Bivaccco Serra Pizzuta Calvarina
The place
A small bivouac (probably the smallest on Etna) set up at around 1600 m on the Serra Pizzuta Galvarina volcanic cone, dating from the 12th century AD, in the Etna Park (Monte Etna UNESCO site), in the municipality of Zafferana Etnea (province of Catania, Sicily). Visible both from the SP 92 road linking Rifugio Sapienza to Zafferana Etnea, and from Pedara on the way up. The modest bivouac can accommodate a few people, and has a small hearth, a small table, a water well, and a laminated map of the Park. Always open with no capacity limit, heated by a fireplace, no kitchen, no toilets. A prime viewpoint over the southern flank of the volcano with views of Catania, the Iblei Mountains and numerous volcanic formations. A classic loop of about 5 km, 150 m of elevation gain, through chestnut groves, pine forests, snow patches and volcanic caves.
Getting there
Trails in the Etna Park from the SP 92 (between Rifugio Sapienza and Zafferana Etnea), or from Pedara.
The setting
Serra Pizzuta Galvarina volcanic cone (12th c.), southern flank of Etna, view over Catania-Iblei.
