The Silvestri Craters are two parasitic volcanic cones formed during the 1892 eruption, on the southern slope of Etna. Easily reached from Rifugio Sapienza, they offer one of the most spectacular panoramas in Sicily: from the crater rim the view stretches across the Mediterranean Sea, Catania and, on clear days, Malta.
A volcanology guide turns your visit to the Silvestri Craters into a complete experience: geological history, eruptive dynamics and safe access to the most fascinating areas of the southern slope.
The access point is Rifugio Sapienza (Nicolosi), on Etna's southern slope, comfortably reachable from Catania in about 50 minutes.
From the Rifugio Sapienza car park, the trail to the Silvestri Craters is well marked and reachable on foot in 15–20 minutes. The full loop around Silvestri Inferiore takes about an hour. From the rim of Silvestri Superiore the view stretches over the Gulf of Catania, the lava slopes and, on clear days, all the way to Malta. An accessible route, ideal for families too.
Staying overnight on Etna's southern slope lets you reach the craters at dawn, when the light on the lava flows is unforgettable and there are still few tourists around.
Compare prices and availability on Booking.com for the Etna South area: Nicolosi, Zafferana, Trecastagni and the entire southern slope of the volcano.
Everything you need to know before heading to the Silvestri Craters.
Etna's southern slope is at the heart of the Etna DOC. After the craters, a stop at a winery perfectly rounds off a day on the volcano: wines of extraordinary minerality grown on volcanic soils.
Two perfect cones born in 1892, a quarter-hour walk from the car park. A view that reaches all the way to Malta. Choose your excursion and book today.
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