quarries and sunny plateaus.
The Oxena waterfalls constitute today one of the most intact natural environments of the Catanese Iblei.
The falls are active all year round, ensuring the presence of water even during periods of drought.
Click Here to discover more about Ossena Falls and hiking there with all the information available
Sartorius Mountains – Bomben Volcano Loop itinerary from Solicchiata
We conclude the article on hiking in Catania with a simpler but no less impressive itinerary than those mentioned above. The hike to Monti Sartorius – Vulcano Bomben Loop Itinerary from Solicchiata is in fact more suitable for those who, although not hiking experts and not equipped with professional equipment, want to explore the wonders of Etna’s capital city. Easy hike. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Easy hiking trails. Suitable for all skill levels.
Famous scenic route starting near Rifugio Citelli. The 1865 eruption on Mount Etna’s northeast slope offers numerous insights along the buttonhole of eruptive cones. Etna’s lush birch colony surrounds the craters named after German volcanologist Wolfgang Sartorius. Route suitable for all types of hikers.
Click here to find out how to book a hike on this family-friendly side of Mount Etna.
