Hike near the summit craters up to the maximum safe altitude currently foreseen

5.0 (61 reviews) Sicily, Italy
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Duration5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian, French
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

The excursion starts at 1,900 m, where—after check-in and ticket purchase with your guide—you board the cable car to 2,500 m. From here begins an extraordinary trek gaining about 500 m in altitude, crossing recent snow-capped lava flows, vast craters, dramatic lava channels, and hot fumaroles venting high-temperature gases. The climb reaches 3,000 m—the maximum altitude currently permitted depending on volcanic-risk levels ⚠️—at the foot of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active and spectacular cone.

This route immerses you in the highest active volcano in Europe, offering rare close-up views of ongoing volcanic processes and the powerful landscape shaped by recent eruptions. The descent is entirely on foot from 3,000 m back to the cable-car station, then by cable car to the starting point.

Total duration: ~5 hours
Distance: ~6.5 km
Elevation gain: ~500 m (may vary)
Difficulty: E (Hikers) – for those accustomed to sustained walking at high altitude.

What's included

  • Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
  • Accident insurance
  • Authorized vulcanological guide
  • Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack
  • 54€ per person to be paid on site: tickets for cableway (round trip)
  • Parking ticket
  • Snowshoe rental at a cost of € 15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide the equipment)
  • Transport service from your accommodation
  • Hat and gloves

What to expect

  1. Mount Etna
    5h · Admission ticket included
    Start at 1,900 m. After check-in/tickets with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the trek begins. Gain ~500 m over lava fields, craters, lava channels and hot fumaroles to 3,000 m—the maximum altitude allowed by summit ordinances—at the base of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active cone.
    This tour explores the upper slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and the second most active worldwide. The route stays above 2,500 m with safe, regulated summit views. From a safe distance, admire the South-East Crater, source of many recent eruptions; access to the cone is closed by Zafferana and Civil Protection due to extreme heat, instability, and potential collapses when magma is shallow.
    Descent: on foot from 3,000 m to the cable-car station, then cable car back to the start.
    Duration: ~5 h • Distance: ~6.5 km • Gain: ~500 m (may vary) • Difficulty: E – for hikers used to high altitude.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guides will be waiting for you in the parking lot in front of the bas Esagonal, in the so-called Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. In case of problems you can contact us at +39 345 5741330

End point

Your guides will be waiting for you in the parking lot in front of the bas Esagonal, in the so-called Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. In case of problems you can contact us at +39 345 5741330

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.
  • Although the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, caution is advised, as the volcanic terrain can often be uneven and unstable.
  • The itinerary may be adjusted at the guides’ discretion or suspended if environmental, weather, or volcanic conditions change and pose a risk to the group’s safety.
  • The excursion will be conducted in accordance with the limits established by the regulations in force.
  • Suitable for children over 7 years old who are accustomed to walking.
  • The route includes ascending and walking along the crater rims, which may cause dizziness in sensitive individuals.
  • This itinerary, given its nature and altitude, is suitable for individuals in good physical health who do not have specific medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory issues, or hypertension.
  • For a safe and enjoyable excursion, it’s important to be aware of your health conditions and, if needed, share them with the guide. Doing so helps prevent problems and reduce risks.
  • The use of contact lenses is not recommended due to volcanic gases and ash, which can easily irritate the eyes. If you do wear them, it is advisable to use them in combination with sunglasses.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (61)
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Operated by Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord · Booked through Viator
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