Etna: Day Trips and Tours from Taormina

Etna is a stratovolcano with a long-standing history as one of the most active mounts in the world. This lofty volcano towers over the landscape of Sicily, enticing visitors to climb its slopes and explore its many craters.

A day trip to Etna from Taormina is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike. Best of all, these excursions are easy to arrange and are sure to be a highlight of your trip to the Italian island.

Here's all you need to know about Etna, one of the most exciting day trips from Taormina.

How to get to Etna from Taormina?

Etna is located on the island of Sicily, just off the southwest coast of Italy. It is approximately 60 kilometers from Taormina.

From Taormina to Etna by car

One of the easiest ways to journey to Etna is by driving south along the E45 from Taormina. After passing Macchia, you turn right and continue along the SP4i, utilizing the SP145, and finally, the SP92 to reach the mountain. In total, the drive takes just over an hour.

Guided tour to Etna from Taormina

While traveling to Etna by public transport is possible, this journey takes over 5 hours, using a mix of trains and buses. As such, consider booking a guided excursion to Etna instead. These typically last around 6 hours and include a convenient hotel pickup service in the morning.

You’ll typically return to Taormina in the early to mid-afternoon, with plenty of time to explore the historic commune or rest your weary legs.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical Etna day tour from Taormina begins with a hotel pickup by your friendly guide. From there, you’ll travel down the coast and inland toward Mount Etna. You may journey straight to the site or stop en route to discover the delights of Sicily’s most enchanting villages.

Depending on the tour, you may also stop at the Alcantara Canyons, which are located just north of Etna and feature Basalt walls that soar over 50 meters above the ground. Upon reaching Etna, most excursions take you on a hiking tour, during which your guide will fill you in on the history and geology of the area, and may lead you to an underground lava cave.

After a long hike, you’ll make your way to a nearby restaurant for lunch. On some Etna day trips, you will also visit a winery to taste local wines, before heading back to Taormina.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Etna?

Guided half-day trekking tour to Etna from Taormina

After arriving in the foothills of Mount Etna, you’ll set off on an invigorating trek to reach one of its ancient craters, where you’ll find out about the volcano’s history, which was first recorded as active around 1500 B.C. As you make your way up to this fascinating site, you’ll see evidence of the site’s wealth of geologic activity, such as hardened lava.

Once you’ve been educated on Etna’s crater, you’ll journey underground to explore a lava cave, formed during the final stage of an eruption. After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a local meal accompanied by sweet Sicilian wine before returning to Taormina.

Food and wine tour to Etna from Taormina

Traveling down the coast from Taormina, you’ll make your way toward the villages that surround the towering Mount Etna. You’ll stop along the way to visit a family-run winery, where you can detect the fruity undertones of sweet rosé prosecco. Here, you can learn more about the Sicilian wine-making process as you wander the fascinating cellars and indulge in a charcuterie board alongside more wine.

Continue on to a traditional farmhouse where you can try Sicilian foods that originate in this corner of Italy, such as ricotta cheese and meat from native black pigs, raised in the Nebrodi Mountains. Finally, you’ll sip on a famous Italian liquor before traveling back to Taormina, where your Etna day tour ends.

Day trip to Etna plus Alcantara Canyons from Taormina

This day trip to Etna also includes a challenging yet rewarding hike to discover several of the mount’s 300 craters and admire the impressive landscape that surrounds the site from a vantage point of 2,000 meters above sea level.

Refuel at a local winery where you can sip on the local tipple and enjoy a light lunch before continuing on to Alcantara Canyons, which was formed by an eruption of Mount Moio, which is estimated to have happened approximately 4,500 years ago.

Private day trip to Etna from Taormina

For an even more intimate and relaxed day trip to Etna from Taormina, conside a booking a private tour. These guided tours typically operate on a small-group basis and offer greater flexibility in designing the itinerary.

Many private excursions from Taormina include options for jeep tours to explore the area around the active volcano, as well as visits to wineries and traditional farmhouses to sample local delicacies. During the tour, you will also have the undivided attention of your knowledgeable guide, who will share information and stories about the places you explore.

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

The most budget-friendly Etna day trip takes place in the morning and includes an energizing hike to the summit of the iconic mount. This costs approximately €90 per person and includes hiking equipment, as well as a knowledgeable guide, appropriate insurance and lunch.

If you wish to combine your Etna day tour with a trip to Alcantara Canyons, you can do so for between €110 and €120 each. All entrance fees are covered in this price, as well as a wine tasting and lunch.

A food and wine tour of Sicily usually costs €140 per person and caters to small groups. The price includes sampling different wines and countless tastings of local food.

Finally, a private tour to Etna from Taormina typically costs €180 to €300 per person, depending on the itinerary and activities included.

What will you see and do?

Etna is known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in a near-constant state of activity. Its height of over 3,300 meters makes it one of the tallest mounts in Europe and with each eruption, the volcano grows by several meters.

While Etna is formed of over 300 craters, its summit, which includes five craters, is where most of the volcanic activity happens. Etna’s first documented explosion happened around 3,500 years ago, however, experts estimate that the site has been erupting for more than 500,000 years.

Despite all of this activity, you can still enjoy a day trip to Etna without worrying about your safety. The mount covers such a vast expanse of land that there are safe hiking trails even when eruptions are occurring.

Etna has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 for its "Outstanding Universal Value." The surroundings of the volcano have changed significantly throughout the centuries as new eruptions carve out the landscape.

You can also explore the natural basin of the Valle del Bove, which is the result of a volcanic collapse that happened approximately 10,000 years ago. The instability of Etna caused a gigantic landslide, resulting in this valley, which is now regarded as one of the most striking parts of the volcanic site.

The UNESCO-listed Etna also plays an important role in Greek mythology as the site where Zeus trapped the serpentine monster, Typhon.

When is the best time to visit Etna?

The best time for a day trip to Etna is during spring and early autumn, when the weather is generally mild, with comfortable temperatures and lower chances of rainfall.

Spring, from April to June, offers pleasant conditions with blooming flora, while the early autumn, from September to October, provides beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.

Are there any 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 Messina
• Day trips to Etna from Palermo

Travel tips

• Mount Etna's climate can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a jacket, even in the warmer months. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
• Before planning your visit, check the current volcanic activity and safety conditions. Mount Etna is an active volcano, and there may be times when certain areas are off-limits due to increased activity.
• Mount Etna's elevation can vary, so be prepared for altitude changes. Take breaks if needed and carry water to stay hydrated.