Frequently Asked Questions Faq

SOLUTION 1 with BUS

The public transport that allows you to reach the South Side - Rifugio Sapienza is the bus of the company AST . It is a scheduled bus that leaves from Catania, in Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII and reaches the Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. Departure time at 8.15 am - stop 15 min. in Nicolosi, and arrival at the square of the Sapienza Refuge at about 9.45 / 10. In order to optimize the times, we can provide a transfer from Nicolosi at 8.45 am to Rif. Sapienza, in order to arrive in time for the departure for the excursions to the Summit Craters, which usually start at 9 / 9.30. The return can always take place with the same bus of the AST Line, departing from Rif. Sapienza at about 16 / 16.30.
The price is around 6 euros each way. Below are all the timetables taken from the company's website:
From Catania: Departure from Catania is scheduled every day at 8:15 am, while the arrival on Etna is scheduled for approximately 10:00. It is possible to take the bus directly to Nicolosi at 9:05 am.
From Etna: The departure from Etna to Catania is scheduled for 16:30 every day, arriving in Nicolosi at 17:30 and in Catania at 18:30.
For information contact AST S.p.A. Catania - Via Luigi Sturzo, 230/232 - Tel. 095 7461096  

SOLUTION 2 with BUS

Another solution always with the AST Line BUS is the following: departing from Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII take the BUS for PEDARA at 7.15 am arriving at 8.20 am. Upon arrival in Pedara you will find our Guide, who will accompany you free of charge to the starting point of the excursion, and subsequently together with other participants it will be possible to undertake the scheduled excursion.   Ticket cost 3/4 euro.   The return will take place by direct BUS Rifugio Sapienza - Catania with departure at 16.30. The cost of the ticket is about 6 euros. &Nbsp;
For information contact AST S.p.A. Catania - Via Luigi Sturzo, 230/232 - Tel. 095 7461096

BY CAR

From Nicolosi: Once in Nicolosi, the tourist resort of Nicolosi (South Etna) can be reached in about 20 minutes by road. Take the Via Etnea and continue on the Provincial Road 92 until you reach the Piazzale del Sapienza Refuge which is located at an altitude of 1,900 m.
From Catania: Follow the signs for Nicolosi crossing first Gravina di Catania and then Mascalucia; Once in Nicolosi, take Via Etnea (the main street of the town) and continue along the SP 92 up to reach the Piazzale Cantoniera at an altitude of 1,910 m. How-to-reach-Etna
From Messina or Taormina: take the ME-CT A18 motorway and exit at Acireale, follow the road to Lavinaio, Monterosso, Trecastagni, Pedara until reaching Nicolosi; from here continue on the SP 92 up to an altitude of 1900. Alternatively, take the entire ME-CT A18 motorway and once you have passed the toll booths, continue on the Catania ring road. Exit at the Gravina di Catania junction and continue towards Mascalucia e then Nicolosi. From here, take the entire Via Etnea (the main street of the town) and continue on the SP 92 until you reach Piazzale Cantoniera at an altitude of 1,910 m.
From Palermo: Coming from the PA-CT A19 motorway at the junction with the Catania ring road, continue towards Messina, and exit at the "Gravina di Catania" junction. From here follow the directions for Nicolosi (or Etna) crossing first Gravina di Catania and then Mascalucia.

BY CAR

Etna Nord : Highway A18 CT-ME exit for Fiumefreddo di Sicilia continue for Linguaglossa and follow the provincial Mareneve up to Piano Provenzana

TRAIN + BUS

WITH DEPARTURE FROM CATANIA : For the Summer TRENITALIA together the FCE organize a combined TRAIN + BUS transport every day to reach Piano Provenzana. The service is called ETNA LINK The departure is scheduled from Catania at 10.20 with (change at the Giarre station), and arrival in Piano Provenzana at 12.00. At 13.00 it will be possible to participate in the Etna "3000" excursion The excursion will end at approximately 16.30. At 4.45 pm the BUS will start again for the return to Catania, arrival time at 6.30 pm. Cost: Only € 15.20 (Round trip)

TRAIN + BUS

WITH DEPARTURE FROM TAORMINA-GIARDINI NAXOS : For the Summer TRENITALIA together with the FCE they organize a combined TRAIN + BUS transport every day to reach Piano Provenzana. The service is called ETNA LINK The departure is scheduled from TAORMINA at 10.01 with (change at the Giarre station), and arrival in Piano Provenzana at 12.00. At 13.00 it will be possible to participate in the Etna "3000" excursion The excursion will end at approximately 16.30. At 4.45 pm the BUS will start again for the return to Taormina (always with a change in Giarre), arrival time at 6.49 pm. Cost: Only € 14 (Round trip)

The Alpine or Volcanological Guides are the professionals who work daily on the Etna volcano, are registered in the Regional Register of Alpine and Volcanological Guides and are therefore the only figures authorized to lead and accompany of tourists in active volcanic areas.
The training course is both technical and cultural, acquiring all the necessary skills in accompanying individuals or groups. Our main task is to transmit knowledge relating to geology, volcanology, the places we are going to visit, as well as all the rules of conduct, for an in-depth approach and reading of the volcanic environment.
The figure of the Alpine or Volcanological Guide plays a role of fundamental importance: we do not limit ourselves to simple knowledge, but to the constant study of the territory and the phenomena associated with it, a primary requirement that allows us to limit the risk related to the environment in which we operate, ensuring high standards of competence, safety and reliability. For us, professionalism is important as well as the passion that each of us uses to guarantee an experience unique to those who decide to rely on us. The volcano is an integral part of our life.

The excursions are suitable for everyone, you don't have to be athletes or sportsmen.
We offer various routes suitable for families with children, elderly people or even the disabled.
Obviously there is no shortage of more demanding excursions, suitable for those who play sports or are used to moving in the mountains at high altitudes.

Dressing well is essential to be prepared for the sudden changes in the weather in the mountains, it is important to wear layered clothing.
It is advisable to dress with a mallet and anorak or k-way, depending on the season.
Since our activities take place on often irregular lava soil, consisting of unstable deposits of ash and lapilli, it is necessary to wear hiking boots or shoes, mandatory to face the excursions to the summit area.
If necessary, we rely on specialized rentals for the rental of mountain equipment or technical clothing.