Starting point of our tour is the district Filiciusa Milia, situated on the southern slopes of Etna. From Rifugio Ariel (reached with the shuttle service departing from Catania or independently with its own car) along a mountain trail forest clay reddish, surrounded by walls of lava stone. Paradise for nature lovers , bikers including, the hike has a significant impact nature, giving images and breathtaking scenery. During our hike we arrive Galvarina plateau. Not far from here is Rifugio Galvarina ( 1878 m) and Passo Passo Monte Palestra and near which is Rifugio Monte Palestra ( 1905 m ).
We will see a wild nature, the Botanical Garden New Gussonea, owned by the University of Catania. We will reach the plateau Galvarina. We continue to Passo Monte Palestra refuge with the same name. We will see one of the greenest places of the volcano.
Continuing our tour we will go up to Monte Santa Maria to get up to the homonymous refuge at an altitude of 1.630 m. from here we will continue up to the refuge Brunek before ending our tour on asphalt until Catania.
If you prefer you can continue from Etna refuge Brunek to Catania or return to the starting point of the excursion (Rifugio Ariel) we provide the bike shuttle service.
Start point: Rifugio Ariel (1700 m.)
End point: Rifugio Brunek/Catania
Length: 32.63 km to rifugio Brunek; 40 km to Catania ( 1 H e
1/2 from Rifugio Brunek to Catania on the road)
Max. Altitude: l985 m Passo Monte Palestra
Surge: 643 m
Level: medium level
Estimated time: 5 h ( with break)
Recommended period: spring, summer, autumn