Itinerary

Looking for a truly immersive and adventurous way to explore Mount Etna? Our full-day e-bike tour along the legendary Altomontana trail is the perfect choice for nature lovers, cycling enthusiasts, and those eager to experience Etna far away from the crowds.

Your experience starts at the northern side of Mount Etna, at Etna Nord (meeting point in Linguaglossa or Rifugio Ragabo at 1400m altitude – to be agreed upon in advance). From here, a minibus will take you and the e-bikes to Rifugio Sapienza at 1900 meters on the southern slope – the official starting point of this one-way tour.

Once prepared and briefed, you’ll set off with your guide along a spectacular 43 km off-road trail that winds across Mount Etna’s southern and northern flanks. You’ll ride over ancient and recent lava flows – including the most recent one from 2025 – and pass through lunar landscapes, dense pine forests, and even extinct craters.

Throughout the route, your local guide will share fascinating insights and volcanic anecdotes that will help you connect more deeply with this unique natural environment. You’ll stop to admire lava caves, cycle past the Monte Santa Maria Refuge, and encounter surreal rock formations shaped by centuries of eruptions. As you approach the north side, the trail leads you into the peaceful Ragabo Pine Forest, offering a scenic descent through untouched nature. This final stretch of the ride is pure joy – downhill, green, and refreshing – before arriving back at your starting point on the north side of Etna.

This point-to-point tour is ideal for those who want to explore Etna in a sustainable and active way, without having to backtrack. It’s a unique opportunity to experience both sides of Europe’s most active volcano in a single day.

Details

Start your adventurous e-bike tour with a comfortable minibus transfer from Etna Nord to Etna Sud – Rifugio Sapienza. Start your tour and pedal along the spectacular Altomontana track, crossing ancient lava flows, extinct craters and the lush vegetation that surrounds it. Take in breathtaking views and visit unique places such as the caves and extinct craters that surround it. The tour ends with a return to the meeting point at Etna Nord, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience.

• Meeting point: Rifugio Ragabo
• Startpoint e-bike tour: Rifugio Sapienza
• Finish e-bike tour: Rifugio Ragabo
• Elevation gain: 500m
• Duration: 4 hours + transfer
• Experience level: Advanced – Expert
• Tour and bike distance: 42 km approx.

• Meeting point Linguaglossa - Rifugio Ragabo
• Distance transfer about 50 km
• Start point tour Rifugio Sapienza
• Finish tour Linguaglossa - Rifugio Ragabo
• Duration 6/7 Hours
• Departure time On request
• Difficulty Expert level
• Total elevation gain About 500 m.

Price

The e-bike tour – Etna South to Etna North | Altomontana trail costs € 130.00 per person. E-bike rental and guide is included in this price.

Including and excluding

What to bring

For this high-altitude e-bike adventure on Mount Etna, it’s important to be well-prepared and dressed appropriately for changing weather conditions. We strongly recommend wearing layered clothing. Mornings can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes, while midday sun can be warm — so having the option to add or remove layers is essential. A light windbreaker or jacket is always a good idea, even in summer. Wear comfortable sportswear or activewear, and closed sports shoes or hiking shoes with good grip. Open shoes or sandals are not allowed.

If you like, you can bring a camera or smartphone – there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way! Just be sure it’s well secured during the ride.

Tip: There is usually a bar open at Piano Provenzana before or after the tour where you can buy drinks or snacks — depending on the time of year.

• Layered clothes
• Backpack
• Buff/bandana
• Windbreaker
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Cycling gloves
• Snacks

FAQ