埃特纳火山

非常好的经验!!我们竟然有荣幸跟车长一起坐在火车头的驾驶舱里面~看着蜿蜒的路~一片荒凉的美!!我们说这是特权之旅~~~虽然语言不太通(简单英文可以)但是他们的微笑跟热情~~让我们对这个地方流连忘返...

We went March 8th from TAORMINA (about 1 1/2 hr bus ride up the winding mountain road). There was a snow line at about 5000 ft (1500 meters). The site with snow was spectacular. There were people snowboarding and skiing (you can rent) great picture shots, and for us within 5 minutes we went from overcast to sunny to deep fog and then snow. We left to play it save. The next day the road was closed due to too much snow. But this was due to a cold winter, as in warmer weather this is usually not the case. Go and enjoy....also stop on the way down to the Murgo Winery for a great Sicilian multi-course lunch with wine tasting...Magnifico! But don't let the driver drink!

The glorious Mt Etna - natures beauty right before your eyes. We had spent quite some time around Sicily and intentionally left Mt Etna as one of our last places to visit. This volcano can be described as a majestic Queen by the locals who truly respect the volcano and just carry on even when she intimidates. We drove up to Mt Etna - really breathtaking views and so beautiful once you get there. Lots of walking around craters and volcanic rock and perfect weather in October. Another amazing wonder of the world.

This was the first time I hiked Mt. Etna and even though it was February with gale force winds and snow, it was amazing! The guides at @naturalmentexc were phenomenal. They took me hiking to various craters and we even went down an ice cave. They also kept me from blowing away (yes the winds were that strong). From 3000 meters high you can see over to Calabria on the mainland of Italy. I am going back in warmer weather, it is magnificent any time of year.

The bus to the crater doesn't run in winter when there is enough snow for skiing. So if you plan to visit the crater after riding the gondola up the mountain (€30 per round trip by the way) plan to rent skis or snowshoes ahead of time. It's still quite a hike from the gondola drop off point and almost impossible without the right snow equipment. The rental place at the bottom of the gondola has skis for €20 or snowshoes for €15. The view from the mountain is spectacular and of course the Nutella-filled croissants are well worth the trip either way.

Visiting an active volcano is a life time experience. The beauty of the craters is hypnotising. You can easily access the place. The road stops almost at the top of the mountain. Mind that you must carry a jacket it is cold even in August. Pay a visit to the coffee/souvenir shop (you can't miss it. it is the only one up there) for a snack, an espresso and why not, a glass of this red local wine which comes from grapes that grow in volcanic ashes and tuff. Magnificent!!!!

Unless you plan to go skiing or snowboarding, or are driving a hire car, don't bother going to Etna in the winter (or perhaps even early spring/late autumn). Enjoy the sight of the majestic peak from afar, instead. It is just too, too snowy.We decided to take the cheapest option to visit Etna South (from Catania). We took the bus leaving the station immediately outside of Catania train station, which left at 8:15 (in this season it is the only public bus journey to Etna from Catania, and leaves Etna at 16:30). 2 hours later, having stopped for some breakfast in Nicolosi, we arrived. The best bit of our trip was the outgoing journey, which was incredible: green grass became rocks, rocks became black waves of cooled lava stone, black lava stone became deep snow. We arrived with 6 hours to fill, started by taking a look at all the souvenir huts (they pretty much all sell the same things, and some at different prices, so if you want some lava stone earrings you should shop around!) and stomping around in the snow. Fun, at least for a while...Only an hour after we arrived it began to snow, eventually becoming a thick snowstorm. We sheltered in the restaurant, waited for the snow to subside, but were forced to stay there for 4.5 hours, eventually joining our fellow morning passengers in the cafe when we realised the speed of the snowfall had subsided.So there you have it: Etna is an epic place, in the summer it should make for unforgettable hiking, but in winter you run the risk of getting stuck (literally, if you go to the top) in a snowstorm. Think ahead if it's out of summer season, bring very warm clothes, many layers, and expect to pay a lot for the food and drink!

We visited in February, unrealistically thinking we would be able to hike to the crater. It was snowing and there was deep snow everywhere, it wasn't possible to hike far but the sledges for hire were enormous fun and the snowy landscape was incredibly picturesque and magical. We enjoyed it massively and would recommend Etna North rather than South. It was not busy at all. I will be going back!

This was a fantastic half day adventure. Taking the funicular up and hiking as far as you could go was a fantastic adventure. I am so glad that I got a chance especially since it an active volcano and has " spurted" several times since I went. There is a small cafe, book shop at the top of the funicular! There are rest rooms ( but make sure you bring your own toilet paper, as they are usually out- men's & womens ) the experience will never be forgotten !

We booked a tour with a local company geo tours. This was such fun. We were taken by jeep to the slopes of the vulcano where we entered the snow field - two metres had fallen overnight. From there we went to a quarry where we could see for ourselves the lava strata and thence to the lava caves. We stopped on the way home for a local speciality and were returned to our hotel where we felt that we had just had an experience that was unique and remarkable.

Was my first time on the Etna. If you are on an excursion, it takes an hour or so to go uphill. But believe me its worthed. Once you are up there but some traditional liquor, Fuoco del Etna!

If you're in Sicily, it's a must! Brave the bus ride (admittedly, not super pleasant) or find a smoother ride to Mount Etna. Otherworldly scenery and beautiful views of the surrounding area. We didn't take the cable car ride, but walked around a LOT. Wear hiking shoes if possible!

Visiting Mount Etna is an amazing experience. The views at the top are spectacular and the long drive up the winding road to the cable car is worth a visit,

Drove to south side of Mount Etna, and on this visit decided to take the cable car. Found it to be a little expensive, for cable car and then bus to summit crater, so took only cable car and we walked for an hour and half enjoying the views. We are quite fit and healthy, but found the walk exhausting and only managed half way up, on hindsight if you want to say you'd been to the top of Mount Etna, pay the extra and get the bus.. awesome views, stunning walk, next time we visit Sicily we'll do both cable car and bus as will be too old to walk it. .

My first encounter with Etna was when I was driving towards Catania and my wife said, " Look! There's Etna!" I looked on the horizon and said " where?" And she said "no, up there !" Then I looked up to the sky and saw the biggest thing I have ever seen in my life up in the sky! It was amazing! It towers 10 990 ft above sea level and from near Catania the view is awesome! I have climbed Kinabalu in Borneo ( 13,435ft) but the visual impact from near Catania is breathtaking! Also looks stunning from Taormina ( especially framed by the ancient Greek theatre!