Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers
Overview
Trekking in small groups
Ascent by off-road vehicles along the panoramic northern slope up to 2,825 meters. From there, the hike continues on foot through volcanic scoria and lava bombs, with a 500-meter elevation gain, reaching the rim of the Central Crater at 3,380 meters.
After a stop at the summit to observe the volcanic landscape, the descent is on foot down to 1,800 meters (approx. 7 km), crossing large gullies filled with soft volcanic sand.
Main data:
• Total distance (round trip): 12 km
• Maximum altitude: 3,380 m
• Minimum altitude: 1,800 m
• Ascent: +500 m
• Descent: -1,580 m (the long downhill section may be more demanding than the climb)
• Difficulty: Suitable only for experienced hikers
Note:
Participants who decide during the excursion to return by bus from 2,850 m to 1,800 m must pay €70 instead of €50.
What's Included
- Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
- Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack
- Insurance in case of accidents
- Licensed Volcano Guide
- Transport service from your accommodation
- Hat and gloves (during autumn, winter and spring)
- Parking ticket (3€ for the whole day) - You can pay it on the spot after the excursion
- Off road vehicle (one way only) from1800m up to 2825m (50€per person to be paid on the spot)
- Those who choose to return by bus from 2,850 m to 1,800 m must pay €70 instead of €50
Meeting Location
Etna nord-Piano Provenzana
Via Provenzana, 95015 Linguaglossa CT, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Itinerario Crateri Sommitali
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Mount Etna
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Piano Provenzana
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular diseases (breathing ones, or hypertension).
- The excursion could be subjected to variations at the discretion of the Guides, or it could be interrupted in case of changes of the environmental, climatic or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group.
- For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions and, if necessary, let the Guide know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problems and to avoid any risks.
- The excursion will be carried out according to the limits established by the ordinance in force published by the competent authorities in case of volcanic explosions, the volcano guides must respect it. In this case the guides must stop where it is still safe to arrive for the safety of the entire group.
- The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.
- We recommend not to use contact lens, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.
- The trekking requires a discrete preparation on a physical level. Being a path that develops at high altitude, it will be easy to accuse symptoms of fatigue. It is required attention, since it is a volcanic active area, subjected to constant gaseous exhalations and composed by a soil constituted by inconsistent and unstable rocks.
- Without adequate shoes you are not covered by insurance.
- Pregnant women who have passed the third month of pregnancy are not allowed to take part to any excursion activity.
- Because of the continuous and unpredictable evolution of the volcanic activity, the excursions could undergo variations, or, in extreme cases, be cancelled, at the discretion of the guide for safety reasons.
- The excursion is not suitable for children under 12 years old
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Etna – Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-167552P3
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 133 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

Private UNESCO Tour from Palermo: Monreale & Cefalù
$439.82

40 hp boat rental in Castellammare del Golfo
$101.28

From Catania: Day Trip to Noto, Calamosche & Nature Reserve
$375.41
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily
$38.50


Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty
$81.74

Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania
$110.17