Cradle of ancient civilizations and land of extraordinary contrasts, Sicily is a natural stage where the bicycle becomes the ideal means to grasp its essence. Mount Etna, with its ever-changing majesty and fiery breath, is not only a destination for cycling enthusiasts but a true journey through time and matter, between lava flows sculpted by past events and forests clinging to its slopes.
Riding along its roads and trails means crossing a constantly evolving landscape, where each turn reveals new perspectives and the effort is intertwined with the wonder of the scenery.
His Majesty, Mount Etna
It is the highest active volcano in Europe, currently standing at 3,357 meters following the 2021 eruptions. One of its defining features is its constant transformation, with its profile and “height” continuously reshaped by flowing lava.
Also known as Mongibello, Etna is distinguished by its diverse landscapes and colors. You will encounter lush green forests of pine, chestnut, and oak trees, contrasting with the black volcanic rock and the dark gray ash of the Valle del Bove.
These darker tones are illuminated by the vibrant yellow of blooming broom flowers in spring and the deep blue of the sea stretching to the east. These striking contrasts captivate visitors, making “a Muntagna” an essential stop for cycling enthusiasts.
The Altomontana Trail
The Altomontana Trail is a remarkably scenic route winding at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, tracing a broad arc along the southern and eastern slopes of Etna. The route embraces an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the Ionian coastline to the imposing summit craters, the distant silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands, and the rugged Sicilian hinterland.
Stretching 38 kilometers, this high-altitude traverse is accessible even to those without advanced training, particularly when undertaken with an electric-assist bicycle, allowing for an immersive experience amidst the volcano’s ever-changing landscapes.
Itinerary
Starting from Rifugio Sapienza, the itinerary immediately ascends along an unpaved track, revealing breathtaking views of the imposing southeastern crater and Bocca Nuova, two of the most spectacular manifestations of Etna’s constant volcanic activity.
Along the route, riders cross the 1981 lava flow, an immense expanse of dark rock that testifies to the volcano’s destructive power. In just six days, the advancing magma threatened Randazzo, cutting off the Altomontana Trail and forever altering the surrounding landscape.
Beyond the Rifugio Casermetta di Monte Spagnolo, a welcoming resting spot nestled among pine and beech forests, the route continues to the Passo dei Dammusi, at an altitude of 1,760 meters. This location is linked to one of Etna’s longest eruptions, which lasted an entire decade, from 1614 to 1624. Here, the terrain itself tells the volcano’s story through its distinctive “pahoehoe” lava formations, while just a short distance away lies the Grotta dei Lamponi, one of the most fascinating lava caves in the area, carved over centuries by flowing magma.
Other Cycling Routes in Sicily
There are many options for exploring the island by bike. If your interest lies in “Art and Culture,” consider the Baroque Route or the journey from Trapani to Selinunte.
For adventure seekers, the Peloritani Ridge offers a thrilling MTB challenge, while the route highlighted by the New York Times as the must-ride cycling itinerary of the year is the Sicily Divide.
