On this hiking tour around Etna and the Bove Valley, we'll follow the Schiena dell'Asino trekking route, one of the easiest trekking routes that can be done in this natural park.
Bove Valley + Mount Etna Hiking Tour
At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Schiena dell'Asino car park to start an incredible hiking route that will take us along Etna and the Bove Valley.
The hike will allow us to ascend from 5906 to 6463 feet (1800 to 1970 meters) following the Schiena dell'Asino trail, one of the prettiest trails that can be done in the Etna Natural Park. Its name, which means Path of the Donkey's Back, has a lot to do with a rock formation that we'll see during the route.
Along the way, we'll pass pine forests, and see ancient solidified lava flows, all whilst enjoying unparalleled views of the Sicilian coast and the Ionian Sea.
As we walk, the guide will explain how Etna and all of its caves were formed and how its landscapes have changed throughout history. We'll also delve into the links of this colossal volcano with the culture and way of life in Sicily.
Once we have reached the end of the trail, we'll admire the Bove Valley, an extensive depression of more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) long located on the eastern side of Etna. The volcanic sand gives this place a desert-like appearance that many compare to a lunar landscape!
After admiring the incredible panoramic views that Etna has to offer, we'll start our descent. We'll walk along the Espalda del Burro, enjoying the landscape of Bove Valley from another perspective. In addition, we'll pass near a large black sand channel and see a volcanic cave.
We'll finish the trekking route after a total of 3 or 4 hours, arriving back at the starting point.
