Places
Volcano·Moderate·Scenic·Popular
Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana
Sicily
Piano Provenzana (1,800 m) on Etna's north flank gives access to the Linguaglossa-side lava fields and the summit craters — less visited than the south Etna slopes. Birch forest (Betula aetnensis — Etna birch, endemic) grows on old lava above the pine. The 2002 eruption destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski resort — lava flows now frozen mid-resort. Summit craters at 3,329 m accessed by guide. Dogs on leash.
Duration
3 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation
+400 m
Best season
May – October
Highlights
- Etna birch (Betula aetnensis — endemic) growing on old lava
- 2002 eruption froze mid-resort at Piano Provenzana — lava through the ski lift
- Access to summit craters (3,329 m) on the quieter north side
With your dog
Lava trails; dogs on leash.
