Monte Zoccolaro

Monte Zoccolaro is a rocky ridge on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, within the municipality of Zafferana Etnea in the province of Catania. Its summit reaches 1,739 metres above sea level and offers one of the most striking viewpoints in this part of the volcano park.

Where does this peak come from?

Zoccolaro isn't a volcano of its own — it's part of a wider rock formation known as Schiena dell'Asino (literally "the donkey's back"), which closes off the southeastern edge of Valle del Bove, the immense horseshoe-shaped depression carved into Etna's slope. The whole structure formed after the collapse of two older volcanic centres, Trifoglietto I and II, Etna's predecessors, roughly 64,000 years ago. What you see on the trail today are the frozen remains of that collapse: layers of lava and pyroclastic material exposed along the path.

How do you get to the top?

The hike starts at around 1,472 metres and follows a roughly 2-kilometre trail to the summit. It's short but steep — more of an intense climb than a long trek. Morning or late afternoon is the best time to start, when the sun isn't directly overhead and visibility tends to be at its clearest.

What will you see from the summit?

The top, marked by a metal cross, opens onto a full 360-degree panorama. Looking north you get Etna itself and the interior of Valle del Bove; to the east, the bay around Giardini Naxos and the outline of Taormina; to the south, the whole Ionian coastline. Few spots let you take in both the volcano and the sea in a single glance.

The cross and the annual pilgrimage

The cross at the summit has a story behind it. On 14 September 1948, a priest and a group of parishioners carried it up and placed it there, and the spot has been the destination of an annual pilgrimage ever since, held on the second Sunday of September. It's an unusual pairing of a hiking route with a living local religious tradition from the Etna area.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons: temperatures at over 1,700 metres stay comfortable and visibility is usually excellent. Summer heat makes the climb harder, while winter can bring icy patches on the trail that call for proper gear. The second Sunday of September is worth choosing if you want to combine the hike with the local pilgrimage — just expect more people on the path that day.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Monte Zoccolaro? The summit sits at 1,739 metres above sea level.

How long does the hike to the top take? The trail is about 2 km, starting from roughly 1,472 metres — expect one to two hours depending on fitness level.

Can you see the sea from the top? Yes, the summit offers views of the Ionian coast, the bay of Giardini Naxos, and Taormina.

What is the cross at the summit about? It was placed there in 1948 and has marked the site of an annual pilgrimage held every second Sunday of September ever since.