Etna – Monte Nero – Refuge

Departure | Piano Provenzana (Ct)

• Length: 6 km round trip
• Altitude: 2,000 m a.s.l.
• Elevation gain: 100 m
• Duration: 5h
• Difficulty: moderate

Begin your hiking and trekking adventure in Sicily from the Piano Provenzana tourist station. The route winds along a carriageway leading to the 2002 craters. After about 1 km, you turn right towards Monte Nero, following a well-marked mule track thanks to signs left by the many hikers who have passed through. In the winter season, when the landscape is covered in snow, it is also possible to explore the route on snowshoes — an adventurous and safe way to walk on fresh snow while appreciating the snowy landscape in all its beauty.

Exploring Monte Nero

Along the way, you will cross the 2002 lava flow — a fascinating testament to Etna’s volcanic activity. As you proceed, the trail becomes increasingly evocative, enriched by the presence of volcanic bombs and Etna Tragacanth (Astragalus siculus) — a plant endemic to the area. Reaching the slopes of Monte Nero, the panorama opens magnificently towards the north face of Etna and the Peloritani Mountains. From here, the route continues into a dense and imposing beech forest. This section of the trail offers an immersive nature experience, with the possibility of spotting various species of flora and fauna typical of the area.

Rifugio Timparossa

Continuing through the beech forest, the trail leads to the Rifugio Timparossa. This refuge is an ideal resting point for hikers, offering refreshments and, if you’re lucky, the chance to quench your thirst with fresh water from the well. This excursion represents one of the finest hiking and trekking experiences in Sicily, offering spectacular panoramas, immersion in nature, and the discovery of unique places such as Monte Nero and the Rifugio Timparossa. Plan your adventure and discover the beauty of Etna and its breathtaking trails.

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