Excursion Description
The excursion to Serracozzo and the north ridge of the Valle del Bove starts from an altitude of 1741 m at Rifugio Citelli, the only CAI refuge on the north-western side of the volcano.
Throughout the journey, it is easy to understand the uniqueness of this slope, between lateral eruptions (1971 and 1979), endemic forests (Betulla aetnensis), and the north ridge of the Valle del Bove, which, in about 1h30m of walking, allows you to overlook and understand the eruptive scenarios, more or less recent, within it.
From here, you walk the first part of the trail inside the birch forest, up to the Serracozzo lava flow cave, which originated during the 1971 eruption. This is one of the most important post-war eruptive theaters, with intense activity originating at the base of the central cone from 4 radial fissures on April 4th. On May 7-8, a system of seven eruptive fractures began to propagate from high altitudes towards ENE, along the western edge of the Valle del Bove.
After visiting the cave, you reach the first panoramic point on the north ridge of the Valle del Bove, at an altitude of about 2050 m, from where it is possible to get a first glimpse of all 4 summit craters of the volcano, only 4 km away. The Valley, deeply and continuously marked by terminal or sub-terminal effusive activities, remains, to this day, a unique landscape of the volcanic complex.
We will distinguish the different morphologies within the valley, from magmatic intrusion dikes to less recent Lahar remains up to the superficial tuffs of the Ellittico. Monte Simone, Monte Rittmann, the Centenari Mountains, the recent effusive flows of summer 2022, the entire Val Calanna up to Acitrezza and the entire Ionian coast, elements that we will observe together during our hiking.
From the (variable) altitude of about 2200 m, we will close the loop along the fracture that destroyed the town of Mascali in 1928, rejoining the initial path through comfortable sandy gullies and crater rims. The last stretch, in the birch forest, marks the end of a loop excursion suitable for everyone and educationally perfect for understanding the recent events of Etna.
What the excursion includes
- Authorized volcanological guide;
- Helmet for the cave visit and high altitudes;
- Headlamp for the cave visit;
- Trekking poles.
Book your adventure on Etna
Live a unique educational experience to understand the geology and recent history of Etna. Contact us to book your excursion to Serracozzo and the Valle del Bove.
- The program may vary during the day due to variable weather and volcanic conditions.
- Good physical condition is required for the described activities.
- The excursion is not recommended for those suffering from asthma or heart problems.
- The minimum number to confirm the excursion is 3 adults (€300). If this number is not reached, the equivalent fee must be considered to confirm the excursion as a private tour.
- Basic volcanological conditions provide for no presence of volcanic gases, but are subject to change based on the weather.
