Mount Etna & Taormina Tour from Catania with Local Guide

Summary

Explore Sicily’s volcanic slopes and Taormina’s lively streets in one day

You’ll climb Mount Etna’s ancient craters with a local guide, taste real Sicilian snacks in Taormina, and wander down to Isola Bella’s pebbled shore—all with easy hotel pickup from Catania. Expect moments of silence on volcanic ash, lively street scenes, and maybe even a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up the black, pine-fringed slopes of Mount Etna before I’d finished my first coffee—our guide, Salvo, had a playlist of old Sicilian songs going and pointed out where the lava had swallowed up a village decades ago. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and I kept brushing gritty ash off my jeans. There was this weird silence when we stepped onto the Silvestri Craters—like the volcano was holding its breath. Salvo handed me a chunk of cooled lava rock; it felt lighter than I expected. He laughed when I tried to say “cratere” with an Italian accent (I definitely didn’t nail it). The views stretched all the way to Catania and the coast—hard to believe how close everything is from up here.

After Etna, we drove toward Taormina. The road twisted past lemon groves and tiny roadside shrines. In town, Corso Umberto was buzzing—locals chatting over espresso, shopkeepers sweeping their doorways. Our guide gave us tips on where to find arancini that weren’t just for tourists (he was right—the one I tried was still warm inside). Walking through those medieval arches felt like stepping into another time. We wandered down toward Isola Bella later; you can actually walk across this skinny strip of sand to the island if you don’t mind getting your shoes wet. The water was so clear you could see little fish darting around your ankles.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on a volcano or so at home in a place I’d never been before. It’s funny—I keep thinking about that moment on the crater rim when everything went quiet except for someone laughing in the distance. Sicily gets under your skin like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Mount Etna and Taormina

• Drive to Etna South
• See past eruption site
• Walk Silvestri Craters
• Walk Corso Umberto in Taormina
• Visit Isola Bella island

Top questions

How long does the Mount Etna & Taormina tour from Catania take?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Catania city centre.

Is hotel pickup included in this Mount Etna tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are there stops at both Mount Etna and Taormina?

Yes, you’ll visit Mount Etna (Silvestri Craters), then continue on to explore Taormina including Corso Umberto and Isola Bella.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The vehicle is not equipped for wheelchairs but passengers able to transfer can join; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear for walking on Mount Etna?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain; weather can change quickly so bring layers.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a knowledgeable local driver/guide throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Catania, all taxes and entry fees covered, bottled water for the ride, plus transport by air-conditioned minivan with a friendly local driver-guide who knows every shortcut—and where to find good snacks along the way.