High altitude Bike Tour on Etna: shuttle service included

The Altomontana track is a path at an average altitude of 1700m above sea level, which draws nearly a half-circle around Mount Etna from the South-West to the North-East. On this track you can fully immerse yourself in the nature and history of this awesome volcano.

You can choose between 2 different itineraries:

Pista Altomontana Light
Your adventure begins at the Rifugio Sapienza on the southern side of Etna, from which you will be accompanied to the Melia Gate, the real entrance to Etna. After some km of asphalt you will feel a flood of emotions as you pass through forests of pine, fir, chestnut, passing old lava flows and breathtaking scenery. Along this path you will meet the Rifugio Galvarina, the highest point of the path at an altitude 1945m. Following, you will see the Rifugio Palestra, the famous "Pagghiaru" (emergency shelter for farmers or shepherds), until arriving at one of the many lava caves of Etna: the cave of Mount Nunziata. From here you will be accompanied back to the departure point.
Path length: 30 km.
Elevation gain: 800 m.

Pista Altomontana Full
This track, leaving from Melia Gate, the southern entrance to the Altomontana, follows a dirt track, making a ring around the whole of the volcano at an average altitude of 1600m, giving you a stunning range of landscapes to enjoy along the way. With constant ups and downs, you will cross in rapid succession some amazing scenes: rich green mixed forests, fragrant pine woods, deserted fields of lava, high mountain refuges, caves and beech woods. There's also the chance you will come across some of the animals of Etna, such as the wild foxes and rabbits, as well as sheep, goats, cows and pigs. After about 36km you will meet the northern part of the track: at the height of Caserma Pitarrone you enter the Ragabo pine forest before arriving at the Provincial 'Mareneve' road, from which, after a few kilometres of descent, you will meet a little track with a steep climb to the right, taking you up to "Zappinazzu", the biggest pine on Etna. You'll continue in the direction of Monte Crisimo, past a refuge, the Cerrita wood, the little church of Magazzini and Zafferana Etnea where the tour will finish.
Path length: 60 km.
Elevation gain: 1027 m.

Departure time: 13:30
Mountain bike and helmet rental: included.
Guide: included.