Description Grand tour Etna Alcantara by quad
Itinerary
This Etna Alcantara excursion is the ideal tour for those who want to discover in a single day the most suggestive places of the North side of the Etna and the Alcantara valley. Discover the secrets of the volcano Etna in a unique and adventurous way. In this tour we guide our quad bike to discover Linguaglossa, which stands out for its well-preserved historic centre and its surrounding area, cultivated on lava terraces with vineyards and olive groves.
We continue the quad bike tour towards Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, characteristic for its medieval centre between Etna and Alcantara. After a short stop to see the medieval castle where you can see all the upper part of the Alcantara Valley up to Randazzo. The castle dominates from above the town of Francavilla di Sicilia and the splendor of the lava basalt of the river Alcantara characteristic for its icy waters that come from the melting of the snows of Etna and for its flowing on millenary basalt.
After having touched the waters of the river we will pass by the “Cuba di Santa Domenica”, a small rural chapel of Byzantine origin dating back to the seventh century, situated among vineyards and prickly pears.
Among white dirt tracks, hazelnut groves and brooms we will go back up to the Rifugio where we will have a lunch break (not included). After lunch we will drive the quad on Mount Etna, driving on the lava paths that lead us to 1800 meters of altitude where we admire the remains of the destruction of the last lava eruption of 2002. On the black lava paths we continue our quad tour on Mount Etna and we will look out over the lava flow of 1865 and 1923 where we will turn our eyes to the magnificent coast of Taormina and Giardini Naxos.
After having seen the true strength of the volcano Etna that on the one hand creates black and harsh lava flows, but on the other hand nature slowly emerges covering them with vegetation thanks to its minerals, it is time to see what is preserved under the surface of the volcano. We go into a lava cave, so we can discover its secrets.
After exploring the Alcantara valley and the Etna volcano from the inside and outside, we can look (probably a bit tired) back on an adventures day full of memories and fun.
During the stops our expert guide of the territory of the Etna volcano will tell you the history of the places where we stop.
The route
The Grand tour Etna Alcantara by quad is suitable for both beginners and professionals and is always done in small groups. This excursion is the most complete tour to discover the volcano in an adventurous and adrenalinic way. The tour in quad bike takes about 7 hours (+ lunch break) with departure and arrival at Rifugio Ragabo – Etna Nord.
This tour is technical and very entertaining with more than 80% of the route off-road. The activity is totally in the open air, to ensure safety distances and to be able to breathe the fresh and clean air of nature and the fragrances of Sicily which our territory gives us
The quads are automatic and easy to drive. In maximum safety they can transport even 2 people.
Highlights of the tour
- Technical and challenging route
- The latest lava flow on the northside of the Etna of 2002
- Lava flow of 1923
- Lava flow of 1865
- Ragabo forest
- Lava cave
- Rediscover historical routes from Mount Etna to the villages
- Castiglione di Sicilia
- Alcantara valley
Details Grand tour Etna Alcantara by quad
Availability
From April to October, every day upon reservation
Timetable
Departure from 09.30 a.m.
Duration
About 7 hour
Quad
Polaris Quad, automatic, 2-seater
Included
Helmet, disposable hair net, petrol, assistance guide
Quad tour restrictions
Driver
To drive a quad bike you must have a B license and a minimum age of 18 years.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can’t come on the tour.
Fitness
Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
Children
A minimum age of 6 years is required. Children can only come as passengers.
Meeting point
Etna Quad
Strada Mareneve
95015 Linguaglossa (CT)
Directions
The tour starts from Rifugio Ragabo, Linguaglossa – Etna Nord. In the centre of Linguaglossa, turn for Etna Nord, and continue on the Mareneve road for 13 km. You will find the refuge on the left. You can park here for free.
GPS coordinates
37˚ 48’29.6”N
15˚ 04’28.8”E
