The day I climbed Mt Etna volcano in Sicily
Sometimes travel experiences scare me a little… climbing a sleeping volcano on the island of Sicily was one of these experiences
A few years ago, I booked a short 3 day trip to Sicily for the experience of checking out the Etna DOCG wine region as part of my wine education to help me study for my WSET level 3 exam. I arrived quite early in the morning and checked into my hotel before the room was ready so I asked the hotel what they recommended. They recommended that I take a day tour and go check out Mount Etna.
When you don’t have a car, booking a day tour is quite convenient especially if they pick you up at your hotel.
Silent crater left from Mount Etna
Its important to note that you won’t be climbing the active Mount Etna itself when you go on a tour as that isn’t safe. Your tour operator would be smart to tell you that Mount Etna is still an active volcano and life in and around Catania and the Etna region is dictated by the volcanic eruptions of the volcano.
As with any active volcano regions, one would be smart to heed any cautions or news regarding activity with Mount Etna. The region around the volcano is very fertile and agriculture thrives there. If you get a chance to try Sicilian wines from the Etna DOCG region, you’ll discover a wonderful wine that tantalises the senses. The minerality comes from the volcanic ash left behind in the soil making the terroir of the wine-growing region truly fascinating for any wine lover.
Couldn’t have asked for a better day! Clear skies and moderate Mediterranean climate. That was a great day to climb Mount Etna
Can I tell you a little secret…
I’m terrified of heights and get weak in the knees. I had so much anxiety climbing the largest crater on Mount Etna because it was a bit windy up there. But with that said, its one of the major tourist attractions in Sicily and tourists of all ages, sizes, and abilities can climb the silent craters. Just be sure to wear good walking shoes as it can get a bit steep and rocky.
I was actually super terrified and nervous in this picture
The view is worth the climb
Included in my tour of Mount Etna was a stop to some of the caves that the lava rock created. This was a pretty cool experience!
You’re inspired… get yourself to mt etna!
Getting to Mt Etna is fairly easy from Catania or Taormina area with a group tour. There are usually day trips with various groups that will take you from your hotel to the volcanic region and return you back to your hotel at the end of the day. This was the option I took as it was the easiest and driving in Sicily can be quite the cultural experience!
All opinions and pictures are property of Alaine Handa except otherwise stated. All rights reserved. (c)
