Activities in Ionian Coast
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Centro Ippico Amico del Cavallo
This well-run stable is 8km west of Catania. Horse trails include a seven-hour trek through Etna farmland, a two-day trek along the Simeto river and a five-day trek around the summit. For other stables pick up the booklet Itinerari a Cavallo from the tourist office in Catania.
reviewed
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Acquaterra
Excellent guided tours around the northern side of the volcano, where you see a different volcanic landscape.
reviewed
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Funivia dell'Etna
Funivia dell'Etna runs a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza (1923m) up the mountain to 2500m. (The ticket office accepts credit cards and cash.) Once out of the cable car you can attempt the long walk (3½ to four hours return) up the winding track to the authorised crater area (2920m). If you plan on doing this, make sure you leave yourself enough time to get up and down before the last cable car.
reviewed
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Isola Bella
To the right of the beach, Lido Mazzarò, past the Sant'Andrea hotel and round the cape is the miniscule Isola Bella set in a stunning cove. You can walk here in a few minutes but it is more fun to rent a small boat from Mazzarò to paddle round Capo Sant'Andrea. Isola Bella was bought by Florence Trevelyan for a mere 5000 lire. It is her house that you can see on the island. Now it is run as a nature reserve by the World Wildlife Fund and the craggy base is a wonderful snorkelling spot.
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CST
Runs coach excursions to destinations including Mt Etna (around €27), Piazza Armerina (includes the Villa Romana di Casale and Caltagirone, around €50), Palermo (includes Monreale, around €45) and Panarea and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands (€75). Prices exclude admission to museums and archaeological sites.
reviewed
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Castelmola
Panorama fanatics should head 5km up the hill to Castelmola, literally the high point of the area, with a ruined castle and sweeping views of, well, everything. Interbus makes an (almost) hourly run from Taormina (€1.30)
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Lido Mazzarò Beach
You need to take the funivia (cable car) on Via Luigi Pirandello - This beach is well serviced with bars and restaurants and private operators charge a fee for a space with umbrella and deckchair.
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Siciltrek
Siciltrek runs group tours up Etna, including the cable car and bus trip to 2900m. Andrea Ercolani of Siciltrek also organises and leads excellent private tours throughout the region.
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Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud
Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud is the official guide service on the mountain’s southern flank, running day or multiday guided itineraries from their hut below Rifugio Sapienza.
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Sicilian Airbus Travel
Runs coach excursions to destinations including Mt Etna, Piazza Armerina, Palermo and Panarea and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands.
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Nike Diving Centre
Nike Diving Centre, located opposite Isola Bella, offers a wide range of courses for children and adults.
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Ferrovia Circumetnea
FCE has some good tours to Mt Etna and the surrounding area. You can also take the train around the base of the volcano.
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Taormina Shore Excursion: Taormina and Mt Etna Day Trip
by Viator
While you’re in port in Taormina, your private driver will chauffeur you along the fabulous Sicilian coast to discover Taormina and Mt Etna. On this full-day pr…Not LP reviewed
from USD$125.39 -
Messina Shore Excursion: Taormina and Mt Etna Day Trip
by Viator
While you’re in port in Messina, take a full-day private shore excursion to Taormina and Mt Etna. Take in scenic views as your private driver takes you along th…Not LP reviewed
from USD$125.39 -
Volcano Trek
Volcano Trek is run by expert geologists. Several tour options are available; see the website.
reviewed
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Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip
by Viator
Enjoy a full-day private shore excursion from the Taormina port to Sicily’s beautiful Cyclops Riviera, encompassing the fishing villages of Catania and Acireale…Not LP reviewed
from USD$125.39 -
Messina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Day Trip
by Viator
Enjoy a full-day private shore excursion from the Messina port to the picturesque Cyclops Riviera, encompassing the Sicilian fishing villages of Catania and Aci…Not LP reviewed
from USD$125.39 -
Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Nord
Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Nord runs a similar tour service to Etna Sud.
reviewed
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Dive Sicily
Dive Sicily offers a wide range of courses for children and adults.
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Etna Experience
A well-regarded agency with tours to Bove Valley and hikes up to the craters.
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Gole dell’Alcàntara Tours
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Parco Regionale dei Nebrodi
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Cable Car
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