Mount Etna 2000m & Taormina: Silvestri Craters & Isola Bella

Two thousand meters up a volcano, then loose in Sicily's most famous town

You're picked up from your Catania hotel and driven to Mount Etna, where you walk the Silvestri Craters at 2000 meters and taste local products. A short stop at Isola Bella gives you a panoramic view over the nature reserve, then you have free time to explore Taormina's main street and cafés on your own. Hotel drop-off is included at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Mount Etna2h
2. Corso Umberto I2h

Explore Etna and Taormina highlights

• Visit Silvestri craters at 2000 m
• Taste typical local products
• Admire view over Isola Bella
• Explore Taormina centre independently

The experience

So you're standing at the Silvestri Craters on Mount Etna at 2000 meters, and yeah, it's actually the highest volcano in Europe: UNESCO World Heritage Site and all that. The air gets thinner up there, and the craters themselves are these dark, almost black bowls of rock that look like something from another planet. You get time to walk around them, take photos, and then there's the typical products tasting: local honey, wine, whatever they're selling that day. It's not a long stop, but it's enough to feel like you've actually been to the volcano and not just driven past it.

After Etna, the route drops down toward the coast and you get a break at Isola Bella, this small nature reserve that sits just off the beach. There's a panoramic view over it from where the vehicle stops: the water's this bright blue and the island itself is this little green jewel. You're not getting out and swimming or anything, but the view is the kind of thing that makes you pull out your phone even though you know the photo won't do it justice. Then it's on to Taormina, and this is where the day opens up. You've got free time to walk Corso Umberto I, the main street, grab lunch, wander into shops, sit at a café. If you want a certified guide to walk you through the town and explain the history, that costs extra and you arrange it at booking: otherwise it's just you and the place.

The whole thing runs from Catania with hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you don't have to figure out how to get to the meeting point or negotiate a taxi back. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters when you're climbing up a volcano in the Mediterranean heat and then sitting in traffic on the way back down. It's a long day (you're looking at a full loop from morning to evening), but it's the kind of day where you actually see something instead of just hearing about it.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Catania are included in the price.
• You also get a typical local products tasting at the Silvestri Craters, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and free time to explore Taormina on your own.
• A certified guide for Taormina costs extra and must be arranged at booking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Enjoy Sicily

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Mount Etna and Taormina in one day without renting a car or planning the route yourself: the fixed itinerary and included pickup handle all the logistics, leaving you to focus on the volcano and the town.

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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 (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 24 h before the start.

How long is the full day trip?

The itinerary runs from morning pickup to evening drop-off. Exact duration depends on your hotel location and traffic, but plan for a full day.

What's included in the typical products tasting?

Local specialties (usually honey, wine, or regional foods) are tasted at the Silvestri Craters stop. The exact items vary by season and availability.

Do I need a guide in Taormina or can I explore alone?

Free time in Taormina is yours to spend as you like. A certified guide is available for an extra charge if you want one: arrange this at booking.

Is the drive to Mount Etna difficult?

No. The vehicle does the driving. You sit in air-conditioned comfort. The walk around the Silvestri Craters is manageable for all fitness levels.

What should I bring to Mount Etna at 2000 meters?

Bring a light jacket. It's cooler at altitude even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water are also recommended.

Is there food or a restaurant at the Silvestri Craters?

There's a tasting of local products, but no full meal service at the craters. Plan to eat lunch in Taormina during your free time there.

Can I book a guide for Taormina in advance?

Yes, certified guides are available as an add-on. Arrange this when you book the tour. The cost is not included in the base price.

Is the Isola Bella stop a swimming stop?

No. It's a short panoramic viewing stop where you see the nature reserve from above. You don't get in the water or go down to the beach.