Etna: Day Trips and Tours from Messina

An active stratovolcano situated on the east coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the highest active volcanoes in Europe.

Take a day trip to Etna from Messina to explore the Sicilian countryside and stroll through delightful hill towns. Witness stunning landscapes like Silvestri Craters, along with the charming medieval resort town of Taormina.

Here's all you need to know about Mount Etna, one of the most extraordinary destinations for day trips from Messina.

How to get to Etna from Messina?

Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily between the cities of Messina and Catania. You can visit it from two sides — the north and south. However, the southern side, via Rifugio Sapienza, is more popular and takes you to the very top.

From Messina to Etna by car

The drive from Messina is beautiful, passing scenic mountain villages and gorgeous views. This over 90-kilometer journey to Etna takes approximately 1.5 hours, crossing charming towns like Roccalumera and Taormina.

Guided tour to Etna from Messina

Take the stress out of planning your trips by joining a guided tour to Etna, which provide transportation for the entire duration. Most tours include wine tasting, souvenir shopping and shore excursions. Visit popular sites like Silvestri Craters — the five moon-like craters overlooking the distant sea and the majestic Greek amphitheater in Taormina.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Etna from Messina?

Day tours to Etna from Messina typically range from 5 to 8 hours and start with meetups at a central point or hotel pickup.

With your expert guide, you'll board a minivan, bus or car, and begin your journey to Etna, with stops at multiple scenic sites.

Popular halts include Silvestri Craters and Taormina, an ancient but fashionable resort town, with balconies laden with flowers, magnificent Middle-Age architecture and elegant open-air cafes and restaurants.

The stunning Mount Etna is hailed as the most active stratovolcano in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site arouses awe and wonders, thanks to its fiery lava flows and dramatic summit. It also offers rolling green vineyards and beech-wood forests, making it an idyllic spot for wine and food tasting.

What kinds of tours are available for a day trip to Etna from Messina?

There are different tour options for your day trip to Etna from Messina, and most tours include wine and food tasting.

Guided day tour to Etna plus Silvestri Craters and Taormina from Messina

An expert guide takes you to all the major attractions, narrating spellbinding tales about the area that you might miss if visiting on your own. Meet fellow travelers and enjoy a comfortable bus ride with stops at Silvestri Craters and Taormina. Most tours also include wine and food tasting along with shore excursions.

Private guided day tour to Etna plus Silvestri Craters and Taormina from Messina

Tailored specifically to suit your preferences, these private tours to Etna allow one-on-one interactions with your guide. Avail private car transfers from your hotel or Messina port, and enjoy the tour at your own pace.

How much does a day trip to Etna from Messina cost?

Day trips to Etna from Messina vary in cost. Guided group tours start from €85 per person and are the most pocket-friendly option, covering all major sites at the best deal. These with shore excursions to Etna, Sapienza refuge and Taormina.

Private tours range from €280 per person and visit one winery in Mount Etna and a local honey farm, but do not include the ticket to ride the cable car. Mount Etna private tours can cost around €800 per person for a group of two people and include wine tasting, food and drinks, as well as all entrance tickets and fees.

What will you see and do on a day trip to Etna from Messina?

Day trips to Etna from Messina take you through a plethora of sceneries, with teeming orange and lemon groves, sprawling vineyards, bustling countryside towns and volcanic landscapes. Check out trendy cafes and souvenir shops, and explore awe-inspiring architecture from the Middle Ages.

Volcanoes of Mount Etna

Lovingly called “Mamma Etna”, Mount Etna is seen as a mother figure whose fertile volcanic soil provides excellent food to her children — the people of Sicily. Stroll through the lush orchards and vineyards along the lower regions of the mountain. Then take a cable car towards the summit, where you will find dramatic lava fields left by the most recent eruption.

Silvestri Craters

Formed after Mount Etna’s eruption in 1892, the Silvestri Craters are a series of inactive craters that will make you feel like you are walking on the moon. These are accessible by car via Rifugio Sapienza, and you can safely hike along the rims of the craters and admire their rugged beauty up close.

Taormina

Set against the backdrop of the lapping Sicilian sea, Taormina dates as far back as the fourth century B.C. Now it’s a vibrant summer town, and its mammoth Greek amphitheater, Palazzo Corvaja, a 10th-century medieval palace and public gardens attract tourists from all over. The town hosts frequent opera and theater performances that can’t be missed.

Food and wine tasting in Etna

Etna is celebrated as one of Italy’s most lucrative wine-producing regions. Its rich volcanic soil and high-altitude terraced vineyards infuse a supple, earthy flavor into the wines.

They pair beautifully with locally-produced cheeses, prosciutto, salamis, honey, cannoli, almonds and olives. Teeming with orange and lemon plantations, Etna is also famous for its food experiences.

Cable car of Mount Etna

Funivia dell'Etna operates a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza up to 2,500 meters up the mountain. From there, you can either hike up to the craters, which takes about 4 hours both ways.

When is the best time to visit Etna?

Visit Mount Etna from June to August, which is the idyllic season, to witness orange and lemon groves in full bloom. The mountain is snow-free and temperatures most pleasant, making these months the peak tourist season. Winters are perfect for skiing and exploring the region without too many other visitors.

Are there any day tours to Etna from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day Trips to Etna from Catania
• Day Trips to Etna from Palermo
• Day Trips to Etna from Taormina

Travel tips

• For the best deals, book your day trip to Etna from Messina in advance.
• Many tours include walking, so make sure you’re equipped with comfortable shoes and clothes.
• Carry sunscreen, hats and plenty of water to enjoy the outdoors in summer.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty and wonder of the region.