Activity Review: Mt Etna, Wine, and Alcantara Gorge!
Between the natural beauty of one of the world’s largest natural volcano and the delicious vineyards, Mt Etna is one of the world’s most unique landmarks! Because we were really close in Taormina, Mary Frances researched a few different tours to help us explore this natural wonder!
Initially, we were thinking about a full day wine tour. However, I also wanted to go hiking on it despite MF’s hestiation. Thus, we settled on a one day tour combining a morning Mt Etna hike, with a wine tasting and tasty home cooked Sicilian meal, ending at a fantastic Alcantara Gorge. For our tour, we chose Etna People for our operator.
Mt Etna
Beginning early in the morning, we arrived on the north side of Etna and ready to hike! Putting on our borrowed hiking boots, we began hiking the Monti Sartorius trail. Because we were a young group, we decided to take the long way to the top!
While I don’t want to spoil any of the fun information learned along the way, our guide was very informative throughout our tour! He explained how the mini mountains were actually caused by the past volcano eruptions. The pressure would cause fissures in the earth leading to the lava flow and these mountains. Plus, the volcanic rocks were very hot!
Mt Etna
Vegetation
One of the other fun facts is the vegetation around Mt Etna. There is a rare tree that has a white base so it reflects the heat coming from the volcanic rock. Plus, there are even some trees in the high altitude still growing after a volcanic eruption!
Exploring the Lava
Throughout the hike, our guide would point out really interesting rock formations. There were even holes leading to the deep caverns of the underworld! As we walked up through the hike, the views were outstanding! We saw the past several eruptions and those mountains as well.
Mt Etna Views
Volcanic Cave
After our hike, we put on our hard hats and grabbed the flashlights and went beneath the ground! Formed from ancient lava grounds, these caves use to store ice in the winter. In fact, Mt Etna ice was sold throughout Italy and the world! Imagine that, from volcanic eruptions to ice fields!
Wine Tasting & Lunch
For our wine tasting, we went to the majestic vineyards at Cantine Patria. Beginning with an excellent meat and cheese plate, we dove into the world of Etna wine!
For our lunch, we had a tasty home made pasta! Unfortunately, the portion size was extremely small so I ate it before I could even take a picture! It was a tasty pasta with smoked pancetta and pistachios!
Alcantara Gorge
While we didn’t anticipate going to the Gorge, it certainly ended up being an unique experience. Although it appeared every other Sicilian and/or tour group decided to come at the same time, the gorge was packed! Without people, it would have been a surreal! Similar to Zion National Park, the gorge has beautiful silver walls and a freezing cold river running through the canyon.
Suffering through extremely numb feet in the water, we walked through the gorge. Ahead of us, there were groups of people in wetsuits! Either way, we walked until the water became too deep and really enjoyed it! It reminded me of my awesome holiday in Zion National Park.
Gorge Views!
The UnChartered Summary
While we came for delicious wine and amazing mountain views, we gained a lot more than that!
- I highly recommend this tour - the guides are great and the tour is very more personalised!
- While I enjoyed the lunch, it was hardly anything - especially after a Mt Etna walk! Maybe bring a snack...
- The Gorge should be visited even if it is a nice surprise!