Italy·August
SICILY DEEP WATER SOLO
Discover the incredible deep water solo spots in Eastern Sicily and climb on the Etna volcano!
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Overview
With its high concentration of quality crags, beautiful coastlines, and laid-back vibes, Sicily is becoming a must-visit climbing destination. Most tend to avoid this charming island in summer, however, when the heat makes strenuous exercise in the sun seem... a little undesirable. We have a solution: DEEP WATER SOLO! Deep water solo is very similar to bouldering (think short climbs with no ropes), but instead of a crash pad you fall straight into the water. For this reason, it's the perfect sport for summer: a few strenuous moves, then when you reach the top, a refreshing dip into the sea... During this trip, you'll be spending 2 full days trying this fun sport, interspaced with one day trekking and sport climbing ON Mount Etna itself, where the altitude ensures favourable conditions.
Local Partners
Meet our Local Partner in Eastern Sicily
Mirto
Mirto is our local partner and your expert climbing guide for this trip. Born and raised in Catania, he is definitely the one to turn to for a true off-the-beaten-track Sicilian experience and knows all the best deep water solo spots.
The Experience
5 days climbing and deep water soloing in Eastern Sicily
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DAY 1
Arrive and climb!
Arrive at Catania Airport in the morning or afternoon and transfer to your accommodation, where you can take the time to settle in and explore the surrounding area. In the evening, meet your fellow Mapo Tapo travellers over a delicious traditional dinner.
DAY 2
Deep Water Solo!
After an energising breakfast, it’s time to finally try some deep water solo. You’ll spend the day on a boat exploring the incredible deep water solo routes on the cliffs of Punta Cannone, near Syracuse. The evening is free for you to do as you wish: explore the area, try some traditional food, or head back to the hostel and settle in for an early night.
DAY 3
Etna and Sport Climb
Wake up early for an 8am departure, direction: Rifugio Spienza on Mount Etna. You’ll start the day with some trekking - take a cablecart up to 2500mt, then spend some time exploring the upper reaches of the volcano (including the traces of the February 2022 eruption). In the afternoon, we’ll head to Acquarocca, a beautiful basalt crag on the Etna Volcano, for some sport climbing.
DAY 4
More DWS!
Final climbing day and time for some more deep water solo! Today, you’ll be exploring the coastal cliffs around Taormina, where there are impressive DWS spots such as Isola Rossa and Capo Taormina. A local photographer will come along, so you’ll have some professional quality photos to remember the day :)
DAY 5
Departure
Pack your bags, say goodbye to your Mapo Tapo crew, and head to Catania Airport for your flight home. Or you can spend a few extra days in Sicily exploring independently - you’ll find some guides with suggestions of things to do linked below.
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Eastern Sicily
Climbing in Sicily means golden tufas overlooking the sea
Sicily is known for the beautiful sea, the laid-back vibe, and food. Glorious Food. Climbing here means golden tufas on vertical or overhanging walls overlooking the sea - don’t forget a refreshing jump in the water at the end of your climb for the full Sicilian experience. In the area around Catania, you'll find a wide range of different sport climbing crags, ranging from the unique basalt walls of Mount Etna to the more typical Sicilian limestone near Syracuse or Taormina. Some of the island's best Deep Water Solo can also be found here: think limestone cliffs up to 15m high, safe landings into crystal clear sea, quiet coves, and lots of fun routes across a broad range of grades.
Basecamp
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Ostello Degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
Ostello Degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
Ostello Degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
Ostello degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
Ostello degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
Ostello Degli Elefanti
Ostello degli Elefanti is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you in every moment of your stay.
What's Included
What's Included
Climbing Gear (except shoes)
2 days DWS
1/2 day sport climbing
Etna trek
All breakfast
1 dinner
Certified guide
Boat (for DWS)
Transport to activities
Accident insurance
4 nights' accommodation in shared room
What's Not Included
Climbing shoes (bring 2 pairs, 1 old one for DWS)
Dinners (except 1)
Lunches and snacks
Ticket to enter Etna park (30 euros)
Transport to/ from airport
Anything not mentioned in the 'What is included' section
More Info
Climbing & Swimming Skills
No minimum climbing level is required, as Mirto, a UIAGM certified mountain guide, will be accompanying you for the duration of the trip. The only thing needed is an adventurous attitude and thirst for exploration! Grades will range from 5+ to 8a and all the crags will be selected depending on the level and the preferences of the group. N.B. You must be able to swim in the sea unassisted to participate in this trip.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. We can for any inaccuracies, however, accept no liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge not to go outdoor alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Want to learn more about DWS? Here's all the info you need!
Wed 13 Apr 2022 · Climbing Tips
10 Tips for an Awesome Deep Water Solo Day Out
Mapo Tapo partnered with Sail Next to bring you some tips to make the most of your deep water soloing experience
Tue 23 Nov 2021 · Climbing destinations
The Ultimate Guide for Rock Climbing in Sicily, Italy
A guide to rock climbing in Sicily featuring some of the best sport climbing, bouldering and deep water solo spots.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
No minimum climbing level is required as you will be accompanied by a certified guide. Grades range from 5+ to 8a, so some previous climbing experience may be useful.
What is the expected group size for this trip?
The minimum number of climbers required for this trip to run is 3, and maximum group size 5. This means plenty of 1-on-1 time with your guide :)
How do I get to the crags/ accommodation?
Transport to/from the crags and other activities is included in the trip price.
You will however need to get yourself from the airport to Catania city centre (and the reverse on the return), which can easily be done by taking the airport shuttle bus. Mirto (your guide) will arrange a meeting point on day 1 via the trip Whatsapp group.