Volcano Travel

Volcano Travel · Tour

Etna Summit for Experienced Hikers: Transport Tickets Not Included

4.8 102 reviews 4.8 stars out of 5, 102 reviews

Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

Sicily
Walking on an active Volcano
In front of the Southeast Crater
Sulfur everywhere on Etna volcano
Our amazing group from 3300 meters
On the rim of Etna's Central Crater
Bocca Nuova Crater
Gas emissions
Touching the sulfur
Impressive experiences
Amazing volcanic view
Walking on the path
Admiring the eruptions

Two things are stated up front, and both matter more than the scenery. The transport is not included. Cable car and vehicle tickets are bought on the day, together with the guide, after the briefing. And the grade is for experienced hikers: 9.5 km in total, about five hours. The walking goes up paths of volcanic bombs and slag to the crater rims, through the gas of hot fumaroles and past rock coloured by crystals formed by sublimation. Qualified volcanological guides explain what is happening while it happens. The timetable: meeting at 8:30 in the car park in front of the Esagonal Bar, departure at 9:00, briefing, tickets, then the cable car to 2,500 metres. From there 5 km of trekking to the summit craters and 5 km back down to the cable car, then the return to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,900 metres. What to bring: a waterproof, hat and gloves depending on the season, and long trousers.

What's included

  • Licensed Volcano Guide
  • Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
  • Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack
  • Insurance in case of accidents

Itinerary

The map could not be loaded. Please try again in a moment.

  1. Piazzale Funivia Etna, Sud, Nicolosi

    The appointment is at 8:30 am in the car park in front of the Esagonal Bar. The operator waits there with a yellow van.

  2. Mount Etna

    The itinerary works the highest active part of Etna, which is also the part that changes most. From above 1,900 m, authorised 4x4 vehicles climb to about 2,750 m. The walking starts there, across desert ground of lava, ash and volcanic bombs left by repeated eruptions. The trek runs 12 to 13 km with roughly 600 m of ascent and a 6 km descent, and takes 5 to 6 hours. The trails reach around 3,300 m, and up to 3,380 m when conditions allow, arriving at the rim of one or more of the four summit craters: North-East, Voragine, Bocca Nuova, South-East. Which one depends on the day, because gas, wind and ground heat all move the route. The guides watch the volcanic and weather conditions continuously, so that the fumaroles, the mineral colours and the active craters can be seen safely. Solid fitness and experience of hiking at altitude are essential. The return to the starting point is usually between 13:30 and 14:30.

  3. Piazzale Funivia Etna, Sud, Nicolosi

Not included

  • Lunch bag
  • € 52 per person for the cablecar service (round trip) from 1900 meters to 2500 meters
  • Transport service from your accommodation
  • Hat and gloves (during autumn, winter and spring)
Show 1 more
  • Parking (€5 for the entire day on weekdays and €8 on Sundays and public holidays.)

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Show 14 more
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • 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.
  • The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.
  • 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 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.
  • Up to 10 travelers per booking.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guiding available in: en, it, fr.

Reviews

Loading reviews…

    Keep exploring

    More experiences in Summit Craters

    Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

    From

    € 107.00

    Book now