Most of the reviewers of the Valle del Bove have so far described an itinerary that, to reach the view of the valley, starts from the Rifugio Sapienza, therefore from a point that can also be reached by car, at 1920 m. above sea level; from this refuge the route to have a glance at the valley - from the west side - is relatively easy. We instead took a more challenging route, generally not included in guided excursions, but rather practiced only by individual walkers - therefore in our opinion more attractive - which involves overcoming a difference in altitude of about 300 m. The observation point on the Valle del Bove that can be reached - at an altitude of 1670 m - is called "Acqua Rocca degli Zappini" (which can be translated more or less as "stream of the firs' rock"; even if in spring and summer there is no trace of running water). The spot is located on the ridge that closes the Valle del Bove to the south and which as a whole is called “Schiena dell’asino” (donkey’s back). This ridge is the southern limit of the Valle del Bove, an immense caldera that in turn derives from the collapse of an ancient volcano that pre-existed Etna. This “paleo-volcano” has been named “Trifoglietto” by geologists because the greatest geological evidence of it was found in a location at the bottom of the Valle del Bove, so called. The route we took can be traced by GPS (we used the “Komoot” application), and is also well marked on the ground, by the white and red signs of the Italian Alpine Club (path 727). The route starts from a parking area, located at 1370 m above sea level, along the provincial road #92, Zafferana Etnea-Nicolosi. It proceeds for a considerable stretch on flat ground, and is quite shaded; among the trees, beeches clearly predominate, some of which are truly monumental. Over half of the climb, in a pleasant spot, there are traces of what appears to be an ancient shelter for shepherds, built with dry stones. The last part of the climb is steeper, and also less shaded; but the effort is compensated by the view that opens up at the end: down on the Valle del Bove, very wide and desolate like a lunar surface, and up on the central crater system of the volcano. One of the most evocative visions that I can remember. After a stop to eat our packed lunch, we were not satisfied with having reached this panoramic point, but continued following the ridge in an eastward direction, until reaching one of the highest points of the ridge itself, Mount Zoccolaro (1739 mts). Here you can enjoy another superb panorama of the Valle del Bove, and of the summit of Etna (as well as of the coast below, up to the sea). This leg of the path - also well marked - is never exposed on overhangs (it is therefore practicable even for those who suffer from fear of heights, like me), but it's still tiring due to the continuous ups and downs. From Mount Zoccolaro the shortest way to return to the starting parking lot - also marked on the apps - is instead totally devoid of signs on the ground, as if someone wanted to discourage this itinerary. It's therefore in some places barely recognizable on the ground, and in its lower part it is also obstructed by enclosures, which I suppose could be considered abusive. Overall this route seemed to me - together with the ascent to the central craters, and very few other routes - one of the most gorgeous that can be done on the largest European volcano.

…today I went on an excursion inside the protected area of the Etna Park…and I reached the Valle del Bove!!…a deep abyss!!…which is also called a caldera!!…formed by the collapse of two craters !!…this basin is one kilometer deep and five kilometers wide!!…all clearly arid land!!…desert!!…covered by recent lava flows!!…an incredible scenario!!…and definitely worth a visit!! …