Etnacity Guest House Apartment

I learned far more about Etna on this trip than I did on my previous tour with another company. Francisco’s explanations were easy to follow, and you could tell how much he loves the mountain and respects nature. He’s also on a mountain rescue team. We took the Etna Easy Tour, and I’d suggest long trousers and a windproof jacket. You can rent hiking boots, and when the wind picks up, volcanic stones may blow around, so prescription glasses need extra care. Hiking sunglasses are a better choice. As for the apartment, it’s spacious, with a separate living room and kitchen, and it stayed cool even after a full day out with the AC off. There’s a washing machine in the bathroom, which was handy, though I couldn’t find a drying rack and wasn’t sure where to hang clothes. They also leave capsule coffee and tea. The location worked really well. It’s one street from Via Etna, but quiet throughout the day, and the street felt safe. The Duomo, fish market, Villa Bellini, Decò and Lidl, plus bars and restaurants, are all about a 1-10 minute walk away. I’d recommend EtnaCity Apartment to families and people staying either briefly or longer. Francisco was a great host, spoke excellent English, and patiently answered my Etna tour questions before I arrived.

A lovely little apartment in a great spot, and the host was so friendly.

Francesco is a certified alpine guide for climbing and skiing trips, and he also gave our group a fascinating account of Etna’s geology. He described how the mountain rose from the sea, then jokingly compared its true and false summits to brothers trying to outgrow each other. His stories made clear just how much Etna means to Sicilians.

Francesco really knows this fascinating, almost mystical place, and his love for it comes through. The experience was unexpectedly fantastic and truly exciting. I’d recommend it to anyone, it’s the kind of thing that stays with you from a one-of-a-kind trip.