Mojo cinder cone

Overview

Monte Mojo is one of the most striking eccentric cones on the northern flank of Etna — a pyroclastic hill formed not at the main crater but along a lateral fracture, far from the summit. Rising abruptly from the vineyard-covered plain of the Alcantara valley, its near-perfect conical shape and reddish scoria make it an unmistakable landmark. This moderate loop takes you to the rim of the cone and around its crater, rewarding you with sweeping views of Etna’s summit, the Peloritani mountains, and the patchwork of vineyards that produce the renowned Etna DOC wines.

The Trail

Ascent

The path starts at a small car park on the edge of the hamlet of Mojo Alcantara. A broad dirt track winds uphill through hazelnut and pistachio orchards before entering the volcanic terrain proper. The soil transitions from dark agricultural earth to loose, rust-coloured scoria — a clear signal that you are walking on the flanks of the cone itself.

Interpretation panels placed at intervals along the ascent explain the geological story: how a fissure eruption roughly 2,400 years ago sent lava flowing north toward the Alcantara River, creating both the cone and the lava plateau on which local vineyards now thrive.

The Rim Loop

At the top, a narrow trail circles the rim of the shallow crater. The views are exceptional:

• South and west: The massive bulk of Etna dominates the horizon, its snow-capped summit often wreathed in a plume of volcanic gas.
• North: The green Peloritani ridge stretches toward Messina, its lower slopes quilted with olive groves.
• East: The Alcantara valley opens toward the Ionian Sea, with the terraced vineyards of Castiglione and Randazzo in the middle distance.

Descent

The descent follows a different path through holm oak woodland and a stretch of vineyard, completing the loop back at the car park.

Geology Notes

Mojo is classified as an “eccentric” or “adventive” cone because it formed from magma that exploited a deep fracture system independent of Etna’s central conduit. The scoria and lapilli that built the cone are notably rich in olivine crystals, which you can sometimes spot as green specks in the reddish rock.

Practical Tips

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes recommended. The scoria is loose and abrasive.
• Sun protection: There is very little shade on the upper slopes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Best season: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer the clearest views and most comfortable temperatures.
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace.
• Combine with: A wine tasting at one of the nearby Etna DOC estates — several are within a short drive.
• Dogs: Permitted on a lead. Bring water for your dog; there are no fountains on the trail.