Mt Etna advice
 

Any opinion as to whether it’s worth going up to the top with cable car and hike?

When I went, getting to the top of Mt Etna took more than a cable car, but leaving that aside, I think it depends on what you want out of the experience.

FWIW, I did not go all the way to the summit. The highest I went was above the top of the cable car. I was with a tour and there was a very helpful English-speaking guide with whom we could walk around and learn about the mountain and its geology. IIIRC, a few members of our group peeled off to hike to the highest peak. I had never been near an active volcano at that point ... and it had spewed smoke and just a bit of lava within the few days before I was there. I found it impressive, with venting fumeroles and magnificent views in all directions. I don't know what I missed by not climbing that last little bit, but I do know that I found the experience I did have fascinating.

If you go, wear sturdy, thick-soled shoes. (It was very strange to feel the earth's heat through snow and thick shoes.) And be prepared for bitingly cold winds that can blow grit in your eyes. I was particularly glad to have protective goggles and earmuffs.

Also, if you go, give some thought to stopping at the Alcantara Gorge on the way.

I posted a detailed review few years ago, based on our experience at Mt Etna, which might be helpful
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ia_Sicily.html

Added Italy tag and edited title from "My" to 'Mt"

In 2017 on one of our Taormina days, we went to the top of a smoking Mount Etna on a Viator tour and we really enoyed it. Bus ride then a cable car ride then a jeep ride then a walk to the edge of a crater was pretty neat. The ground was warm (you could feel it through your shoes) but the air was cold enough to see your breath. Wow!https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d556344c50.jpg


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https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...85c13bc91a.jpg


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We are staying in Ortegia for 5 nights and considering renting a car to go to Etna as there doesn’t seem many tours that go up to the top of Etna in early May

Unless things have changed quite a bit, you will need to leave the car somewhere far from the top.

I usually dislike tours, but I'd recommend taking one if you can. And not just for the guide's expertise, but also because tour groups get priority for the various modes of transportation you will need, and some of them can become real bottlenecks. Even in early May -- or at least, that was my experience.

The problem with tour is that there are limited tours to Etna from Ortegia

"Limited" is not the same as "not available." So you can take one of the limited tours. Or drive as far as you can and be prepared for long delays. Or drive an hour or so to Catania, where I suspect there are many tour options. Or contact one of the reputable tour companies to see if you can drive to a place to connect up with a tour.

And BTW, it's Ortigia.

Good luck!

I don't know the number in your party, but if all else fails, you might hire a driver to take you from Ortigia. The price might even be equal or less than paying for each individual person on the tour. All the drivers in that area have been numerous times and will offer information along the way as they drive you to the base of the cable car.

I've used two excellent drivers in that area within the past 18 months or so; if you want names, I can give them to you. Your hotel will also bee able to recommend someone. Prices for drivers to popular sites do not usually vary much from one to the other. Just ask for an English speaker if you do not speak Italian. Again, many drivers in that area do speak English; just make sure of this before booking the trip.


I've been several times--driving ourselves and with a driver; all great. Most important: Bring warm clothing!! Gloves and hat if you plan to get near the crater.

We had a private guide, did not go all the way to the top, but it was a fabulous experience. Our guide, Francesco, arranged through Alexei at Journey Beyond Travel was excellent. Look at page 23 of my trip report.https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...1722233/page2/

I had a great experience with a small group tour (in a van) with this company. The guide was wonderful and they had a wardrobe closet where you could borrow (no extra charge) a heavy down coat, rain coats, boots etc (it was nice not having to pack warm clothing). At the time of the Etna tour I was staying in Taormina. But I wonder if your hotel in Ortigia can arrange a driver to pick you up and deliver you to meet a driver from this small group tour company.
https://www.etnapeople.com

Was the wardroom closet in Taormina?

Mjs, It was on the way to Etna--we were picked up in Taormina, then driven to a spot on the way to Etna where we had a bathroom break and then could borrow clothing. I don't recall where that spot was but it was on the way to Etna.