What is better than a mountain that gives us an enormous free gym area in the open air?

The mountain is an infinite resource for the health of all. Taking up sport in mountain is three times better for heart, lungs, muscles and mind. In climb are consumed up to 10 times more calories. High sports, such us sky running and mountain fitness can be a therapy avoiding stress and there are not contra-indications for old people, asthmatic or diabetic people.

You can also combine the positive effects of this sport activity with the unique of a kind experience at the discovery of the resources of Sicily: “Pearl of the Mediterranean”

Fitness on Italy's Volcanoes...

One of the highlights of sky running trips is the tour of Etna volcano, the highest volcano in Europe (3330m) and one of the largest in the world. Weather (and volcanic activity) permitting, you follow a steep path to the summit area to make a mount etna excursion of the Northeast crater, the Central crater, the Bocca Nuova, and the Southeast crater. You run down to Torre del Filosofo, before you descend through the spectacular Valle del Bove.

Here you can make a sicily sight tourism of the north coast of Sicily and the volcanic Aeolian islands lying offshore. On the Aeolian islands you can climb the central crater of Vulcano and Vulcanello, the two Volcanoes of Salina Island and the Stromboli volcano.

The Aeolian Islands are really good for sporting, healthy and cheap vacations in sicily. Only Lipari and Salina allow cars from outside and the smaller islands offer the rare experience of an almost vehicle-free environment.

Vulcano is the closest to Sicily's mainland. It is possible to make fitness in the crater's peak . Its beach is of fine, soft black sand, and its famous hot mud pool is famous to cure rheumatic ailments.

Lipari is the largest and liveliest of the islands. Among its attractions Lipari has a superb archaeological museum, spa baths and Roman sauna cave.

Panarea has clear blue waters surrounding a rocky coastline. With the absence of cars and with its rich and colourful vegetation Panarea is the best place to make fitness at nature's pace.
Stomboli is the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity. A climb to the crater can be undertaken with a guide and takes approximately three hours to go up - two to come down.

Mountain Fitness: General Tips to improve your experience...

Run with somebody, to share the landscapes views
Leave your watch at home, try running up across our mountains, through forests and volcanic landscapes or in a creek
End your run with some drills. Skipping, bounding and strides can leave you feeling fresh at the end of a workout. You'll be ready to join the attractions
Try something different during a run — climb some rocks, watch a deer, pick flowers or lie down and watch the clouds roll by
Run the race just for fun or as a workout, it's a not competitive race, but a friendship experience to share with other fitness lovers
Use electronic tools such us Calorie calculator Running Pace Calculator, Running Distance & Temperature Converters

Clothing...

You will need light clothing during the day but at night on the volcanoes, the temperature drops dramatically so a down jacket or warm fleece is needed.
Wind and waterproof outer garments are essential.
Footwear: Walking boots for walking over volcanic terrain (gaiters are useful for keeping volcanic ash out of boots).

Equipment...

Bring a water bottle for the mountain treks.
A good torch or headtorch is recommended, as you may be walking in the dark on the descent of Stromboli and for visiting caves.

Have a look on our race schedule now. You don’t need the gym, to keep in good form and to lose weight:

A good Sicilian volcano is better!