Guided trek into the Valle del Bove

The Valle del Bove is the great depression on the eastern slope of Etna: about 7 by 4.5 km, enclosed by walls between 400 and 1,000 m high, down which many of the volcano's lava flows run. With the guides of the Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud you go up on the cable car, look over the edge, descend into its interior by a sand channel and cross the lava of the 1991–1993 eruption, far from the cable car crowds. It is a full day in the mountains: about 6 hours and €80 with everything included.

What it is and why it matters

The Valle del Bove was formed by several successive collapses of the volcano's slope and by erosion; one of the first left a debris deposit at Milo that is dated between 7478 and 7134 BC. Its floor is covered with recent lavas, such as those of the long 1991–1993 eruption, and on its walls you can see, in layers, the oldest rocks of Etna. Going down into it is walking over lava of different ages, with the caldera walls around you and the summit craters above.

The guided excursion

1. Meeting. At 8:45 at the Baita delle Guide, on the esplanade of the Rifugio Sapienza, at 1,910 m. Departure at 9:30.
2. Cable car up. The Funivia dell'Etna leaves you at about 2,500 m.
3. The edge of the Valle. You walk to the ridge and look at the caldera from above, with its walls and the lava floor.
4. The Canalone delle Rina. You descend by this channel of volcanic sand to the floor of the Valle, a long descent over loose sand.
5. The 1991–1993 lava. You cross the flow across the floor of the depression.
6. Piano del Vescovo. You come out at about 1,700 m and return to the Baita delle Guide at around 16:00.

The price of €80 per person includes the cable car tickets, trekking boots, socks, jacket, helmet and the guide service. A minimum of 8 people is needed for the group to go.

Difficulty and who can go

The guides rate it 4 out of 5. It is not technical, but it is long and demanding: six hours on volcanic terrain, above 2,000 m, with a long descent over sand and stretches over uneven lava. You need to be in good physical shape. It is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with cardiovascular problems, severe hypertension or anxiety. For minors, the guides ask that you check when confirming.

What to bring

Food for the day, gloves, a hat, a waterproof windbreaker, long trousers, sunglasses and sun cream. The guides advise against contact lenses because of the ash. They provide the rest of the equipment, boots included.

When to go

The departure depends on the weather and the volcano's activity: the guides may cancel or interrupt the excursion because of bad weather or volcanic risk. In winter snow covers the upper part and changes the conditions; ask the guides what can be done on your travel date. At the top the temperature is much lower than in Catania, even in summer, and fog can arrive quickly.

Getting to the meeting point

The Rifugio Sapienza is at the end of the road that climbs from Nicolosi on the southern slope. You get there by car and park on the esplanade. Next to the esplanade are also the Silvestri Craters, which you can walk round if you arrive early.

How to book

Book on the Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud website, on the excursion's page, or on +39 095 791 4755 and at [email protected]. The guides have other departures, such as the summit craters, a sunset excursion or one for families.