Italy·March 27 - April 2 2024
SICILY OUTDOOR CLIMBING: INTRODUCTORY CLASS TO SPORT-CLIMBING
Join other passionate climbers and gain skills to embark on your outdoor climbing journey at the crags of an active Volcano.
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Overview
How often do you get the chance to experience outdoor climbing at the crags of an active Volcano? During this special edition of the Mapo Tapo Eastern Sicily trip, you will have the opportunity to discover and practice the fantastic discipline of outdoor climbing surrounded by a unique natural environment in some of the endless crags Catania and Etna Volcano offer. To complete the experience, fabulous food, and a fantastic Sicilian vibe are guaranteed.
Highlights
Bridge the Gap
This workshop is designed for novice climbers looking to make the exciting transition from indoor climbing gyms to the great outdoors. Gain the confidence and skills needed to embark on your outdoor climbing journey.
Comprehensive Learning Experience
Receive expert guidance on a range of topics including climbing techniques, safety practices, crag selection, and route planning, ensuring a smooth transition to outdoor climbing.
Hands-On Practice in a Supportive Environment
Put your newfound knowledge to the test in a safe and supportive setting. Connect with fellow climbers and build lasting friendships through shared experiences.
Local Partners
Meet our local partners from Sicily
Mirto
Mirto is our local partner and your expert alpine guide for the trip. Born and raised in Catania, he is definitely the one to turn to for a true off-the-beaten-track Sicilian experience.
The Experience
During this clinic, you will learn some of the fundamental sport-climbing skills that are essential for any aspiring climber, such as fundamental Climbing Technique, Route Setting and Cleaning, Belaying Techniques and safety measures at the crag.
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DAY 1
Arrival + Climbing Etna
Arrival in Catania. After getting settled at the local accommodation, we're off already to the first crag, where you will g a thorough understanding of safety protocols specific to outdoor climbing environments. This includes proper use of equipment, communication, and emergency procedures.! We'll be exploring "Salice", a unique crag on the slopes of Mount Etna. In the evening the first taste of Catania's nightlife!
DAY 2
Climbing Etna + Aperitivo
After a revitalizing breakfast, it's back to the crags again. You will explore and climb routes situated in a canyon of rock lava in the town of Linguaglossa. You will get introduced to how to use belay devices and belay your partner efficiently to ensure safety and control. After climbing all day you'll be thirsty... enjoy an "aperitivo" with the group in the town of Aci Trezza, a quaint town of fishermen, famous for its sea stacks.
DAY 3
Fundamental Climbing Techniques
It's time to get deeper into learning climbing techniques tailored for outdoor climbing, including balance, footwork, and body positioning. Everything will feel different on real rock!
DAY 4
Etna tour
Tour of Etna! Departing from Catania we’ll reach the "Sapieza Refuge". A cable car will take us to 2600m, and a 3-hour walk to the summit begins. Compatibly with volcanic activity and weather conditions, we’ll reach the summit craters, see the lava front, and check out a cave of lava flow. The afternoon can be dedicated to typical Etnean wine tasting.
DAY 5
Climbing Syracuse
We head South! You will experience a change of scenery as we head towards Syracuse and climb in one of the local crags. A change of scenery requires a change of rock...you will be climbing on excellent limestone, a guarantee for all climbing levels. In the evening, it's back to Catania, in time to enjoy some typical street food in the lively historical center.
DAY 6
Climbing Buccheri
Last day of climbing! After breakfast, meet with your group for one last day of full-climbing in one of the crags surrounding the town of Buccheri. In the late afternoon have a taste of the local dishes with the group, and then it's off to Catania again, where you can enjoy a last night in the lively historical center.
DAY 7
Departure
Departure from Catania and time to go home - already, unfortunately!
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Eastern Sicily, Italy
Climbing in Sicily means golden tufas on vertical or overhanging walls 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 a full Sicilian experience. Climbers can enjoy crags with thousands of sport routes on basalt rock, limestone rock, and stunning sandstone boulders. Sicily is one of the sunniest places in Europe - 2500+ hours of sun per year! -, making it a perfect winter destination, while the breeze from the sea makes climbing possible even in warmer months if you know where to go, of course.
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
5 days climbing
1 day hike to Etna
7 days UIAGM guide
6 nights accommodation
Breakfast included
1 dinner
Transport to activities
Ropes/quickdraws/belay dev.
Accident insurance
What's Not Included
All lunches and snacks
Remaining dinners
Climbing shoes (can rent)
Flights
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”
Transport to/from airport (4 euros for bus)
Cable car ticket on Etna
More Info
Climbing Skills
No minimum level is required for this activity since Eastern Sicily boasts crags of all levels, and the instructor is an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide. This is an introductory course to outdoor sport-climbing, so previous indoor climbing experience is appreciated!
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 risk 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 BEFORE the trip is confirmed. Most of our trips need a minimum number of participants to run, so to avoid disappointment wait for a confirmation email before booking any non-refundable transport.
Blog Posts
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.
Tue 23 Nov 2021 · Community
Exploring the unexplored: Sicily, the hidden heaven for climbers
Sea Pitayas tell you a bit about what to expect on a Mapo Tapo trip.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
No minimum level is required for this activity since Eastern Sicily boasts crags of all levels and the instructor is an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide. This is an introductory course to outdoor sport-climbing, so previous indoor climbing experience is appreciated!
How do I get to the accommodation/ crags?
Transport to all activities from the hostel is included in the price of this trip.
You will however need to get yourself to Catania city centre at the start of the trip (there is a shuttle bus from the airport) and arrange your own transfer back to the airport at the end. Your guide Mirto will organise a meeting point via the Whatsapp group - usually a bar where you can have an aperitivo :)
How many people can join this trip?
The minimum number of participants for this trip is 3, and maximum 6.
What climbing styles will we practice?
Sport climbing. There's also a day dedicated to trekking on Mt Etna, so bring some suitable shoes.