Excursion to the Sartorius Mountains

Hiking equipment needed

Accident insurance

The excursion to Monti Sartorius, located on the northern slope of Mount Etna, is one of the most fascinating and accessible destinations for exploring volcanic craters and landscapes formed by the 1865 eruption. This route, ideal for families and school groups, offers a unique educational experience, fully immersed in the natural beauty and history of Europe’s most active volcano.

Itinerary Description

The trail begins less than a kilometer from the Citelli Refuge, clearly marked by a sign reading “Comune di Sant’Alfio Monti Sartorius s.l.m. 1667m” and a green gate on the right side of the road. The excursion spans approximately 2 km (round trip), guiding visitors through a historic volcanic fissure from the January 29, 1865 eruption.

The first part of the trail winds through a scenic forest of pine trees and Etna’s endemic birches, an environment that introduces visitors to the wonders of local flora. As you climb, the landscape gradually transforms, offering panoramic views of endemic plants, ancient lava flows, and deposits of pyroclastic materials such as volcanic bombs, scoria, and ash.

At the craters’ summit, the panorama opens up. These craters, known as “a bottoniera” or “buttonhole craters,” are aligned in a perfect row. From here, you can admire the Linguaglossa pine forest, the vast expanse of solidified lava, and the Ionian coast, with views extending to Calabria and the Strait of Messina. Behind you rises the majestic Monte Frumento delle Concazze, an adventitious cone of Etna that adds a dramatic touch to the landscape.

Useful Information for the Monti Sartorius Excursion

Guided Tour: A certified Volcanological Guide is required for this excursion, ensuring safety and providing geological and historical insights on Etna and the 1865 eruption.

Insurance: The excursion fee includes insurance coverage, which is excluded for those without adequate trekking gear.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours, depending on the group’s pace.

Altitude: Minimum altitude 1,660 m, maximum altitude 1,709 m, with a total elevation gain of 49 m.

During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to observe a volcanic bomb up close—a spectacular formation ejected by the volcano during the 1865 eruption. This historical feature is one of the highlights of the Monti Sartorius excursion.

The Monti Sartorius excursion offers an unmissable opportunity to explore Mount Etna and its unique landscapes, surrounded by endemic flora and volcanic formations.

Suitable for families and children over 5 years old, this excursion combines safety, history, and nature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an educational yet adventurous experience.

Group Size: Minimum of 6 and maximum of 35 people, making it perfect for families and school groups.

Departures scheduled when a minimum of 6 people are reached

The trek does not require great physical preparation, it is easy and does not have particularly difficult passages, however  attention is required  as it is on volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.

Trekking is  not recommended  for those who are used to little physical activity.

The excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted if environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, which could compromise the  safety  of the entire group.

The total duration of the trek will depend on your pace.

The excursion will take place within the limits set by the  ordinances  in force.

Suitable for children aged 5 and over.

The route includes climbing and passing along the crater rims, which could cause  vertigo problems  for sensitive individuals.

This itinerary, in relation to its typology, is suitable for people in good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies ( cardiovascular ,  respiratory  or  hypertension ).

Pregnant women who are beyond the third month of  pregnancy are not permitted to engage in any type of hiking activity.

To ensure the success of the excursion and the correct performance of the activity, it is good practice to know your  health conditions perfectly  and to inform the Guide if necessary, all this to reduce the onset of any problems and avoid running  risks .

Proper Preparation Makes All the Difference for an Enjoyable and Safe Excursion

Here are some essential tips to ensure your experience is both pleasant and secure, with special focus on the top five must-have items.

Layered Clothing

Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to changing temperatures. Wear a short-sleeve shirt, a long-sleeve thermal layer, and a fleece or sweatshirt to manage thermal comfort effectively during the hike.

Trekking Shoes

A reliable pair of trekking shoes is crucial for navigating uneven terrain safely. They provide support and grip, reducing the risk of injury.

Windbreaker or Down Jacket

Bringing an appropriate jacket is essential. Depending on the season, choose a lightweight windbreaker or a heavier down jacket to protect against cold and wind, keeping you warm and dry.

Water – Minimum 1 Liter Per Person

Staying hydrated is key. Bring at least one liter of water per person to maintain your energy and prevent dehydration.

Gloves and Hat

Especially during colder months, gloves and a hat are indispensable for protecting yourself from the cold and retaining body heat.

Other Essentials to Bring Along

Snacks: To recharge your energy during the hike.

Trekking Poles: Excellent for improving balance.

Backpack (25-30 L): To carry everything comfortably.

Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from UV rays.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Essential for skin protection.

Spare Socks: Handy in case of sweat or moisture.

Long Pants: To protect your legs.

Waterproof Jacket: Additional protection against bad weather.

Spare Shirt: To change into if you sweat a lot.

Make sure you leave your contact details when booking.

Advance Payment for the Reservation is not required ( except for Agencies or Groups ).  You will pay directly to the Guide who will be with you on the day of the excursion.

In the presence of a high number of requests for our Etna Excursions, we will proceed to divide the Participants into Small Subgroups, each accompanied by a Qualified Volcanological Guide, in order to prevent the formation of large aggregations.
All this will be done in accordance with the different Languages ​​Spoken.