Etna 0-3300

The challenge seems simple, you start from sea level, from St. Mark's beach, and you get to the top of #etna, 3300 meters above sea level! And all in one day. Trying to avoid paved roads as much as possible, though, and so the ride gets even longer and more difficult. We first pass through Castiglione di Sicilia, then by bicycle path to Linguaglossa, then by very challenging and stony little road to the Brunek refuges, then to Piano Provenzana and then onto the dirt road that leads to the top of the volcano. For this last stretch it would be best to be accompanied by an Etna park guide. Only the last 150 meters of elevation gain you have to push the bike.

Caution. you must try to climb when the wind is blowing from the north, so you can get to the edge of the volcano without problems, otherwise with the sulfurous fumes it would be impossible to breathe. We got to the top very late, so we had to do the whole lower part of the descent on asphalt because of darkness, but having time there are many fun trails to get as low as possible. Ideal time until mid-October, then you are likely to find snow at the top. The thrill of being on top of the volcano is great, plus on clear days the views are spectacular.