Etna and Alcantara tour: Volcanic trek and canyon gorge

Walk inside a volcano's geology, then wade through a river canyon carved into lava

A guided day tour from Taormina that combines trekking on Mount Etna's Sartorius Mountains at 2,000 meters with a visit to the Cave of Thieves and a descent into the Alcantara Gorges, a 25-meter-high canyon carved by river water through lava rock. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours with a professional guide in English or Italian, pickup from Taormina or Giardini Naxos, hiking poles, helmets, torches and the Alcantara entrance ticket included. Lunch at a local mountain shelter costs extra. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Etna and Alcantara Gorges

• Pick up in Taormina or nearby
• Trek Sartorius Mountains for 2 hours
• Visit and descend to Grotto of Thieves
• Lunch at local shalet (own expense)
• Admire Alcantara Gorges canyon

The experience

You start in Taormina or Giardini Naxos and travel by luxury van to the Sartorius Mountains, where the trek begins at roughly 2,000 meters above sea level. The route winds through side craters formed during the 1865 eruption, passing through birch woods and opening onto panoramic views of Etna's north face. Your guide walks you through the geological, botanical and animal life of the area. The landscape itself becomes the lesson. The trek lasts about two hours and suits all fitness levels, though the altitude and uneven terrain mean steady footing matters.

After the Sartorius trek, you visit and descend into the Cave of Thieves, a volcanic cavern that deepens your sense of Etna's underground architecture. Then the tour moves to the Alcantara Gorges, where the Alcantara River has carved a spectacular canyon through solid lava rock, with walls rising up to 25 meters on either side. You descend into this narrow passage accompanied by your guide, walking between the river and the stone walls in an immersive landscape shaped entirely by water and volcanic geology. The gorge is where the two forces that shape this region (fire and water) meet in one visible place.

The van returns you to your pickup point by late afternoon. Bring layers. The altitude cools the air even in summer, and the gorge stays shaded and damp. Hiking poles, helmets and torches are provided. If you want lunch, a typical local mountain shelter sits along the route and charges you directly. The tour does not include a meal.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Italian.
• pickup and return by luxury van from Taormina or Giardini Naxos.
• hiking poles, helmets and torches.
• entrance ticket to the Alcantara Gorges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 75 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lady Etna Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're combining Etna's volcanic peaks with Alcantara Gorge in one day. The trek handles both landscapes without requiring separate transport between sites.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (2 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is the Cave of Thieves and why is it part of this tour?

The Cave of Thieves is a volcanic cavern on Mount Etna that you visit and descend into during the trek. It shows the underground structure of the volcano and is included as part of the route through Etna's geological features.

Can I do this tour if I have never hiked before?

Yes. The Sartorius Mountains trek is suitable for all fitness levels and all ages from 2 and up. The route is steady but uneven, so comfortable hiking boots and a moderate pace matter more than prior experience.

What exactly happens at the Alcantara Gorges?

At the Alcantara Gorges, you descend into a narrow canyon carved by the Alcantara River through lava rock, with walls up to 25 meters high on either side. You walk between the river and the stone, experiencing the landscape shaped by water cutting through volcanic stone.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. A typical local mountain shelter sits along the route where you can eat. You pay the shelter directly for any food or drinks you order there.

What gear and equipment do I need to bring?

Bring comfortable hiking boots, layers for cooler mountain air, and sun protection. Hiking poles, helmets and torches are provided by the tour. The van pickup and return are included.

How long does the Sartorius Mountains trek actually take?

The trek on the Sartorius Mountains lasts about two hours. The full tour runs 6 to 8 hours including the van travel, the Cave of Thieves visit, and the Alcantara Gorges descent.