Italy·April - December
SICILY ROCK AND FIRE
How often do you get the chance of climbing at the crags of an active Volcano? Get ready for some Sicilian basalt rock climbing
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Overview
How often do you get the chance of climbing on the slopes of an active Volcano? Sicily is renowned for its good food and amazing sea... now get ready to experience the Mediterranean Island from a less-known perspective, by exploring all the wild environments and unconventional climbing gems it has to offer. Mount Etna is Eastern Sicily's symbol: with its 3357 meters, it has a history of overlooking the city of Catania and its inhabitants. Its surroundings are home to a variety of unique environments and breath-taking sceneries for climbers. Climbing here means peeling off your fingers on basalt rock and appreciating the specific climbing movements that this rock entails... all while discovering the newly equipped crags!
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
Get ready for a full week of immersion in Eastern Sicily's beauties. During the trip, you will be in the good company of Mirto, whose local expertise suggests the following itinerary to appreciate to the fullest what the island has to offer.
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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! 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. 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
Bouldering day!
It's bouldering day!! The boulder area is located in a wide valley on the west side of Etna. The valley is scattered with blocks of sandstone of excellent quality, while the surrounding oak forest offers a suggestive environment. In the afternoon have a taste of products typical of the Bronte area (especially famous for the production of pistachios).
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)
More Info
Climbing Skills
No minimum climbing level is required, as Mirto is a UIAGM certified mountain guide. 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. The best thing about climbing with the locals is that you can decide last minute depending on the weather and wind conditions to always get the best out of the day!
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 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
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 trip as you will be accompanied by a certified guide. It is however recommended that you can top-rope 5+ to get the most out of the experience.
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 and bouldering. There's also a day dedicated to trekking on Mt Etna, so bring some suitable shoes.
Dates
April 14 - 20 2023
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp
May 23 - 29 2023
FROM$1009/pp
September 6 - 12 2023
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp
October 26 - November 1 2023
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp
November 22 - 28 2023
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp
December 6 - 12 2023
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp
December 27 2023 - January 2 2024
FROM$858/pp$1009/pp