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Italy·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

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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

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

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 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 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.

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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.

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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?

PAY ONLY $258/_pp DEPOSIT

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SICILY ROCK AND FIRE

Italy· 6 nights

FROM$1032/_pp