Sea to Summit of the Highest Volcano in Eurasia! Can it get more iconic?
The true summit is often inaccessible due to volcanic activity and can only be reached with a volcanological guide. Instead, this route takes you to the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory—one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the volcano and the highest point you can reach without a guide.
The journey begins in the town of Riposto, right at the junction with Via Monte Etna: a starting point with the perfect name!
From there, the route follows mostly asphalt roads through Giarre, Macchia, and on to Sant’Alfio. After about a kilometre more on asphalt, the trail turns off-road, heading toward Via delle Fontanelle and Rifugio Pietracannone (currently closed). From there, it continues to Rifugio Citelli (open), before climbing steeply above the legendary Valle del Bove. The ascent finishes just a few meters above the observatory at Pizzi Deneri, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the volcano.
