SI V23C

The stage starts from the Monte Scavo Forest Shelter (1717 m a.s.l.), where you take the Altomontana dell'Etna and head uphill towards the south. After 1.1 km, you will see Monte Nunziata (1803 m a.s.l.) on your right and reach the Grotta di Monte Nunziata, a lava well surrounded by a fence. Continuing on, you will first reach a 'pagghiaru' on the left, which is an ancient shepherd’s shelter, and then the Poggio La Caccia Refuge (1917 m a.s.l.) located 3.7 km from the start, near Monte Palestra. After a few hundred meters, you reach a ridge and begin to descend along mostly exposed sections of the path, arriving at the Galvarina Shelter (1879 m a.s.l.). Here, turn left and continue along the dirt road through vast lava fields and a dense pine forest to reach the votive shrine of San Giovanni Gualberto (1739 m a.s.l.) near the currently closed refuge of the same name. From here, the road becomes paved, and you continue alongside the Nuova Gussonea botanical garden. Soon, near a struck pine tree, you resume climbing, passing a detour on the right along exposed stretches to reach Piano Vetore (1756 m a.s.l.). From here, ascend north, crossing the 1983 lava field and reaching the Etna Sud tourist station, where you will find the CAI G. Sapienza Refuge, near the ski lifts.