Ciao Trekking Hikes in Sicily, Italy and abroad
Calendar 2026
Grotta del Gelo and Grotta del Lago - Etna
28 JUN 1 day

Grotta del Gelo and Grotta del Lago - Etna

To the southernmost perennial glacier in Europe (2040 m)

A unique adventure through the spectacular landscapes of Etna! During this excursion, we will cross lush forests, ancient lava flows, mountain huts, deep valleys, and the iconic Grotta del Gelo, at an altitude of 2,040 meters. This cave houses the only perennial glacier in Sicilia and the southernmost one in Europe.
We will set off from Piano Provenzana, initially following a track that leads us onto a trail across the 2002 lava flow. The route will take us towards Rifugio Timpa Rossa, before detouring towards the Grotta del Gelo, passing by the evocative ropey lavas. The Grotta del Gelo, with its perennial ice, will be our main destination.
For the return journey, weather permitting, we will take the Grotta del Lago trail, passing at the foot of Monte Pizzillo. In case of fog or unfavorable weather conditions, we will retrace our steps with some detours that will allow us to explore beech forests and old volcanic craters.

Highlights

  • Grotta del Gelo, the only perennial glacier in Sicilia
  • 2002 lava flow
  • Rifugio Timpa Rossa and ropey lavas
  • Beech forests and old craters

Day programme

Sunday 28 June
Total elevation gain of 780 m, on forest tracks and both marked and unmarked trails.
Meeting point

Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM — first parking lot on the right at Piano Provenzana (Etna)

Open in Google Maps
End of the hike

6:30 PM — return to the starting point

Important notes

The itinerary may change in the event of adverse natural conditions: in that case an alternative route will be proposed. A few days before the hike you will receive a message with the latest useful information.

The guides for this hike

Salvatore Marletta
Salvatore Marletta AIGAE Environmental Hiking Guide 333 4987946 WhatsApp Cresciuto tra le colline Chiaramontane, ha trasformato la passione per la natura e la montagna nel suo lavoro. Guida AIGAE e Istruttore di Nordic Walking, accompagna escursionisti in Sicilia, in Italia e all'estero, promuovendo un turismo responsabile e autentico.
Javier Marletta
Javier Marletta AIGAE Environmental Hiking Guide 328 7484939 WhatsApp Cresciuto nel mondo dell'escursionismo, è Guida Ambientale Escursionistica AIGAE e parla fluentemente spagnolo. Ama le escursioni più impegnative, ma soprattutto trasmettere la passione per la montagna a chi si avvicina al trekking per la prima volta. Nei viaggi apprezza il clima di condivisione e le amicizie che nascono nel gruppo.

Fancy walking with us? Write to us to book or for any information.

This page was automatically translated with artificial intelligence for convenience only and may contain errors. The Italian version is the authoritative reference; we accept no liability for any inaccuracies in the translation.