Etna Sunset Tour from Catania: Lava Cave, Valle del Bove & Tasting

Summary

Etna’s wild colors, Sicilian flavors and the last light over Valle del Bove

You’ll ride up Mt. Etna from Catania with pickup included, walk ancient lava flows near Zafferana Etnea, taste local honey and wine on a family farm, then explore a real lava cave before an easy trek around extinct craters at sunset. The shifting light over Valle del Bove will stick with you long after you leave Sicily.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our guide, Salvo, grinned as we pulled away from Catania — the city just sort of faded behind us while the volcano took over the windshield. It’s weird how quickly you swap sea air for that dry, mineral smell. We stopped by Acitrezza for a look at those lava stacks — they jut out of the water like stubborn old teeth. Salvo told us a story about giants tossing them into the sea, and I swear even the wind seemed to pause for it.

The drive up to Mt. Etna got quieter as we climbed. At Zafferana Etnea, we stood where that 1991 lava flow nearly swallowed the town — black rock pressed right up against someone’s backyard fence. You could still feel a bit of warmth coming off it if you crouched down (I checked). Then came my favorite part: a farm stop where we tasted honey so floral it actually surprised me, plus olive oil that made me rethink supermarket stuff forever. Tried to say “grazie” properly — probably butchered it because the old woman just laughed and handed me another piece of bread.

Later on we ducked into a lava cave with helmets and torches (felt a bit like kids playing explorers). The air inside was damp and cold, nothing like outside — you could hear your own breath echoing back at you. After that, we trekked up to these old craters at 2,000 meters. The wind picked up hard but then everything went quiet except for our boots crunching on black gravel. Watching sunset spill across Valle del Bove… I still think about that color — not quite orange or pink, more like something in between that only happens here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volcano ascent and sunset trekking

• Pick up from lodgings or meeting point
• Pass through Catania seafront, see Acitrezza stacks
• Visit 1991-1993 lava flow front at Zafferance Etnea
• Taste local products at a farm
• Break overlooking Valle del Bove volcanic boiler
• Explore lava cave with helmets and flashlights
• Easy trekking at sunset around 1892 crater
• Return to starting point

Top questions

What does the Etna Sunset Tour from Catania include?

The tour includes hotel pickup in Catania, vehicle transfers with air conditioning and driver, visits to lava flows and Acitrezza stacks, farm tasting (honey, olive oil, wines), guided exploration of a lava cave with helmets/torches provided, easy trekking at sunset around old craters at 2,000m altitude, and return transfer.

How long is the drive from Catania to Mt. Etna?

The drive from Catania to Mt. Etna typically takes about an hour depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Is lunch or food included in this Etna tour?

The tour includes a tasting stop at a local farm featuring typical products such as honey, olive oils, pesto, wines & liqueurs; there is no full lunch but plenty to sample.

Do I need special equipment for exploring the lava cave?

No special equipment needed; helmets and torches are provided by your guides for safe exploration of the lava cave.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes; trekking is easy level and suitable for anyone with basic fitness—no strenuous hiking required.

Are there English-speaking guides on this tour?

Yes; guides are available in English as well as French, Italian and Spanish upon request.

When does the winter departure start?

During winter (November to April), departures begin at 12:00 noon from Catania.

Can I bring service animals on this tour?

Yes; service animals are allowed on this Mt. Etna sunset tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup directly from your lodging or meeting point in Catania in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver; guided stops along Acitrezza’s seafront and Zafferana’s historic lava flow; tastings of local honey, olive oil and wine at a family-run farm; all equipment needed for exploring a real lava cave; an easy sunset trek around ancient craters; plus return transfer back to your starting point.