High altitude Bike Tour on Etna: shuttle service included

Do you want to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Etna aboard a comfortable Electric Mountain Bike?

We are ready to amaze you with a proposal made just for you! Along the track that surrounds Etna, the Pista Altomontana, choose the route that best fits your available time: half or full day.

The Pista Altomontana is a trail located at an average altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level, which almost forms a semicircle around Etna from the South-Western side to the North-Eastern side. The path will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the nature and history of the volcano.

Activity Accessibility:

• Hearing impairments: The possibility of being accompanied by a guide who will provide information through visual or written signals.
• Dietary issues: The activity can be adapted to meet specific dietary needs upon request.

Pista Altomontana Light (half-day)
Your adventure will begin at Rifugio Sapienza, on the southern slope of Etna, from where you will be accompanied to the Melia gate, the true entrance to Etna. After the first few kilometers on asphalt, it will be a continuous sequence of emotions through pine forests, fir trees, chestnuts, lava flows, and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you will admire Rifugio Galvarina and the Rifugio di Monte Palestra (the highest point of the trail at 1945 meters). Next, you will visit Rifugio Palestra, the famous "Pagghiaru" (a shelter for farmers or shepherds), and reach one of the many lava flow caves on Etna: the Monte Nunziata cave. From here, you will return to the starting point following the same path as the outward journey.
Length of the trail: approx. 30 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 750 m.
Duration (indicative): approx. 3 hours.
Difficulty level: moderate.

Pista Altomontana Full (full day)
The route, starting from the Melia Gate, the southern access to the Altomontana, follows the gravel path that almost completes a ring around the volcano, at an average altitude of 1600 m, allowing you to enjoy the diverse landscapes Etna offers its visitors. In a continuous and fun up-and-down, you will pass through various fascinating scenarios: lush mixed forests, fragrant pine forests, desert lava fields, mountain shelters, caves, and beech woods. There is also the possibility of spotting wild Etna fauna, such as foxes or wild rabbits, as well as farm animals like sheep, goats, cows, and pigs. After about 36 km, you will reach the northern end of the trail at the Pitarrone Barracks, where you will enter the dense Ragabo Pine Forest.
Arriving at the Mareneve Provincial Road, after a few kilometers downhill, you will take a steep path on the right that leads you to "Zappinazzu," the largest pine on Etna. You will continue towards Monte Crisimo, passing the homonymous refuge, the Cerrita forest, and reach the chapel of Magazzini and Zafferana Etnea, where your tour ends.

Length of the trail: approx. 80 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 1000 m.
Duration (indicative): full day.
Difficulty level: difficult.
Meeting point: Rifugio Sapienza. Pick-up available on request from Catania and province (extra not included).
All-inclusive rate: includes electric mountain bike rental, helmet, naturalist guide, return transfer, insurance.