Sicily on horseback is a one-in-a-lifetime experience, especially on Etna Volcano. You’ll feel liking riding on the moon!
Etna, also known as Mongibello, is the most active volcano on Earth – the gentle giant or simply “’A Muntagna” (the mountain in Sicilian dialect) as the Catanese call it. It has many names , and it is one of the most fascinating attractions of Eastern Sicily, which has become almost an emblem of the whole region.
A magical place, legendary one may say, that has forged its surroundings with its fire and lava, continuously shaping the landscape and also creating some concern among the communities that have settled around it.
Etna and its legends by horse
Etna is really a special volcano. Imposing and majestic, it lives a relationship of love and hate with those who live in its surroundings. Over the centuries it has fed many legends. Its fame goes back to the ancient gods of classical mythology: the highest active volcano in Europe has been the stage of countless legends and mysterious tales.
Among the most famous legends dedicated to Etna there is the one of Enceladus, a giant. He, decided one day to take the place of Jupiter. Helped by his giant friends, he built a staircase to reach the sky, but Jupiter threw against him a lightning bolt. It was so that Enceladus remained buried under the Etna and, in anger, he began to spit fire and flames from the crater. This is why the eruptions happen, still today.
Sicily on horseback around Mount Etna
Sicily on horseback is a magical destination: the climate is mild all year round, the cuisine is unparalleled, and the hospitality will leave you with a lifetime memory.
Etna is a special area which dominates the entire Gulf of Catania. By horse, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, cross lush forests until desert and arid lava deserts. It’s a unique landscape.
Here are some highlights of Sicliy on horseback that you can only experience when climbing Etna Volcano.
- Craters are the huge highlight of Etna. The active craters are the summit craters, reaching 3,300 altitude, and are normally not included in the horse tour. But other wonderful craters can be admired, for example, Monte Escrivà, a crater formed after the 2001 eruption on the south side of Etna at an altitude of 2,550 meters. Monti Silvestri are the most famous ones and are two inactive craters formed following the 1892 eruption.
- Volcanic caves are another amazing experience: you will leave your horse , and you can enter “inside the volcano” through an extinct lava cave, together with a mountain guide who will explain in details this spectacular phenomenon. The most famous volcanic caves are Grotta dei Lamponi, Grotta delle Palombe and Grotta del Gelo.
- Valle del Bove is a magical place to discover on horseback: it’s a deep valley which extends for about 7 km and is bordered by walls up to 1,000 meters high. This natural basin is located on the eastern side of the volcano and is an area of great beauty.
- Etna villages will surprise you: visiting the villages that rise on its slopes is a way to touch the life that has managed to develop despite the constant threat of eruptions. You will discover villages and towns more or less big, historical buildings, picturesque churches, typical local products such as wines and pistachios. Among the most famous Etna villages we can certainly mention Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi, Bronte and Trecastagni.
Live with us unforgettable moments exploring Sicily on horseback, the fascinating territory of the southern side of Etna. Visit places full of charm, venture on paths through dense forests of beech and chestnut trees, ride on lava flows until you reach the craters.
What awaits you is a journey along the different scenarios of the highest volcano in Europe!