Etna Trek to 2,100 m and the 55-Metre Monpeloso Lava Tunnel

An easy grade, with the numbers to check it against: a maximum altitude of about 2,100 metres, a trek of an hour and a half to two hours, and roughly 100 metres of height gain. That last figure is the one that matters, because it means the walking is long rather than steep. The route crosses deserts of black sand, lava flows both ancient and recent, old craters and lava tubes. Etna is a World Heritage Site, and the ground on this section looks lunar in places. Two practical warnings from the operator, both worth reading. The route can be changed if the weather turns or there is a real safety risk. And the stated duration is indicative: do not book this for the same day as your flight if the timings are close together. Wear hiking shoes, or at least shoes you do not mind getting dirty.