Picture of Bove Valley + Mount Etna Hike
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Bove Valley + Mount Etna Hike

Mirco - Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

Our local for this tour

Mirco - Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

On this hiking tour around Etna and the Bove Valley, we'll follow the Schiena dell'Asino trekking route, one of the easiest trekking routes that can be done in this natural park.

Experience details

  • Destination

    Catania

  • Category

    Wildlife & nature

  • Duration

    4 hours

  • Mode of transport

    Car

  • Available languages

    Deutsch • English • Español • Italiano

  • Highlights

    • Family friendly
  • What's included

    Private guide • Kids join for free

Here’s an overview of your activity

At the indicated time (in the morning) we'll meet at the Schiena dell'Asino car park to start an incredible hiking route that will take us along Etna and the Bove Valley.

The hike will allow us to ascend from 5906 to 6463 feet (1800 to 1970 meters) following the Schiena dell'Asino trail, one of the prettiest trails that can be done in the Etna Natural Park. Its name, which means Path of the Donkey's Back, has a lot to do with a rock formation that we'll see during the route.

Along the way, we'll pass pine forests, and see ancient solidified lava flows, all whilst enjoying unparalleled views of the Sicilian coast and the Ionian Sea.

As we walk, the guide will explain how Etna and all of its caves were formed and how its landscapes have changed throughout history. We'll also delve into the links of this colossal volcano with the culture and way of life in Sicily.

Once we have reached the end of the trail, we'll admire the Bove Valley, an extensive depression of more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) long located on the eastern side of Etna. The volcanic sand gives this place a desert-like appearance that many compare to a lunar landscape!

After admiring the incredible panoramic views that Etna has to offer, we'll start our descent. We'll walk along the Donkey's back, enjoying the landscape of Bove Valley from another perspective. In addition, we'll pass near a large black sand channel and see a volcanic cave: the Pytagora's Cave!

We'll finish the trekking route after a total of 3 or 4 hours, arriving back at the starting point.

Do you want to change the route a bit? Do you want to make it longer, because you love trekking? No problem, your hosts will be happy to customize the tour according to your wishes!

Your itinerary

  • Meeting point

    Catania
  • pine forest of Donkey's back

    We start crossing this pine forest, walking on the Donkey's back path
  • Hornitos

    Particular lavic conformations I'll show you and I explain you how they form
  • Bove Valley

    A huge depression 7km large x 5 kilometers width
  • Pytagora's cave

    Interesting cave you can see during this path. I'll tell you how caves on mount Etna are you used to form
  • walk/run on lava sand channels!

    Nice activity that you will feel like you are on the moon!
I have a teen daughter with us - is it possible to plan a drinks and bites tour with her?
Me13:42
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Of course! I can definitely tailor our tour for you and your daughter! :)
Local host Maria13:44
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Do you know all our tours are private & personalised?

Did you know that Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs? What you see here is a base itinerary that you can modify! Simply get in touch with your selected local and let them know what you would like!

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  • Mirco - Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

    Mirco

    Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

    Mirco
    5.0
    0 reviews
    I speak
    Deutsch • English • Español • Italiano

Good to Know

  • Tips

    • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic
    • Be aware of the cultural norms/expectations if entering religious buildings
  • Included

    • Private guide
    • Kids join for free
  • Not included

    • lunch
  • Cancellation

    • Receive a full refund for cancellations done 7 days before the experience date.
    • Your experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase.

Why should you book a Withlocals tour?

  • Customizable IllustrationMarker IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Gear

    100% customizable

    Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

  • Private IllustrationMessage Bubble IllustrationSparkleSparkleMan pointing illustratorWoman in dress Illustration

    Private guided tours

    No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

  • Sustainable IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration right hand upIllustration Left Hand UpPlant Illustration

    Responsible

    Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind.

Questions?

We are here to help!

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    When you make a booking you will receive a full refund when you cancel more than 7 days before the start of the booking.

    When you make a booking that starts within 7 days and cancel within 24 hours after purchase you will receive a full refund.

    When you make a booking that starts within 24 hours your booking is not refundable.

    Read more
  • What payment methods are available?
    During checkout you can choose from a number of different payment methods based on your location. We accept a variety of payment methods such as Credit Card, iDeal and many more.
  • Can I pay in any currency?
    Payment is always done in Euro but you can view the total amount in your local currency. Your bank might charge you a conversion rate fee from your local currency to Euro. No extra fees apply.
  • Is this tour always private?
    All our tours are 100% private, only you and your host.

Let's plan
your tour.

€150per person
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Mirco - Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

Our local for this tour

Mirco - Mirco, the popularizer of sicilianity

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