ETNA NORTH CRATERS TOUR

5,0

Etna North Craters Tour: An adventure between Lava and History

Discover the imposing craters and lava flows that tell of Etna’s most dramatic eruptions. This tour takes you among the traces of the 2002 eruption, which in just a few hours transformed Piano Provenzana into a unique “black desert” in the world.

You will walk among lateral craters and historical flows of the eruptions of 1911 and 1923, along the North-East fault, the largest of Etna, observing how the lava has shaped the landscape.

The adventure ends with the exploration of a lava cave: a unique tunnel formed after an eruption, which you will visit equipped with a helmet and torch. With the guidance of experts, you will discover the geological and natural secrets of the volcano. A unique experience to experience Etna up close and discover its beating heart.

09:00 - 15:00

2100M

MEDIUM

max. 10 people

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

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. Of course, all our staff are fully vaccinated for your and our protection.

Highlights

Lava flow from the 2002 eruption

From the beginning of the tour you will discover the extraordinary strength of Etna. In 2002, a lava flow overwhelmed Piano Provenzana in 10 hours, leaving a lunar landscape. Today, only the roof emerges from the former “Le Betulle” hotel, submerged by lava. Fortunately, the flow stopped 5 km from Linguaglossa, avoiding further devastation.

The North-East Fault: The Dynamic Heart of Etna

Etna, a giant in constant metamorphosis, is shaped under the pressure of the magma, the movements of the faults and its eruptions. During the tour, you will walk on the historic flows of 1911 and 1923, born along the majestic North-East fault, the most impressive of the volcano. A journey through lava flows that tell stories of strength, transformation and the extraordinary vitality of Etna.

The Imposing Craters of the 2002 Eruption

The 2002 eruption left an extraordinary scar on Etna: 25 craters along the legendary Hinge of Fire. During the tour, we reach the most impressive, walking along its edge to admire a breathtaking view. Infinite craters and lava flows intertwine in a unique landscape, testimony to the primordial strength of the volcano. An experience that enchants and brings you closer to the majestic power of Etna.

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.