Rifugio Citelli and the Etna East Forest

Rifugio Citelli is a mountain hut on the Mareneve road (Ex Trazzera Mareneve) on the east slope of Mount Etna, in the comune of Sant'Alfio, in the province of Catania, Sicily. It is used as a trailhead for waymarked forest tracks through the Etna east forest. The hut is about 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Catania, and parking is available near the refuge; public transport is limited, so a car is the practical option. No permit is normally required for the forest tracks, though visitors should check park notices. Several waymarked tracks of different lengths start here, and exact distances vary by route, so walkers should confirm options locally or with the Parco dell'Etna. Walks typically take 2 to 5 hours depending on the route chosen, with a moderate climb through chestnut and birch woods. The surface is mostly forest track and dirt path, with some volcanic soil and leaf litter that can become slippery after rain. Shade is good for much of the route thanks to the tree canopy, which makes the walks more comfortable in summer than the open upper slopes. Landmarks include mature chestnut and birch stands, old lava flows seen among the trees and views through gaps toward the Ionian Sea. The Castagno dei Cento Cavalli, a famous ancient chestnut tree, grows nearby in Sant'Alfio and can be visited as part of a trip to the area. The refuge itself provides shelter and may offer refreshments depending on the season, but opening times should be confirmed in advance. Water along the trails is not guaranteed, so walkers should carry their own supply, plus a light waterproof jacket, because mountain weather can turn quickly. A sensible turn-around is when the path becomes unclear or the weather deteriorates, with return along the same track. Autumn is especially attractive for the colours of the chestnut and birch woods.