Mt Etna from Catania: Wine Tasting & Lava Cave Trek

Summary

Walk ancient Etna trails taste local wine and descend into lava caves

You’ll hike over ancient lava fields on Mt Etna with a local guide, peek inside a real lava cave with helmet and lamp, then relax over Sicilian wines at a nearby cellar. Includes round-trip pickup from Catania and all gear — expect some laughs and maybe a new favorite bottle.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how quickly Catania turns wild until we were already winding up Mt Etna’s slopes, the city noise fading behind us. Our guide, Salvo, switched between English and French without missing a beat — he even joked about our shoes (“don’t worry, I’ve seen worse”). The air smelled faintly smoky, like someone had just put out a campfire somewhere far off. It was cooler than I expected for Sicily in June. You could see little tufts of steam rising from the ground here and there, which felt sort of unreal.

The trekking part wasn’t too tough, but you do feel the crunch of black volcanic gravel under your boots (they’ll lend you some if you forgot). We stopped at the Silvestri craters — Salvo told us stories about eruptions that sounded half like legend. There was this quiet moment where everyone just stared out at the view; I think we all felt tiny for a second. And then someone’s phone rang and broke the spell — classic.

Later, helmets on, we ducked into a lava cave. It was damp and echoey inside; my lamp flickered a bit but Salvo said that was “Etna’s way of saying ciao.” Honestly, I probably looked ridiculous crouching through those narrow bits. After all that darkness, stepping back into the sunlight felt almost blinding. The day trip from Catania to Mt Etna wrapped up with a visit to a local winery — Sicilian reds that tasted earthy and bright at once. The winemaker explained each pour with this calm pride; I still think about that last glass sometimes when I open something at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt Etna trekking and wine tasting

• Excursion with Etna tribe
• Stop for break
• Trek natural path of Monte Etna
• Visit old Silvestri craters
• Trek natural path of Parco dell'Etna
• Visit lava cave with helmets and lamps
• Wine degustation

Top questions

How long does the Mt Etna & wine tasting tour from Catania last?

The tour is structured as a day trip departing from Catania.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mt Etna tour?

Yes, round-trip shuttle bus pickup is included.

Are trekking shoes provided if I don’t have any?

Trekking shoes are available on request during the tour.

Will there be a guide who speaks English or other languages?

Yes, the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide.

Is this day trip suitable for families with infants?

Yes, specialized infant seats and baby carriers are available.

Do we go inside an actual lava cave on Mt Etna?

Yes, you visit a lava cave with helmets and lamps provided.

Does the tour include wine tasting at a local winery?

Yes, wine sampling and a visit to the wine cellar are included.

How difficult is the trekking on this Mt Etna excursion?

The trekking is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle bus pickup from Catania, all necessary equipment for trekking and cave visits (including helmets and lamps), trekking shoes if needed, guidance in multiple languages, specialized infant seats or baby carriers for families, plus wine tasting and cellar visit before heading back in comfort.