Active volcano, hiking, panoramic views, volcanic wines
95012 Castiglione di Sicilia, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy Get directions

"Europe’s highest and most active volcano offers a classic hiking experience: well-developed paths, local guides, and frequent monitoring let you trek across solidified lava flows and crater rims with confidence; panoramic views over Catania and the Ionian Sea reward climbs that range from gentle slopes to full-day ascents, and even when Etna puts on a show—its familiar plume catching the evening light—routes are strictly watched and paths blocked at the first sign of activity." - Hana Al-Khodairi

"On its website, this modern restaurant describes itself as “the home of different flavours from the Karst region”. The cuisine here is generous and exciting, with a focus on top-quality ingredients that the chef skilfully transforms into delicious dishes. The pizzas are excellent; the Burger Gourmet and Tuna Burger, served with home-made beetroot bread, are superb; and the exquisite desserts simply cannot be missed!" - Michelin Inspector


"Somewhere atop Europe’s only active volcano, I took in an immense, fiery presence that dominates eastern Sicily; you can see her for miles, find arancini shaped like her, and even toast her strength with the deep red, locally made Fuoco del Vulcano (70 proof—I looked like Wile E. Coyote swallowing dynamite after a sip). Throughout 2025 she’s been doing what she does best: blowing off steam and lava—erupting now and then—wooing tourists (sometimes clueless ones, to the chagrin of local authorities) yet feeling far less polished than the typical la dolce vita destinations. I rode up on an excursion and found the mountain both ubiquitous in daily life and vividly alive in art and appetite." - Rob LeDonne

"Sicily's eastern coast is home to the historic city of Catania and the charming town of Taormina, offering views of Mt. Etna, upscale shopping, and luxury accommodations."

"The island's iconic volcano featured on the itinerary with an off-road Jeep excursion; the surrounding region also includes wineries that benefit from volcanic soils." - Regan Stephens