Updated October 2026
Catania sits right at the foot of Mount Etna — the volcano fills the skyline from almost every street. Rifugio Sapienza, the main starting point on Etna’s southern slope, is about 35 kilometres and one hour away. There are three ways to get there.
Option 1: Etna tour from Catania with pick-up
The easiest option. Most Etna tours collect you in central Catania, drive up through lava-stone villages such as Nicolosi and bring you back in the evening. You get a guide, a lava cave visit and often a tasting of Etna wine and honey — with no parking, no timetable and no navigation on mountain roads. Expect around 60–70 euros per person for a half-day tour with pick-up.
Our pick is the Etna tour from Catania with volcano trek, lava cave and tasting — especially at sunset.
Option 2: AST public bus
A regional AST bus runs once a day from Catania (near the central railway station) to Rifugio Sapienza, usually leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon. The ride takes about two hours each way and costs only a few euros. It is the cheapest option, but you get only a few hours on the mountain and no guide — check the current timetable before you go, as it changes by season.
Option 3: Driving yourself
From Catania follow signs for Nicolosi and then “Etna Sud”. The SP92 road climbs through pine forest and old lava flows to Rifugio Sapienza, where there is a large paid car park. The drive takes about an hour. Roads are good but winding; in winter you may need snow chains.
Which option is best?
- First visit, no car: a tour from Catania with pick-up.
- Tight budget: the AST bus, then walk the Silvestri craters.
- Rental car and good fitness: drive to Rifugio Sapienza and join a guided summit hike there.
Coming from the airport? Catania-Fontanarossa is only 20 minutes from the city centre, so you can be on the volcano the day you land. Before you go, read what to wear on Mount Etna.
