Schiena dell'asino

The "Schiena dell’asino" is the easiest of all the paths to walk through to admire the spectacular Bove Valley. The entrance to this pathway is to be found on the SP92, the road that goes from Rifugio Sapienza to Zafferana, at the first crossroads with Street 401 from Pedara. The entrance leads us into a pine forest with rocky soil. This is the most difficult section of the path, with a slope that in some points is greater than 10 degrees. Coming out from the forest the soil becomes a well worn trail and the slope becomes less severe. The path continues through the valley, on the right you can see Catania, in front of you is the Ionian Sea, while every now and then from the left very steep paths begin leading you higher up the slope. These are described in detail in the relevant sections. Carrying on this trail you arrive on the edge of the valley. This is one of the most accessible points to reach for whoever wants to closely observe the Etna eruptions that flow in the valley. The trail is suitable to everyone and particular equipment is not required. The path is accessible in all seasons, unless snow is present. With a torch it is possible to go through the path at twilight so as to observe the lava during the night and be able to return back to starting point without difficulty.