Etna Day Trip by Mountain Bike

Challenge yourself on a mountain bike excursion to discover one of Italy's most beautiful natural landscapes. Enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of Etna without having to think about a thing. We'll sort it all out: pick-up from your accommodation in Catania, bike and guide included!

The trail begins from the "Melia Gate", just a few kilometres from the town of Nicolosi, the southern entrance to the Altamontana track. You will proceed on an off-road path which almost circumnavigates the whole of the volcano at an altitude of about 1600 metres, offering a wonderful view of the differing landscapes of Mt Etna. Going up and down, you will quickly pass by some fascinating scenes: verdant mixed woodland, fragrant pine forest, deserts of old lava flows, high-mountain refuges and caves.

You will also have the chance to see wild animal life on Etna like foxes, hares, rabbits. After about 36 Km, you will get to the northern limit of the path: from Caserma Pitarrone you will enter into the Ragabo pinewood to get to the Mareneve road, from which after just a few kilometres, you will take a steep rise to “Zappinazzu”, the biggest existing pine on Etna.
You will proceed in the direction of Monte Crisimo and, after having passed the mountain refuge of the same name, you will get to the Cerrita wood, the little church of Magazzeni and Zafferana Etnea.

Meeting Point: Pick-up included from Catania.
Duration (approximate): from 8:00 to 14:00.
DIstance: about 60 km.
Elevation gain: 1100 m.
Difficulty level: This tour takes place between at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 metres, requiring stamina. It is not suitable for people with heart conditions or with respiratory problems.
All-inclusive rate: including mountain bike rental, helmet, naturalist guide, transfer from Catania and insurance.