March 20-25, 2025 — Hiking and Exploring Sicily – Etna, Taormina & beyond

5 Days
Expats — Hiking  and Exploring Sicily - Etna, Taormina & beyond

Hike Mount Etna’s surreal lava fields, explore Syracuse’s ancient history, relax in Taormina, snorkel Plemmirio, and trek Peloritani!

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Date and time

March 20 · 10am – March 25 · 1pm CET

Location

Vincenzo Bellini Catania AirportVia Fontanarossa 95121 Catania ItalyShow map

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Agenda

Day 0


On our day of arrival we will be meeting either at the airport or in the city of Catania. The rental car will be picked up after arrival by your guide and then arrangements will be made for pick up of all participants. If we have the opportunity then we will have a walk around of a few sights in the city either on day 0 or on our last day if desired, depending arrival and departure times. After everyone is collected then we then drive to Taormina and check into our accommodation and explore the city in the evening and find a nice spot for our evening meal (restaurant reservation may be made)

Day 1


Discover Taormina: We picked this coastal town to stay in specifically because of its beauty, history and fantastic streets, gardens and sights. We will take ourselves on a walking excursion to look at the Cathedral of San Nicolo, Greek amphitheatre, Piazza Ambertho, Isola Bella island and beaches and so much more. We can then drive up to the beautiful Castelmola town perched up high with spectacular views of Taormina and the coast below. There we can enjoy the local dishes and a glass of Sicilian wine before making our way back to get a good nights sleep before our first proper hike on day 2.

Day 2


Our first Hike: After breakfast we will head out and do a coastal drive to our first hike in the Peloritani Mountains. This hike is an intermediate hike of around 15 km and has stunning views. The Peloritani are a small mountain range between Mount Etna and Nebroni in the North east of Sicily. It is a beautiful, unspoilt area with lovely villages and great views of two seas! The hike will take around 5 hours and once finished we return to Taormina. As our morning drive to the hike will take us through a few coastal towns we can decide which one or ones we would like to stop and explore on the way back. If we find one that we fall in love with then we can enjoy an evening meal there too if desired.

Day 3


Hiking Mount Etna: After a hearty breakfast we head out to our second hike on the world famous volcano Mount Etna. We will be taking a cable car up to a higher point on the volcano where we can then decide if we take a tour bus further up, price includes a tour guide, or we hike part of it alone. Obviously if the volcano is active on that day then there will be restrictions on how far and where we can hike. The bus and tour costs an extra 30 euros. As the last gondola down again is at 4pm we will be making our way down before then and then heading back to Taormina this time to explore what we had not been able to see up to that point like the coastal part of the town and its ancient historical wonders for example. Evening meal and a chance to see the sunset over the ocean.

Day 4


Parco Marino del Plemmirio hike: Breakfast first then the drive south to Parco Marino del Plemmirio. This hike is a mainly coastal hike, intermediate and a chance to check out a lighthouse, cliffs as well as natural pools, beaches, a WW2 abandoned bunker and beautiful coastal scenery. A 13 km hike but there will be chances to swim in the ocean if desired so bring your swimwear and towel. We will also bring our own lunch for a picnic on the beach. When we return to the car we will then take a short drive to Syracuse to check out its ancient Greek structures and history. A gem on the eastern coast of Sicily. Returning then afterwards to our accommodation.

Day 5


Drive back to Catania airport and return home (chance to see the city if time is available)

About this event

  • Event lasts 5 days 3 hours

WHY GO?

Hiking in Sicily is an unforgettable experience, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and Mediterranean charm. Here’s why you should lace up your boots and explore this incredible island:

Mount Etna – Hike Europe’s highest and most active volcano for surreal lava fields, craters, and panoramic views. Unlike touristy mainland Italy, Sicily offers untouched nature and quieter trails. Sicily is an adventurer’s paradise, combining wild nature, history, and incredible food. After a long trek, refuel with arancini (stuffed rice balls), cannoli, pasta alla Norma, and fresh seafood. March offers mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes and just Perfect Climate for exploring the island.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

  • Mount Etna – Hike Europe’s highest and most active volcano for surreal lava fields, craters, and panoramic views. Etna erupts frequently, making it one of the most exciting volcanoes to explore. The higher you go, the more otherworldly it gets—black lava deserts, red craters, and steaming fissures create an almost Martian feel. On clear days, you can see the Ionian Sea, the Aeolian Islands, and the entire coastline of Sicily.
  • Syracuse: Once one of the most powerful cities of the Ancient Greek world, Syracuse was home to Archimedes and rivaled Athens in culture and influence. Walk through streets where Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences blend together.
  • Taormina (our home for the trip) is like stepping into a postcard—this charming hilltop town in Sicily offers breathtaking views, ancient history, and a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. It is perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers stunning panoramas of Mount Etna, the coastline, and the crystal-clear waters below it is the Perfect Base for Exploring Sicily. The famous Piazza IX Aprile is the best spot for breathtaking sunset views. Take the cable car down to Isola Bella, a tiny island with a stunning beach and clear turquoise waters.
  • Parco Marino del Plemmirio, located just south of Syracuse, Sicily, is a hidden gem for nature lovers, snorkelers, and hikers. This protected marine reserve offers breathtaking cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, making it a perfect escape from the crowds. The park boasts dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and rocky beaches, perfect for a peaceful seaside escape.
  • Unlike tourist-heavy spots like Taormina or Etna, the Peloritani Mountains offer true wilderness and solitude. The Peloritani are covered in dense forests, rolling hills, and rocky ridges.Stretching between Messina and Mount Etna, this rugged mountain range offers stunning landscapes, ancient trails, and breathtaking views over the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

Trip Details:
Start & End Date: Thu, 20 Mar – Tue, 25 Mar
Meeting location: Catania airport or Catania city – Meet your guide on Thursday after arrival at airport.
Finishing Location: Catania airport (Anytime after 11 am)

Note: If you are leaving earlier or later, please us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant drop-off arrangements.
Difficulty: well marked paths, moderate elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required
Price: Starting from 795 Euros per adult ( Before any discounts)

What is Included:

  • Community leader & Local guide for the entire duration
  • 5 x nights shared accommodation in Taormina in an apartment. Note: Additional accommodation upgrade options are available. Reach out if any queries.
  • Breakfast supplies provided for the entire trip
  • Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location.
  • Guided tour of Taormina with a local guide.
  • Various roadtrips
  • Guided on all hikes.
  • Gondola ride to Mt. Etna
  • Organizing lunch & dinner places. Note: Participants need to pay themselves.
  • Access to a WhatsApp Group dedicated to the hike
  • Access to a Google Photos album dedicated to the trip where you can share all your amazing pics & videos.

How to get to Catania Sicily?

  • Flying is the fastest way to reach Catania airport with direct flights from most European cities.
  • You will face temperatures of 20 degree celsius and higher during this trip, so you need to be prepared as well as warm and waterproof clothes in case of cold evenings and rain.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

  • WHATSAPP: Reach out to us directly by clicking here: Ask Questions

WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TRANSACTION FEES?

Transaction fees apply only when you use the ticketing system available on this page. If you prefer to avoid these fees, we offer the option of paying via bank transfer. To arrange a bank transfer or if you have any questions, please reach out to us directly by clicking here: Ask Questions

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

WHAT IS NEXT?

  • WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
  • Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
  • Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

  • Free cancellation up to 7 full days before the start of the trip. After that, cancel up to 5 days before the trip to get a 50% refund.
  • If the event is cancelled by Urbanature Travel (UNT), you will get a full refund (excluding any airfares), unless you have purchased a flight inclusive package directly with Urbanature Travel (UNT) in which case you will get a refund including the flights.
  • Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
  • Urbanature Travel (UNT) needs a minimum of 5 participants for this trip to take place, else we may cancel this trip.
  • UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
  • UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Organized by Urbanature Travel

Welcome my fellow travellers! We are looking to provide you with options to travel to amazing places with our like-minded community guides. Our trips would involve a mash-up of urban exploring and comfortable nature trails & hikes planned & designed by us to ensure that you have a great time & have a more holistic experience.

Looking forward to seeing you on our trips!!!

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