Mount Etna is a gigantic volcano, a mountain with a thousand facets, and certainly not easy to tackle. To hike its trails, you need to be prepared, energetic, and fit. But if you’re lazy, if you’re one of those who prefers to sleep and dream rather than walk… don’t give up hope. There are even tailor-made itineraries for you! Let’s explore them together.

“Parrini” Trail

The so-called “Parrini” trail (meaning “priests’ trail”) is one of the most comfortable routes on Etna. Located on the north side, along the road that climbs from Fornazzo toward Citelli and Piano Provenzana, you’ll recognize it because it appears on the left, just before a bend, with a concrete ramp closed by a barrier that leads to a paved road.

Park your car in front of the barrier (there’s room for about four vehicles) and take the trail. Much of the route is paved, so walking is effortless. Along the way, there are small climbs and descents, until reaching the dirt road, which is still easy to walk. The entire route is a half-loop and emerges a few kilometers further down, on the Mareneve road. But you don’t have to do it all. You can also stop in front of the beautiful Trofa du Camperi tree (photo on the side), a centuries-old plant composed of multiple trunks and an enormous crown, so to enjoy a few minutes of cool air. Comfortably stretched out under its branches, of course!

Pietra Cannone

Pietra Cannone is a trail that also opens onto the north flank of Etna. Climbing from Fornazzo toward the Citelli-Piano Provenzana junction, it appears on the left with a clearly visible sign. Park your car on the side of the road or in the adjacent woods and enjoy the cool air at the refuge of the same name, or at the nearby picnic area.

From Pietra Cannone, a medium-difficulty trail begins that, in about an hour, leads to the edge of the Valle del Bove with a panoramic view. The trail, however, also has some more challenging sections, not suitable for those less fit. Explore this place in spring, when the trees around the refuge are all in bloom.

Adventure Parks

Who said adventure parks are just for little ones? They’re also great for sedentary adults, who prefer to calmly enjoy the shade while watching their children jump from branch to branch!

If you’re too tired to hike the trails in Etna’s woods, but still want to enjoy a forest… we recommend—to the east—Scarbaglio Park in Milo, or—to the south—Montirossi pinewood in Nicolosi. Both of these suburban parks, created from authentic woods fenced off by the municipalities, host adventure parks for the children. And while they play and have fun, you adults can stroll under the pine trees, lie on the grass, or enjoy the cool air in the equipped areas.

Cable car and bus

What’s more comfortable for a lazy person than letting yourself be carried away? Mount Etna can be admired in all its beauty without requiring the slightest effort.

Thanks to the cable car (south flank, Rifugio Sapienza) and the combination with the minivans that will pick you up upon your arrival at the summit, you can admire the majestic summit craters from the comfort of a vehicle.

The vans will take you to the foot of the largest active craters, and once there, you can calmly decide whether to get off and hike a bit or stay and take photos, effortlessly, from the window of the vehicle. (PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI)