Sunsets… the time of day most beloved by poets, the one that has inspired songs and romantic proposals for centuries! Humans have always pursued them and have recently included them in tourist itineraries. Just think of the over-hyped (and crowded) sunset in Santorini, the famous African sunsets, or the sunsets on the beaches of California. If you’re a sunset enthusiast, Mount Etna also offers fascinating vantage points.
When to admire sunset on Mount Etna
The most beautiful sunsets in Sicily occur in the autumn-winter period and again in spring. Sometimes, in summer, when the sirocco wind brings African mist to veil the sky, breathtaking sunsets can be also seen, reminiscent of those in Kenya or Tanzania. But the ideal time to “hunt” for sunsets is during the shoulder seasons.
Where to admire the best sunsets…from afar
From afar, the best sunsets can be seen from various points along the coast. On the eastern side, the sun always sets earlier because it hides directly behind the volcano. Spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from Acireale (for example, from the cathedral’s bell tower which is open to tourists), from Giarre, and from the beaches of Riposto and Fondachello di Mascali. To the west, the sunset paints marvelous colors on the flanks of Etna, and you can admire the spectacle from Adrano and Bronte.
But this is always “from afar.” If you want to be directly ON ETNA during the sunset, there are other vantage points.
Sunsets among the craters
One of the most popular tourist excursions is the sunset at 3,000 meters. It involves ascending by cable car and then, with a guide, by car, or on foot, to the large summit craters of Etna and waiting for the sunset from up there. From that perspective, two breathtaking views await: the sun setting in the west and, on the opposite side, the shadow of the volcano – a huge triangle – covering the eastern coast!
If you don’t want to go that high, admire the sunset sitting atop the Silvestri Craters. Certainly more accessible, easier to climb, and closer to accommodations, they still offer a lunar landscape that takes on marvelous colors at sunset. If they’re covered in Saponaria blooming flowers (in June), even better! The Silvestri Craters are located on either side of the parking lots in the Rifugio Sapienza square, South Etna.
Sunsets at Piano Vetore
Piano Vetore, the large plateau that opens to the south (about a 5-minute drive from Rifugio Sapienza), has recently become very famous for tourist selfies at sunset. As the sun sets over the flank of Etna, the trails and woods here take on hues ranging from golden orange to pink, in a crescendo of beauty. You can easily reach some refuges, such as Santa Barbara or Carpinteri (the latter entering through the Bosco Milìa gate) and enjoy the spectacle from there. Alternatively, head further down the road to Ragalna and admire the sunset from the statue of Theseus.
Sunsets in the Woods
Even on the northern side of Etna sunsets have a special charm. This side is much greener, rich in dense forests, such as the Ragabo pine forest. If you walk along these paths, you’ll admire the sunset as warm beams of orange light filtering through the branches and trunks. A fairytale effect is guaranteed!
Another beautiful spot to admire sunsets from the north is the Sartorius Craters trail, dotted with stands of birch trees. In the sunset light, these trees take on an almost pink hue and stand out against the expanses of black lava surrounding the craters.
Sunsets from Schiena dell’Asino
Let’s head back south to one of Etna’s most popular trails. Schiena dell’Asino takes you directly to the edge of Valle del Bove with a breathtaking view of the summit craters. Enjoying a sunset from up there is fantastic… but remember to always go with an experienced guide. Otherwise, the return journey, in the dark, becomes a trap where you can get lost or, worse, injured. (PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)