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Hotel-style accommodation is available at nearby Rif. Sapienza, as well as Nicolosi, which has a good choice of restaurants.

The Walk

From the restaurant (1880m), where visitors are exhorted ‘Visitate i crateri Silvestri’, take the clear path south flanking the first small exemplar of the Monte Silvestri Inferiore craters with its vivid chromatic tones. The broad rim of the main hole, some 50m in diameter, is circled next on prevalently reddish terrain. From the opposite side take the steep path which drops quickly on loose soil towards a further crater, unmistakable Monte Nero (black mount). Take care following its rim.

Return to the main crater the same way – or via any of the numerous side paths which invite further exploration. The entire area is quite breathtaking. There are vast stark extensions of lava flows, their dark masses interrupted by islands of greenery that escaped the carnage. Further groups of adventive cones punctuate the landscape right down to the broad valleys that circle Etna, preceding the Ionian coast. The circuit is completed left around the main lower crater and back to the roadside restaurant (40min).