Etna as a family with children

Etna in Family with Children

Exploring Mount Etna with the whole family can be an amazing experience, even for little ones. Whether you have an infant, preschooler or adventurous kids, there are activities to suit every age group. Here’s a guide to experiencing Europe’s most active volcano in a safe and fun way for the whole family.

Excursions with Infants (0-2 years old)

Even toddlers can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Mount Etna, as long as the hike is well planned. With infants, you cannot climb to high altitudes, because infants do not yet have well-developed bronchi and cannot open their ears well on their own. So our advice is to go up to a maximum altitude of 1800/1900m. Here are some ideas for those traveling with infants:

• Piano Provenzana 1800m: Piano Provenzana is located on the northern slope of Etna, the wilder and less touristy side. This place is easily accessible by car. You can take a walk here and let your children see the contrast between lava and nature. There are 2 bars and several souvenir stores.
• Rifugio Sapienza 1900m: Rifugio Sapienza is located on the southern slope of Etna, the side that is very well known and popular due to the presence of the Etna cable car. You can also get here easily by car, but there is also a public bus (AST) from Catania that leaves once a day for this slope. In Rifugio Sapienza you will find many restaurants and souvenir stores. You can bring your baby in a baby carrier or trekking stroller and take a relaxing walk through the lava fields and perhaps visit the Silvestri craters that are just alongside the road. These spots are perfect for taking photos and enjoying the view without too much physical exertion.
• Etna Adventure Park: Although the park is more suitable for older children, it has shaded picnic areas where you can relax while older children have fun.

Parent tip: Be sure to bring everything you need to change and feed your baby, as not all areas offer equipped facilities. For infants, it is important to always bring a pacifier or a baby bottle so babies can suck on it to get their ears open.

Excursions with Children (3-7 years old)

At this age children are curious and energetic, but long walks can still be too challenging. Here are some activities perfect for toddlers:

• Sartorius Mountains Trail: The Sartorius Mountains are the 7 old craters dating from the 1865 eruption. This place is ideal for those who still want to discover the volcano but not climb to high altitude or take long hikes. This is an easy, flat trail that passes through birch forests and ancient lava flows. This trail is perfect for introducing children to the nature of Etna, with a circular route of about 3 km that can be completed in 1-2 hours. You can walk here safely on your own, but if you want to learn more about the area and the volcano, we recommend hiring a guide.
• Volcanic caves: Visit Thieves Cave, Snow Cave or Corruccio Cave or other safe volcanic caves where volcanological guides can explain the history of the volcano in a simple way. Children will have fun exploring the small tunnels like real adventurers.
• Etna Cable Car: The cable car is a ride that many children enjoy. The cable car is only on the south side of Etna and in about 12 minutes takes you from 1900m altitude to 2500m altitude. If you still want to see something special, you still have to climb for at least 30 to 40 minutes on foot. Or, as we recommend, do the full excursion with the cable car, 4×4 bus and guide up to an altitude of 2900m.
• 4×4 bus: On the North slope, on the other hand, you can go up by 4×4 bus to 2900m altitude on the volcano. So you get up to the Pizzi Deneri observatory, with a view of the summit craters. During this tour you get off the bus several times, so this makes the hike very nice for children. They visit extinct craters, moon towns and see different types of lava. They are also followed for a full 2.5 hours by the guide who tells them all the secrets of Etna.

Parent tip: Always bring a hat, water and a small snack. The mountains can be hot in the summer, but the weather can change quickly.

Excursions with Kids (8-12 years old)

At this age children are ready for more challenging hikes and unforgettable adventures. Here are the best options:

• Ascent to the Summit Craters (up to 2,900 meters): An exciting adventure for the brave! Although it is not possible to reach the summit crater with children of this age, the route up to 2,900 meters is quite safe and well managed. A unique experience to explore the lava fields and newer craters, with an experienced guide to tell fascinating stories about the volcano.
• ATV Tours (Etna Quad): For adventurous kids, ATV tours (such as those offered by Etna Lava) are an exhilarating way to explore the volcano. Accompanied by adults, children can experience the thrill of traversing Etna’s moonscapes in a safe and fun way.
• Trekking to Valle del Bove: One of the most impressive natural formations on Etna, Valle del Bove is a huge volcanic depression. Although the trek is longer (about 5 km), with breaks and a moderate pace, it can be managed by sporty and curious kids, allowing them to discover the secrets of the volcano.

Parent tip: For more strenuous hikes, make sure children have appropriate shoes and are prepared to walk for several hours.

Other Activities for the Whole Family

In addition to hiking, there are many other activities that can involve the whole family:

• Farm Days: Discover the nature of Etna through visits to educational farms, where children can interact with animals and participate in environmental education workshops.
• Volcano Museum Visits: Explore the science of the volcano at museums dedicated to Etna, where children can learn through interactive games and hands-on activities.

Other Activities for the Whole Family

• Safety First: Always make sure you have sunscreen, plenty of water and appropriate clothing with you. Weather conditions on Etna can change rapidly.
• Book an experienced guide: With a volcanological guide such as Alessandro Lo Giudice or Marco Alessi, you will be sure that the hike is appropriate for your family’s abilities while offering fascinating information about the volcano.
• Respect safety zones: Depending on volcano activity, some areas may be closed. Always check restrictions before setting out on your adventure.

Whether you are traveling with an infant or adventurous children, Etna offers a unique experience that will leave lasting memories for the whole family!