Etna's summit craters
5,0
A Top Adventure: Emotions and Panoramas for True Explorers
08:00 - 14:00
3300M
HARD
Itinerary
MEETING POINT
We are located in Piano Provenzana, on the northern side of Etna, at 1810 meters above sea level. Here we are already in the UNESCO protected area “Etna Park”. You will meet our guide, who will provide you with the necessary equipment.
The off-road buses now take us to 2840 meters up to Pizzi Deneri, where the INGV volcanological observatory is located. From here you continue on foot.
Trekking in the lava desert – climb
We begin our ascent through this lunar landscape. Everything is covered in black lava sand and lava flows. We notice some rounded stones that stand out from all the others: the lava bombs.
The total climb is approximately 550 metres.
The top of Etna
We have arrived at the top of Sicily! Below us is the enormous area of Etna. On clear days, you enjoy an excellent view over much of Sicily with its mountains and lakes and you can see all the way to the mainland.
We pass from the north-east crater, the former highest point of Etna, to the central crater with the openings of Voragine and Bocca Nuova. Being a multi-crater volcano, Etna has four summit craters: the highest is currently the south-east crater.
We experience a unique and varied scenario: the terrain changes from the shades of gray that prevailed during the trek to lighter colors caused by the resublimation of the minerals transported by the rising gas. The enormous mouths open in front of us: sometimes it is quiet and we can look into the mouth, sometimes the craters are smoking and we have to stay close to the guide so as not to get lost.
After walking on the edge of the central crater, we begin the descent.
LUNCH
DESCENT
There are 2 options for descent:
- The more sporty can walk the entire route up to Piano Provenzana. It is about 1500 meters above sea level.
- All the others return to Pizzi Deneri and take the bus down from there.
RETURN - UNTIL THE NEXT ADVENTURE
Back in Piano Provenzana, you can participate in a tasting of local Etna products (pesto, creams, honey: the gold of Etna, liqueurs).
The memory of this unique experience will remain with us forever: we walked on the top of the most active volcano in Europe.
Until the next adventure!
Meeting Point
- At the Mareneve kiosk in Piano Provenzana (see Google Maps). There are sufficient (paid) parking spaces available.
Recommended equipment
- High hiking shoes (low shoes get filled with sharp volcanic sand) and long trousers or high socks. When socks are put on over shoes, they prevent sand from entering the shoes, like gaiters.
- Clothing suitable for the weather and altitude, in layers: during the winter season snow clothing included. Gloves and hat; in summer, windbreaker, cap, sunglasses and sun cream
- 1.5 l water per person
- Packed lunch
Services included
- Insurance coverage throughout the tour
- Authorized Italian-speaking guide (tour guide, AIGAE-GRE tourist guides, with BLSD certificate)
- Ticket for cable car transport up to 2500 m: ascent and descent €50 p.p.
- Equipment: trekking poles, windbreakers, rucksacks, helmets, lamps and trekking shoes (please let us know your shoe size when booking)
- Breakfast
- Tasting of typical products: honey, cream, liqueurs
Services not included
- Everything that is not listed under ‘Included Services’.
Services on request
- Pick-up from hotel or other meeting point (price to be agreed)
- Hiking shoe hire
- Child seats for transfer
Important information
- Please inform us in advance of any special circumstances: health problems, allergies, heart disease, blood pressure problems, limited mobility, disability. We will find the best solution for you for an unforgettable day on Mount Etna.
- Activity at this height is not recommended for women from the third month of pregnancy onwards.
- Changes may occur or the tour may be cancelled if the guide deems it necessary if weather or volcanic conditions threaten the safety of the group.
Reviews
Reimar Suess
Wir haben eine wunderschöne Wanderung erlebt. Sebastiano ist ein toller Guide, der für den Ätna “brennt” und zusätzlich zu dieser Begeisterung fundiertes Wissen über die Natur und den Vulkan mitbringt. Toller Service, dass EtnaWay auch noch Ausrüstung (in unserem Fall die vergessenen Wanderschuhe) bereitstellt. Alles in allem absolut empfehlenswert!!
Susanna Borek
Wir hatten eine fantastische Tour mit Christiano! Er hat super viel gewusst und keine Möglichkeit ausgelassen uns mehr über Aetna, seine Entwicklung und auch die Geschichte drumherum zu erzählen! Wir waren mit 2 Kindern (4 und 8 Jahre) unterwegs, war super!! Wanderschuhe sind besser als Sportschuhe 😉 Sehr empfehlenswert.
Francisca
Hiking in Etna was an incredible experience. Gianpaolo is very easy going and a great guide who knows a lot about Etna. Not only did he taught us a lot about vulcanos, but also how Etna has shaped the Sicilian culture.
Our group got a bit of a cloudy day, but has Gianpaolo kept telling us, Etna is never boring! And as the clouds moved, we did get to see great views.
It was a great hike (we also got to visit a lava tunnel), and I learned a lot more than I was expecting!
mikhail glazunov
We took the top craters hiking tour. It was a high quality hiking experience. Organized very well, in an enjoyable and safe way. Christian, the guide, was super friendly, speaking English, German and Italian. Truly unforgettable experience.
Summit Craters Tour
200€
Per person
Meeting point on Etna
280€
Per person
With round trip transport
- Tasting of Typical Products
- Insurance coverage
* Children under 13 pay €10 less!
Children under 3 years old do not pay
Frequently asked questions
Meeting Point
- At the Mareneve kiosk in Piano Provenzana (see Google Maps). There are sufficient (paid) parking spaces available.
Recommended equipment
- High hiking shoes (low shoes get filled with sharp volcanic sand) and long trousers or high socks. When socks are put on over shoes, they prevent sand from entering the shoes, like gaiters.
- Clothing suitable for the weather and altitude, in layers: during the winter season snow clothing included. Gloves and hat; in summer, windbreaker, cap, sunglasses and sun cream
- 1.5 l water per person
- Packed lunch
- Camera
Services included
- Insurance throughout the tour
- Authorised Italian-speaking guide (certified hiking guide with BLSD certificate)
- Equipment: trekking poles, windbreakers, rucksacks, helmets, lamps and trekking shoes (please let us know your shoe size when booking)
- Breakfast
- Tasting of typical products: honey, cream, liqueurs
Services not included
- Everything that is not listed under ‘Included Services’.
Services on request
- Pick-up from hotel or other meeting point (price to be agreed)
- Hiking shoe hire
