ETNA 0-3000

Excursion to #etna, starting from sea level, up to over 3000m. Departure is from Marina di Cottone, where a gentle climb begins, leading up to Etna.

The ascent is always steady, without tears, but long.

You pass through Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa and Piana Provenzana (1800m).

Here the asphalt ends and the hard climb begins, over the ash of Etna. Fatigue begins to be felt and you often have to dismount and push the bike. The mushy bottom prevents pedaling. All the more reason to enjoy the fantastic views. At times it feels like being on a plane, and with a little luck (weather permitting) you can see the Aeolian Islands.

Arriving at 3184 meters we descended because of the weather, retracing the route we did backwards, and it is a real treat: about 40 km of descent.

A word of advice: stop and enjoy a stump salami sandwich in Linguaglossa!