Taormina: Etna Trek, Sicilian Lunch & Alcantara Gorge Day Trip

Summary

Etna’s wild paths, Sicilian flavors and Alcantara’s cool river stones

You’ll hike Mount Etna’s lava trails with a local guide, sample Sicilian wines over lunch, and feel the cool spray at Alcantara Gorges—all with easy pickup from Taormina. Expect volcanic landscapes underfoot, honest food and laughter at lunch, plus time to wander by icy river stones before heading home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air on Mount Etna to smell so sharp—like burnt earth mixed with wild herbs. We’d barely left Taormina when our guide, Salvo, started telling stories about the volcano as if it was a moody old friend. He handed out hiking boots (which I definitely needed—my sneakers would’ve been toast) and led us up a trail that crunched underfoot, black and gritty. At one point he stopped to show us a patch of yellow flowers growing out of the lava rock. “Only here,” he said. I tried to remember the name but honestly forgot it five minutes later.

The wind picked up near the crater and I could taste ash on my lips. There was this weird silence up there—just our group breathing and someone’s jacket flapping. Lunch after felt like a reward: plates of pasta, olives, bread that crackled when you broke it open. The wine tasting was more fun than formal; our host poured generous glasses and joked about how many grapes survive the volcano’s moods each year. I’m not sure if I could tell which wine was which, but everything tasted brighter after that walk.

Alcantara Gorges in the afternoon surprised me most. The water looked almost fake—icy blue against those dark rocks—and some local kids were daring each other to wade in (I dipped a toe and nope, too cold for me). The light down there bounced off the stone walls in stripes. By then I felt sunburned and sleepy in that good way you get after being outside all day. Still think about that first breath on Etna sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Etna hike and Alcantara visit

• Pick up from Taormina accommodation
• Hike in the trekking area on Etna
• Visit a lava cave
• Enjoy typical Sicilian lunch and wine tasting
• Afternoon visit to Alcantara Gorges viewpoint

Top questions

How long does the Etna, Wine & Alcantara tour take?

This is a full-day excursion from Taormina, including hiking, lunch with wine tasting, and an afternoon visit to Alcantara Gorges.

Is hotel pickup included from Taormina?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Taormina.

Are hiking boots provided for Mount Etna?

Yes, equipment like hiking boots, helmets, and torches are provided if needed—just let them know your shoe size when booking.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

A typical Sicilian lunch is included along with wine pairing during the midday break after trekking on Etna.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions or low fitness levels due to physical activity involved.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options are available—just specify your needs when booking.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, there are public transport options near meeting points in Taormina if you’re not staying locally.

Is insurance included in this day trip?

Yes, insurance is included as part of your booking for peace of mind during activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (or meeting point), all necessary hiking gear like boots and helmets for Etna’s trails, guidance from an expert naturalist guide throughout, insurance coverage during activities, a traditional Sicilian lunch paired with local wines—and finally drop-off back in Taormina after exploring Alcantara Gorge together.