Etna: Trekking to the summit craters at 3340 meters
Sicily
Enjoy a unique experience on Mount Etna, with breathtaking views and the charm of an active volcano. The tour starts at an altitude of 1900 m and includes a 2-hour trekking to the summit craters at about 3300 m.
Etna Summit Trekking Experience with Expert Guide
This guided hiking tour on Mount Etna starts from Rifugio Sapienza in Sicily and suits adventure seekers interested in volcanic landscapes and active volcanoes.
Highlights
- Trekking to the summit craters at 3,340 meters
- Expert volcanology guide
- A combination of adventure, lunar landscapes, and an active volcano
- Cable car and 4x4 minibus transport
- Walk through a lava tube
Description
The tour begins at Rifugio Sapienza (1,900 meters altitude). You first take a cable car to 2,500 meters, then a 4x4 minibus to 2,850 meters. From there, the trek to the summit craters starts, lasting approximately 2 hours through recent lava flows, sand, and volcanic lapilli.
At the summit craters (3,340 meters), you will walk along the rim of the Central Crater to see the main conduits, 'la voragine' and 'bocca nuova'. Next, you continue to the southeast crater, site of recent eruptions, where you can enjoy panoramic views and take photos before descending a sandy slope to around 3,000 meters for a lunch break.
After lunch, the descent continues to the northern base of the Barbagallo craters, formed during the 2002-2003 eruptions. You will walk around their perimeter and enter a lava flow channel, a canyon created by cooled lava. The hike then proceeds to the 'Valle del Bove' viewpoint, an ancient caldera formed about 9,000 years ago by the collapse of older eruptive centers.
The route finishes by passing the lateral crater formed in the 2001 eruption before descending back to the cable car station, which returns you to Rifugio Sapienza.
The day before the hike, the guide will provide essential directions and information for the trek.
Includes
- Etna hike with volcanology guide
- Windproof jackets
- Trekking poles
- Protective helmet
- Insurance
Excludes
- Round-trip cable car ticket and 4x4 minibus, payable on site (€82 adults / €51 children up to 10 years)
- Lunch
Important Information
- Wear layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures
- Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To ensure a comfortable experience, book in advance and prepare for changing weather conditions on the volcano.
