Etna Summit Craters Excursion (3350 m above sea level) – Cable Car + Bus

Reach the summit of the craters of Mount Etna

Meeting point at Baita Euro Etna Tourism located inside the cable car square near the Sapienza refuge.

Meeting time: The time will be communicated after booking., equipment delivery, bureaucratic formalities, latest information from the volcanological bulletin of the INGV of Catania and ticket delivery.

Our excursion begins to the summit craters of Etna, the highest volcano in Europe.

Departure times may be subject to change due to volcanological and civil protection forecasts. Our guides will communicate any changes in the morning.

Departure: From the meeting point, we’ll take the cable car to an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, and then take 4×4 buses to an altitude of 2,750 meters. Here, our trek will begin, an experience that will take us through a striking lunar landscape, shaped by recent lava flows generated by Etna’s latest eruptions. Along the way, we’ll observe recent lava flows, ancient lava channels and caves, and still-active fumaroles emitting steam.

From here, we’ll begin the ascent to the main cone of Etna Volcano. We’ll be able to admire the extraordinary spectacle offered by Europe’s highest volcano, peering into the bowels of the central crater. We’ll then continue to a crater terrace to admire the Bocca Nuova crater, the Southeast Crater, and the Northeast Crater. From this point, weather permitting, we’ll be able to observe Calabria, the Aeolian Islands, the mountains and interior of Sicily, and thus the entire eastern coast of Sicily. From here, we’ll descend along the crater’s flank to skirt the still-smoking lava flows of 2017, then cross them to reach the October 2002 lava flow channel. We’ll then explore the fumaroles of the October 2002 effusive crater. We’ll then traverse another magical lunar landscape to look out over the Valle del Bove viewpoint.

An extraordinary caldera belonging to ancient eruptive centers. Then, skirting the imposing eruptive cone of the Barbagallo Crater, we’ll reach the cable car terminal, which will comfortably take us back to the starting point.

Led by our volcanologist guides on a journey through geology, volcanology, flora, and fauna, you’ll admire the active craters of Bocca Nuova, Voragine, the Northeast Crater, and the Southeast Crater, before continuing to the Belvedere, an observation point offering views of the great Valle del Bove Caldera.

Due to its challenging nature, this hike is suitable for those accustomed to challenging hikes. It is strictly not recommended for those with heart conditions, untrained hikers, or those with asthma or leg problems. The recommended minimum age is 8 years.

NOTE: Due to ongoing eruptive activity and current restrictions, the route will be modified. We will also observe the recent lava flows from an altitude of 2,750 meters above sea level.

Excursion Details

Ascent: Cable car up to 2,500 m above sea level
4×4 bus: from 2,500 m above sea level to 2,750 m above sea level
Hiking, ascent: from 2,750 m above sea level to 3,350 m above sea level
Descent: Trekking from 3,350 m above sea level to 2,500 m above sea level, from there by cable car to the starting point.

Cost: €150 adults.