Messina to Mount Etna and Catania: Private day trip

Etna dazzles with its fiery craters, panoramic trails, and volcanic wines —a surreal meeting of power and beauty.

Europe’s tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, is a place where fiery power meets surreal landscapes. Spend your visit exploring the Silvestri Craters, where black lava fields stretch toward the horizon, or take the cable car up to the upper slopes for lunar-like panoramas and smoking vents. Hike trails that reveal hardened lava flows and volcanic caves, with sweeping views over the Ionian coast and Calabria on clear days. For a quieter experience, stop at nearby vineyards in Parco dell’Etna to sample mineral-rich volcanic wines. Seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and local cheese with honey complete this unforgettable encounter with nature’s raw force.

Catania brims with Baroque grandeur, vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and flavors rooted in Sicily’s volcanic soul.

Catania fuses Baroque elegance with the dramatic presence of Mount Etna, looming above its lively piazzas. Begin in Piazza del Duomo, home to the whimsical Elephant Fountain and grand cathedral. Wander through the bustling La Pescheria Fish Market, where street food, shouting vendors, and fresh seafood capture authentic Sicilian life. Stroll along Via Etnea, framed by views of Etna, before discovering ancient layers at the Teatro Romano and Odeon. Don’t miss the Monastero dei Benedettini, a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem. Underground Catania reveals lava-covered ruins, while local flavors like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and refreshing granita al limone await.