Trekking at 3000 meters above sea level on Mount Etna

Trekking to the summit crater of Etna volcano

Meeting point at the Euro Etna Tourism hut located inside the Piazzale Funivia at Rifugio Sapienza station.

Meeting: The meeting time will be communicated after booking, before climb of Etna, delivery of equipment, bureaucratic formalities, latest information from the volcanological bulletin of the NIGV of Catania and delivery of tickets.

Our trekking begins, and it will lead us on a discovery of the tallest volcano in Europe.

Variations can be made to the day’s agenda caused by the forecasts of volcanological bulletins and civil protection. Any changes will be communicated in the morning by our guides.

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, active fumaroles emitting steam, inactive lateral craters located at high altitude, and the impressive panorama of the Valle del Bove.

We’ll descend along the crater’s flank to skirt the still-smoking lava flows, 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 more magical lunar landscapes to look out over the Valle del Bove viewpoint.

This extraordinary caldera belongs 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 volcanology guides on a journey through geology, volcanology, flora, and fauna, we’ll admire the active craters of Bocca Nuova, Voragine, the Northeast Crater, and the Southeast Crater, before continuing towards the Belvedere, an observation point that will allow you to admire the great Valle del Bove Caldera.

The climb to the summit craters of Etna, due to its challenging nature, is recommended for people who are accustomed to taxing hikes, and it is absolutely not recommended to those suffering from heart conditions and to untrained individuals. The minimum age for attending is 8.

NOTE: As a result of the ongoing eruptive activity and current restrictions, the route will undergo a change. We will also observe the recent lava flows from an altitude of 2750 m.s.l.m.

Excursion details

Ascending: Cable car up to 2500 m above sea level.
4×4 Bus: from 2,500 m above sea level to 2,750 m above sea level.
Trekking: Climb from 2750 m up to 3000 m
Descending: Trekking from 3000 m down to 2500 m, from where we take the cable car back to the departure point.

Price: 110 €