Etna Tour: A Return to the Summit Craters. "We want to go higher today. As close as possible to the heart of the volcano," says Maurizio as we meet in front of the hotel, at dawn. Salvina smiles and nods.
They've already seen Etna from afar, admired its outlines from Taormina, and witnessed an eruption a few days prior. But today, they want more: they want to touch the mountain, to feel its breath.
The day is perfect. The clear sky allows a glimpse of the snowy peak, despite it being summer. Our driver is ready, the air-conditioned car offers refreshment within the first few kilometers of ascent. From Taormina, we head up through Zafferana Etnea, arriving at Rifugio Sapienza, at about 1900 meters above sea level. From there, a new adventure begins.
On Europe's Most Active Mountain
Mount Etna, with its variable height of 3,324 meters, is Europe's highest active volcano. And it's not just a volcano: it's a living world, changing shape with every eruption. It's a giant, a god, a generous and destructive mother. Sicilians simply call it "'a Muntagna," with respect, affection, and a hint of fear.
During the journey, the driver recounts:
"Imagine that Etna erupts on average every year. Sometimes with slow lava flows, other times with lava fountains hundreds of meters high. But despite its fury, vineyards, orchards, and olive trees grow around it. The lava, once cooled, is fertile. It's a balance between life and fire."
Maurizio observes the landscapes outside the window: lunar, black, and arid scenery, alternating with lush forests and lava stone villages. "I didn't expect such variety," he confesses. "I only thought of ash and fire, but here there's everything."
Rifugio Sapienza and the Journey to the Summit Craters
Upon arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, Maurizio and Salvina take the cable car that will take them to an altitude of 2,500 meters, accompanied by expert alpine guides. From there, authorized off-road vehicles continue up to 2,900 meters: the summit crater area, the true pulsating heart of the volcano.
The guides talk about the five main craters: the Central Crater (Bocca Nuova), the Voragine, the Northeast Crater, and the Southeast Crater—the latter currently being the most active. The smell of sulfur intensifies, the temperature drops, and the landscape becomes surreal: a lava desert, clouds mixing with the crater's fumes, the silence broken only by the wind and the volcano's breath.
"It's like being on Mars," Salvina whispers. "No, it's better. There's life underfoot here."
Maurizio, taking a photo, adds: "It's not just a landscape. It's a continuous emotion. A mix of respect, wonder, and awe."
A History of Fire Spanning Millennia
During the stop on the ridge, the guide begins to recount Etna's millennia-long history.
"The first eruptions date back over 500,000 years ago. Etna has grown on itself, changing shape dozens of times. The most devastating eruptions? That of 1669, which reached Catania destroying entire villages. And that of 1928, which wiped out the town of Mascali."
Over time, Etna has inspired legends and fears. According to Greek mythology, the monster Typhon is imprisoned under the volcano, defeated by Zeus. Every eruption is said to be the result of his rage. Other tales speak of the blacksmith Hephaestus, god of fire and metallurgy, who forged weapons for the gods inside the mountain.
"This mountain truly breathes," comments Salvina, "and when it breathes, Sicily changes its face."
The Descent and Lunch Among the Lava Vineyards
After visiting the summit craters, we return to Rifugio Sapienza. As soon as we descend, the air already feels warmer. Our driver awaits them with the air-conditioned car, ready to take them to one of Etna's wineries, between Zafferana and Milo.
Maurizio observes the orderly rows growing on the black stone. "They make wine here?" he asks.
"Of course," our driver replies. "Etna provides unique soil. Etna DOC wine is among the most awarded in Italy."
During lunch, accompanied by a glass of Nerello Mascalese, Salvina exclaims: "This is a day we'll remember for a long time."
Stress-Free Travel Thanks to Car Rental with Driver: The Luxury of Tranquility
The return to Taormina is slow and relaxed. No worries about driving, parking, or fatigue. Maurizio and Salvina can simply enjoy the passing landscape, between the gold of the broom flowers and the black of the ancient lava.
"We wouldn't have been able to do this kind of excursion on our own," Maurizio confesses. "It would have been tiring, maybe even risky. Instead, today we experienced something profound... effortlessly."
Our car rental with driver service once again allowed us to transform a challenging day into a memorable experience, full of beauty, culture, and safety.
A Farewell to the Giant
As Etna recedes in the rearview mirror, Salvina looks at it with a hint of melancholy.
"It's like saying goodbye to an old friend," she says.
Maurizio nods. "But it's still there. Watching, grumbling. Always ready to show itself."
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