'''Mount Etna''' is a 3323m high active volcano in Sicily, Italy.
Understand
The mountain has an eerie volcanic landscape, with solidifed "rivers" of lava. It is used for '''skiing''' in winter, so be prepared for the cold at this altitude, even in summer. Even in good weather in summer, sometimes the top of the mountain is covered in cloud, especially during the afternoon, obscuring the wonderful views.
By bus
One bus a day runs to and from Catania and Nicolosi, to '''Rifugio Sapienza''' about 1400m below the summit on the south side, giving you enough time for a trip up the mountain and a wander.
By tour bus
Many agencies in Taormina offer organised trips to and around the mountain.
Tours can also be arranged by contacting:
the ''Parco Regionale dell'Etna'', Via Etnea 107, Nicolosi, tel: +39 095 914588.
Get around
There are 2 ways to get around on Mount Etna:
1) From Rifugio Sapienza (Etna south) during good weather, you can pay for a trip on a 4-wheel-drive vehicle + cable car (48? A/R) about 800m nearer the top. In bad weather, you can walk if you are experienced and prepared for freezing weather.
2) From Piano Provenzana ([http://www.volcanoetna.com/blog/ Etna] north) by walking to arrive on the summit Crater. This is a beautiful tour because it's possible to admire forests and lava sceneries.
See
The solidified '''rivers of lava'''.
The great '''views'''.
Many entertainers on the sides of the roads. for example, artists, singers, and photographers. *The many '''Mini-shops''' along the side walks, the '''old fashioned''' houses and restaurants, and the '''locals''' that live there.
Do
If you're fit and adventurous, check out the possibility of a guided climb of Etna. '''Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud''', Via Etnea 49 (Nicolosi), ''+39'' 095 7914755, [http://www.etnaguide.com] (not all pages have been translated to English as of July 2008), is the guide service applicable for ascents from Sapienza. The guides' English can be a bit hit or miss, but they know vastly more about conditions on the mountain than anyone else, and have by far the best understanding of what's safe and interesting. Climbing to the summit without a guide isn't just prohibited, it's foolhardy, even if you're a capable hiker in more conventional surroundings.
Buy
There are lots of souvenir shops around Rifugio Sapienza.
Eat
There are several cafes / restaurants around Rifugio Sapienza.
Drink
You can buy many hot chocolates to warm up your toasty bones
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Sleep
You can sleep in Rifugio Sapienza itself.
'''Hotel Corsaro Etna Sud''', Sapienza, ''+39'' 095 914122, [http://www.hotelcorsaro.it/]. A ski-lodge-like hotel that advertises itself as the "highest" lodging on Etna, referring to elevation, not price. 17 rooms, restaurant. Within easy walking distance of the lower funicular terminal.
There is a youth hostel about 15km away in Nicolosi.
'''Etnalodge''' at the North East foothills of Mount Etna active volcano offers in a charming environment (an ancient wine producing estate renovated as a lodge)rooms B&B. Terrific view, 500 meters above sea level in the countryside.
Camping Etna. ia Goethe" Phone=095/914309> is also in