Itinerary Etna quad tour from Alcantara

This quad adventure begins near the famous Alcantara Gorges and takes you deep into the natural beauty of northern Sicily. You’ll ride along scenic off-road trails through vineyards and countryside paths towards Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, renowned for its wine and breathtaking views over the Alcantara Valley.

The route continues uphill in the direction of Linguaglossa, passing through ancient lava flows from various historical eruptions. Along the way, you’ll admire panoramic views of Mount Etna’s distant craters and stop by the unique Vulcanetto di Mojo, a miniature volcano surrounded by native Mediterranean vegetation.

A fascinating stop along the route is the Grotta di Corruccio, a lava cave that offers a glimpse into the underground world shaped by Etna’s volcanic forces. From there, you ascend to the mountain station of Piano Provenzana at 1,850 meters altitude, a place dramatically transformed by the eruption of 2002.

For nature lovers and adventurous spirits, there is also the option to visit the craters from the 2002 eruption, or – with an expert licensed guide – even request a hike to the Etna summit area, depending on volcanic and weather conditions.

This tour offers a unique mix of nature, geology, culture, and off-road fun – all under the shadow of Europe’s most active volcano.

Details

The tour begins near the Alcantara Gorges, close to Motta Camastra. Exact directions will be provided upon booking.

• Starting time: Every day at 09:00 AM.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, including several scenic and cultural stops along the route.
• Availability: This excursion is available daily from April to October, but advance reservation is required.
• Group size: Small groups for a more personal and high-quality experience. Each guide normally accompanies 5 to 8 quads per tour.
• Riders: Each quad can carry 2 people – a driver and a passenger.

This experience is perfect for those who want to combine adventure with nature, and explore the lesser-known trails of Etna’s north side.

Quads

The tour is conducted with Polaris and/or 4×4 CF quads. These are automatic quads. The organization also provide a helmet and hairnet. Tours are conducted with respect for nature and with maximum safety. Also consider that you are driving in a Nature Park.

Availability

The Etna quad tour from Alcantara is available daily by reservation, even in winter with snow! The excursion takes about 5 hours. During the winter period, there is only a morning departure around 09:00 am. In high summer we do sometimes multiple departures, even during the day. It is necessary to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour. The duration of the tour is about 5 hours in total.

Please specify in your reservation request the preferred time you would like to come for the ATV excursion to Etna, starting from Alcantara.

• Starting point Motta Camastra
• Departure time 9.00 am
• Total duration 5 Hours
• Meeting time: 15 minutes before the start
• Return time 2.00 pm
• Total elevation gain 1300 meters
• Highest point 1800 m.

Price

The 5-hour Etna quad tour from Alcantara costs € 150,00 per quad. There can go 2 persons on 1 quad.

You can pay on the day of the excursion, directly to the guide. We do not ask for any payment in advance. Since we work on trust. We trust you to show up after you book, and you trust us to have a quad ready after you book!

Inclusive and exclusive

What to bring and clothing advice

For this quad adventure through the diverse landscapes between Alcantara and Mount Etna, we recommend dressing comfortably and appropriately for changing conditions. Wear closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots—sandals or flip-flops are not suitable. Long trousers are advised to protect your legs while riding off-road.

As the weather on Mount Etna can vary, especially at higher altitudes, it’s best to dress in layers. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, even during summer months, as it can get cooler the higher you go. We also recommend sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from dust, and a small backpack to carry personal items.

If you’re sensitive to sun or dust, consider bringing a bandana or face covering, and don’t forget sunscreen—even in the mountains, UV rays can be strong.

Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the ride and optionally a snack for during one of the scenic breaks. You may also have the opportunity to buy something at one of the small bars at Piano Provenzana—if open, depending on the time of year and season.

• Layered clothes
• Close shoes
• Backpack
• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Bandana
• Snack
• Driving licence

FAQ