Etna – Piano Vetore

Departure | Piano Vetore (Ct)

• Length: 10 km
• Altitude: 1,800 m a.s.l.
• Elevation gain: 250 m
• Duration: 6h
• Difficulty: moderate

This hiking and trekking route in Sicily, departing from Monte Vetore at 1,750 meters above sea level, offers a unique experience through the lava fields and woodlands of Etna. Along the way, you cross lava flows, admire local flora such as Etna broom and Etna tragacanth (astragalo), and visit the historic Grotta di Santa Barbara — a lava formation featuring a shaft once used as an ice store that offers a fascinating insight into the history and geology of the area, making the route even more appealing for speleology enthusiasts. A stop at the Carpinteri refuge allows for a packed lunch before continuing through the Serra la Nave pine forest — a green area offering a refreshing contrast to the preceding lava fields — thus completing the loop route.

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