Piano Provenzana – Etna Nord
Piano Provenzana after 2002 is the ideal place for you to understand the power of the volcano.

If you plan to discover the volcano Etna in contact with nature, come to Linguaglossa to visit Piano Provenzana – Etna Nord.

As you ascend along the “mareneve” up to an altitude of 1800 metres, you arrive at this natural amphitheatre, Piano Provenzana, surrounded by cascades of lava from the craters of 2002 and in front of you you will see the immensity of the North-East crater, which with its puffs of gas dominates the entire air.

Thanks to its morphology and its landscape set between the summit of the volcano Etna and the centuries-old Ragabo pine forest, Piano Provenzana succeeds in enthusing and attracting those who come to visit.

Its view of the Ionian Sea from Taormina to Calabria surprises visitors.

On this side of Etna, you can admire the evolution of the volcano amidst immense coniferous forests, among white birch woods or among vegetation sprouting from recent lava flows.

At Piano Provenzana you can see the true contrast between the power of Etna’s volcano and nature.

Piano Provenzana is the highest point that is freely accessible by motor vehicles, and from here there are many excursions, and many paths that allow you to walk, or trek in Etna’s caves, or for the more daring to make challenging excursions on Etna’s volcano.

The 2002 eruption
One of the last major events at Piano Provenzana was the 2002 eruption. This eruption is also called “the perfect eruption” by scholars.

On 27 October 2002, the North-East Rift became active, forming a “buttonhole” of eruptive mouths. Lava began to pour from here and quickly transformed the resort of Piano Provenzana into a lava desert.

So many years of history were erased in a matter of hours that in just 10 days the lava flowed down about 8 km in the direction of Linguaglossa. A part of the Ragabo pine forest and even the habits of the fauna were wiped out during this eruption in 2002.

If you want to go to Etna’s summit craters, this is possible with 4×4 buses accompanied by an authorised volcanological guide. A good alternative, however, is an excursion to the 2002 craters on Etna’s northern slope.

At Piano Provenzana in summer you can witness a unique spectacle that combines volcanic and marine landscapes.

There are many paths that will lead you to discover caves, extinct craters or even to some shelters where you can even stop and spend a night under the stars. Ideal for a day out in spring, summer or autumn.

On the Etna north side of Linguaglossa you can enjoy unique and unforgettable experiences above the volcano Etna.

Excursion to Etna’s summit craters

The excursion to Etna’s summit craters is very much dependent on the volcano’s activity. At this time, the maximum altitude that can be reached is 2900 metres. In comfortable 4×4 buses, you climb up to 2900 metres accompanied by a volcanological guide so that you can safely admire and discover the evolution of the volcano.

Etna quad tour

A quad bike excursion takes you on a discovery of unexplored and special areas. On this quad bike excursion to Etna, you will be the protagonist of the experience and will discover lava flow caves, old lava flows and old paths through the forest.

Jeep tour

In comfortable 4×4 jeeps, you will tackle trails on the volcano Etna that lead you to the discovery of old lava flows or famous lava caves.

Excursion on Horseback

Riding a horse, you can explore Mount Etna between the centuries-old Ragabo pine forest and the lava flows that appear as monuments.

Trekking on Mount Etna
There are numerous paths for trekking on Mount Etna with varying degrees of difficulty and duration.

E-MTB tour
Riding on lava tracks between rock and black sand with e-bikes is really something special.

Walks with Alpacas
Walk through the Ragabo pine forest in the company of beautiful, sweet alpacas.

Walks with donkeys
In the company of docile donkeys you will discover the wonders of Etna, a new way to get to know the volcano.

Nature and lava
The Timparossa – Raspberry Cave trail is one of the excursions not to be missed during the autumn period on Etna’s northern slope.
The excursion to the summit craters is the dream of everyone who comes to Piano Provenzana.
Piano Provenzana is the highest green area in Sicily.

In winter, Piano Provenzana is famous for its ski resort with its four ski slopes.

The ski resort of Piano Provenzana is the best equipped in southern Italy. Its slopes are internationally approved and allow thousands of ski or snowboard enthusiasts to venture onto the active volcano and enjoy the spectacle of snow, fire and sea.

Etna Nord ski lifts
Skiing on Etna can offer unique sensations: skiing surrounded by unforgettable scenery with the sea and the Calabrian coastline in the background.

In Piano Provenzana today you will find parking areas (for a fee), souvenir shops, bars, restaurants and along the way there are hotels and alpine refuges where you can also stay overnight.