Mount Etna & Gambino Winery: Volcano Craters, Lava Tunnel & Lunch

Summary

Etna’s side craters and Sicilian wine tasting with local lunch

You’ll walk along Mount Etna’s ancient side craters, explore a real lava tunnel with a local guide, then unwind at Gambino Winery over Sicilian lunch and volcanic wines. With hotel pickup included from Taormina or nearby towns, this day trip lets you taste, touch, and hear Sicily’s wild heart — it might stick with you longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of black gravel under my boots — not quite sand, not quite stone. Our guide Salvo grinned as he handed out helmets near the lava tunnel. “Don’t worry,” he said, “Etna’s sleeping today.” The air smelled faintly like burnt toast (I guess that’s what a volcano should smell like?). We’d left Taormina early, and the drive up twisted through chestnut trees and little towns where old men sat outside cafés waving as we passed. I tried to say grazie in my best accent; Salvo just laughed and told me to save my Italian for the winery.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on those side craters from 1865 — five of them in a row, looking almost gentle from afar but sharp-edged up close. Wind whipped around us while Salvo explained how the flows shaped the land; I kept thinking about how people live here with all this history rumbling underneath. There were souvenir shops by the ski resort (lots of magnets), but honestly I was more interested in watching a local kid chase his dog across the parking lot than shopping.

The lava tunnel was colder than outside, damp on my hands when I touched the wall. It felt weirdly alive down there — maybe it was just my imagination or maybe Etna really does hum if you listen close enough. After that, we headed straight to Gambino Winery for lunch. The table was already set with olives and bread when we arrived, and someone poured a glass before I even sat down. Volcanic soil makes for punchy reds — or that’s what they said; all I know is it tasted earthy and somehow sharp at once. The pasta had fennel sausage (I’m still thinking about it), and everyone loosened up after a couple pours. One of the staff showed us how to swirl our glasses properly; mine nearly sloshed over.

On the way back, sun flickered through clouds over Etna’s slopes. It’s funny how quickly you can go from feeling like an explorer to just being sleepy in a van full of strangers who suddenly feel familiar. Sicily gets under your skin that way — quietly, without asking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Etna volcano and wine tasting tour

• Pick up at accommodation
• Admire last side flow of volcano
• Walk to five side craters
• Visit lava flow tunnel with gear
• Enjoy wine tasting and lunch
• Drive back to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Mount Etna & Gambino Winery tour last?

The tour takes most of a day including transfers, crater walks, lava tunnel visit, and two hours at Gambino Winery for lunch and tasting.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Taormina?

Yes, pickup is included from accommodations between Taormina and nearby towns.

What do you do at Gambino Winery during this tour?

You’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting paired with traditional Sicilian lunch at Gambino Winery.

Are there any physical requirements for walking on Mount Etna?

The walk involves uneven terrain around side craters; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Are infant seats provided during transport?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup between Taormina and nearby towns, guided walks on Mount Etna’s side craters and into a lava tunnel (with helmet and flashlight), plus two hours at Gambino Winery enjoying lunch paired with volcanic wines before returning safely in an air-conditioned vehicle.