Trekking Serracozzo Cave and Bove Valley

The trekking itinerary

At an altitude of 1,750 meters, near the striking Citelli Refuge, begins an adventure that will take you to discover the secrets and wonders of Europe’s most active volcano. Our trek, designed for those who love to immerse themselves in nature, winds through enchanted paths, enveloped in the vibrant colors and intense scents of a birch and beech forest, enriched by the characteristic “pillows” of talus that emerge from extraordinary lava vistas. This route will guide you through breathtaking landscapes, where the majesty of Mount Frumento delle Concazze and the fractures carved by the 1928 eruption create spectacular contrasts. During the ascent, the horizon opens to the splendid Ionian coast, with views stretching from Taormina to the Catania coast, framing scenery of rare beauty. The itinerary includes:

• A fascinating trek along the Serracozzo trail
• A visit to the Serracozzo volcanic cave, an ancient lava flow gallery of extraordinary beauty
• A stop at the Bove Valley lookout, with unique views of the 1928 lava flow

The gentle and accessible trail will take you to a secret valley, where the 1971 crater is located, inside of which lies the magnificent Serracozzo Cave. This natural spectacle, with its unique shapes and colors, is one of the highlights of the hike. Continuing through striking lava gullies, you will reach Serra delle Concazze at an altitude of 1,910 meters, from which you can admire the imposing Valle del Bove and the entire volcanic structure, including the summit craters. The route continues uphill to an elevation of 2,100 meters, and then embarks on a scenic descent along a sandy channel that will take you over the fracture of the 1928 eruption, before returning to the starting point. An unforgettable experience that will immerse you in the beating heart of Etna.

Serracozzo Cave and Bove Valley Trekking Details

The hike starts from Rifugio Citelli. Departure is in the morning at 09:00 am or in the afternoon at 2:00 pm. The meeting is always at least 15 minutes before departure, so you can check your equipment, get used to the altitude, have time to go to the bathroom and take 2 photos. The hike takes about 3.5 hours in total, between the trek and the guide’s explanation during the hike. The walking trek takes about 3.5 hours in total: about 2 hours uphill + 1 hour downhill. There is an elevation gain of about 300m. Enjoyment of walking and a desire to explore is required for this hike. The trail is suitable for sportsmen with good condition.

• Starting point: Citelli Refuge
• Total duration: about 3 hours
• Departure time: 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Height difference: about 300m
• Meeting time: 9:40 a.m. and 2:10 p.m.
• Distance: about 3 km uphill + 2 km downhill
• Return time: 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Difficulty: Route suitable for all
• Duration walking trek: about 3 hours

Price and availability excursion

Trekking craters 2002 and fracture 1911 and 1923 costs € 30.00 per person. Included in the price is the accompanying guide. Children from 5 to 12 years old pay € 20.00 per person.

• Adults: €30.00 per person
• Children 5-12 years old: €20.00 per person

For customized tour is private, price is on request. For groups (10+ people) and/or school groups, the price is upon request.

Payment

We work on the basis of trust. This means that we do not ask for any advance payment. You can pay the same day directly to the guide. It is possible to pay by cash, ATM or credit card.

Availability

The hike is available year-round, from January to December, but only by reservation. If snow is present, the hike is done with snowshoes (with an extra charge for equipment rental).

Clothing, shoes & what to bring

For a good hiking trip, proper preparation is essential. We always recommend dressing in layers. How many and what layers depend on the season. But the higher you climb Mount Etna volcano, the colder it gets. In addition, wind can often make the weather seem even colder. A windbreaker and a hat are therefore not a luxury. It is possible to rent hiking shoes and a jacket by contacting the rental stores in Piano Provenzana. We recommend bringing a backpack with at least 1.5 L of water per person. It is also recommended to bring some sweet and/or salty snacks. In total, the hike takes about 3 hours, so always bring something extra to eat! Also don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses! In brief:

With the reservation we send you our packing list, with the things we recommend you to bring!

FAQ