Just over two hours’ drive from Capo d’Orlando Marina, Mount Etna dominates eastern Sicily with its constant presence: an identity symbol that reaches 3,403 meters in height, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A territory on the move
The Etna Park extends for over 59,000 hectares, from chestnut and birch woods to the most recent lava flows, up to the Grotta del Gelo, the southernmost glacier in Europe.
Going up in altitude, the vegetation gives way to black stone and volcanic ash, until it reaches the summit area, where the landscape becomes lunar.
The eruptions, which can be observed from a safe distance, remind us that this is a living volcano, in continuous transformation, capable of drawing and erasing its territory.
Itineraries and experiences
Etna can be experienced in many ways, depending on the season and the level of experience.
From the north side, reachable from Linguaglossa (about 70 km from the port) or Piano Provenzana (about 83 km), the most evocative paths for trekking, 4×4 excursions and nature tours with volcanological guides start.
On the south side, from Nicolosi (about 182 km away), you climb towards the Sapienza Refuge (about 178 km away) and the Silvestri craters, with views that range as far as the sea of Taormina and Calabria.
Those who prefer a slower approach can take the Etna Wine Route, among vineyards on lava soil and small villages such as Randazzo (about 51 km away) and Castiglione di Sicilia (about 68 km away), where the winemaking tradition is intertwined with the volcanic one.
Mount Etna seen from the sea
From the waters of Capo d’Orlando, on clear days, the profile of Etna appears on the horizon as a natural landmark. It accompanies navigation along the east coast, which for many boaters marks a route from land: an alternative itinerary, made up of nature and altitude, which completes the experience of the sea.
For those mooring at the marina, the volcano is an easily accessible destination. A stage that completes the experience of the sea, offering the opportunity to discover the strength and beauty of a unique territory up close.