Etna: Trek Valle Bove & lava tunnel with local guide

Summary

Trek across Etna’s black sands and into the heart of Valle del Bove

You’ll walk across Etna’s black sand slopes with a local guide, pass ancient lava flows and wildflowers, peer into Valle del Bove’s vast basin, and crawl through a real lava tunnel with helmet and flashlight included — all while learning stories only Sicilians tell. It’s an experience you’ll remember every time you see volcanic rock or smell pine smoke again.

What’s the experience like?

Crunching under my boots, the black sand felt weirdly soft — almost like walking on burnt sugar. Our guide, Salvo, grinned at us as we hesitated at the first slope. “Don’t worry, everyone slips here,” he said, waving us forward. The air smelled faintly of pine and something smoky, but not unpleasant. I kept stopping to stare at the ridges; they looked like someone had dragged their fingers through wet clay. It’s hard to believe this is just outside Zafferana Etnea — you’d think you’d landed on another planet.

We crossed patches where old lava flows had cooled into twisted sculptures. Salvo pointed out wildflowers growing in cracks — tiny bursts of color against all that gray. At one point, he stopped to show us a patch of moss that only grows here on Mount Etna. I tried to pronounce its name in Italian (failed), and he laughed, then told me how his grandfather used to collect it for tea. The wind picked up as we reached Valle del Bove; suddenly everything went quiet except for our footsteps and the distant call of some bird I couldn’t see.

The best part? Crawling into the lava tube with our helmets and flashlights — honestly, I was nervous at first (it’s darker than you expect), but inside it was cool and almost echoey, like being inside a secret room. Salvo explained how these tunnels form during eruptions; his voice bounced off the walls while we shuffled along behind him. My hands got dusty from touching the rough stone — still have a bit under my nails, actually.

I didn’t expect to feel so small up there at 2,100 meters, looking down into that massive valley. There’s something about seeing steam rising from cracks in the earth that makes you realize how alive this place is — not just old rocks and stories. On the way back down, someone started humming a song (no idea what it was), and for a minute nobody spoke at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mount Etna and Valle del Bove

• Guided trek on Mount Etna
• Visit Valle del Bove basin
• Explore Silvestri Craters

Top questions

How long is the trek in Valle del Bove?

The trek covers about 5.5 km in total distance.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?

The highest point is around 2,100 meters above sea level.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mount Etna tour?

Private transportation is included as part of your day trip.

Do I need special equipment for the lava tunnel?

Helmets and flashlights are provided by your guide for exploring the tunnel.

How difficult is the hike on Mount Etna?

The trek is considered medium-easy but requires moderate fitness.

Are trekking shoes required for this experience?

You should wear trekking shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Can weather affect the itinerary?

The route may change if weather or safety conditions require it.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; bring snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your meeting point near Zafferana Etnea, all necessary gear like helmets, flashlights, sticks, jackets and sweaters for exploring Etna’s lava tubes and trails alongside your local guide before returning after about three hours of trekking.