Catania-Nicolosi

General

Traffic in and around Catania isn't easy and the rush hour should be avoided. You have to be courageous anyway. It's very important, that you as a cyclist are visible and have a firm appearance. It maybe sounds a bit stupid but it decides about to be or not to be...
The campsite "Etna" in Nicolosi is situated around 1km (uphill) outside of Nicolosi in direction of Etna (Via Etnea). In fall, it's very quiet here. Probably different during high season in summer... You can get small dishes here as well.
Italians are used to have a long "Siesta" till 5 p.m. That's why almost all shops (especially food shops) are closed in the afternoon (from noon to 5 p.m.). On Wednesday afternoon there are all food shops closed and they will not open in the evening! Supermercatos are normally open from around 8.15am. However, it can also be a bit later.
From Nicolosi (Catania) there is a bus going up to the Rifugio Sapienza. A bus stop for this one is near the camp site. Ask on the camp site for it and also at which time it leaves.
If you are going up to the top of Mt. Etna, be aware of that is around 3'340m high which means that it can be pretty cold up there also during summer time. If you are not with a guide, pay attention where you are going. Every year people are dying on Etna because of accidents.

Profile

Distance
Around 30 km und around 900 m difference in altitude

Type
Constant climbing

Additional Information
Catania: Catania is the second biggest town on the island of Sicily. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (Mt. Etna) had left their mark on this region, landscape and the geography of this area. Catania has about 300'000 inhabitants.

Nicolosi: The most famous road (Via Etnea) to the Etna passes through Nicolosi. This village was threaded and destroyed several times by lave from Etna, which crater are quite near.
Busses are driving from Nicolosi to the cable railway station (Rifugio Sapienza). Attention: tickets for the cable railway and jeep to the crater area (Torre Filosofo) are quite expensive

Latest updates regarding Etna can be found (amongst others) on the following websites: