Monte Nero Crater Trekking
Meeting point: Euro Etna Tourism cabin, located next to Bar Esagonal, Piazzale Funivia.
Meet: at 10:00, delivery of equipment, bureaucratic formalities, latest information from the volcanological bulletin of the NIGV of Catania and delivery of tickets.
Departure: 10:30 am, delivery of equipment, bureaucratic formalities, latest information from the volcanological bulletin of the NIGV of Catania and delivery of tickets.
On this trip we will go on the first nature trail created in Sicily in 1991, one of the most popular in the Park of Etna. The path winds entirely through the domain of the forest, offering a very wide-ranging overview of the natural environment of Etna.
The hiking does not present any notable difficulty. Starting from the plateau to the west of Monte Vetore, within a short distance of the Grande Albergo dell’Etna, we will cross the ancient and recent lava fields (1985 – 2001), lava flow caves and the cave of Santa Barbara, so dear to the snow merchants of old, since the snow trade developed precisely from this place.
Along the way, we will admire the characteristic “cannon stones”, sarcophagi of lava that solidified around tree trunks, and immerse ourselves in the woodlands of towering pines, commonly called “Zappini”.
The path will take us near the Botanical Garden, created by the University of Catania in collaboration with the Directorate of Forests. At this research site, all major environments that characterize Etna have been recreated, and here you can see all the plant species present in the Etna area.
Leaving the Botanical Garden behind us, we will walk along a paved roadway which will take us to the starting point, completing the circular route of the tour.
Excursion Details
Difficulty: easy
Duration: approx. 2-3 hours.
Price: 25 € adults, 15 € children (5 – 7 years old), the price includes trekking poles and the guide.