The Altomontana Track

The starting point for this Etna bike tour is at our bike store in Giardini Naxos. We will take care to set up the bikes according to your sizes and needs. After the initial briefing, we will get into our minivan ready to discover the highest active volcano of Europe!

We will proceed to the Southeast side of Mount Etna to Rifugio Sapienza at 2000 m of altitude, where we find one of the entrances to the Pista Altomontana.

From there we’ll leave for our off-road adventure. During first part of our journey, the route will run on the dirt and black basalt road, which became inaccessible by the recent eruptions and lava flows. From the very start, you will enjoy the breathtaking views on the Bocca Nuova and the Southeast craters.

For a coffee break, we will stop at Galvarina refuge. Than we’ll take towards the Cave of Mount Nunziata. We are going to ride across the dramatic lava flow, which had once threatened the town of Randazzo and broke down the Etna Altomontana trail in 1981. 

That eruption had lasted for just 6 days but it managed to destroy several acres of land. The village below had been nearly burned down.

Another site not to be missed is the refuge of Mount Spagnolo at 1440 m asl, recently renovated and open to visitors. Leaving behind that fantastic place immersed in the green of pine trees, we will arrive to Pass Dammusi at 1760 m asl.

That is the place of the longest lava flow ever recorded on Etna Volcano, lasted from 1614 to 1624.

From there we will be able to admire the famous cordate lavas and one of the most beautiful caves of Mt Etna – Grotta dei Lamponi. 

After that brief stop, we will continue our Mt. Etna bike excursion pedaling towards Refuge Brunek in the Ragabo forest of Etna park. 

We will stop for fast lunch in a local restaurant at 1420 m asl. Last, but not least, the visit to Zappinazzu – the oldest pine tree of Mount Etna.

After 12 km of downhill on asphalted road, we will meet our minivan, which will bring us back to our home base.