Live a unique experience at 3000 mts!
Our high altitude excursion, as an alternative to the visit to the summit craters, is organized on the southern side of the Etna volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will meet the guide at 1900 meters in the Sapienza refuge area and after a short briefing you will reach an altitude of 2500 using the famous Etna cable car. From here the trek will begin that will take us to the edge of the Barbagallo craters, at the base of the summit craters, in about 1.5/2 hours. Here, at 2900 meters above sea level, you will admire the surreal panorama from this height that ranges from the slopes of the volcano to the sea coast. Unique landscapes that make this experience on the most active and largest volcano in Europe special. In addition, you will find yourself at the highest altitudes of the island and can therefore enjoy a breathtaking view of much of Sicily: the Ionian Sea, Taormina and then beyond the mountains that surround Etna, the Nebrodi and the Madonie. For the afternoon version: The cable car is closed in the late afternoon, so the descent will be entirely on foot, but you will be able to admire the views in a different light, with fewer tourists than in the morning and you will have fun descending the volcanic sand gullies, with the soft lights of the sunset to reach the cars!
IMPORTANT NOTES: The excursion may be subject to changes based on weather conditions or civil protection forecasts at the sole discretion of the organization and/or guide. Due to the high altitude and physical effort required, the excursion is absolutely NOT permitted to people with heart problems or any other physical condition not suitable for hiking. For people over 50 years of age, a preventive cardiology visit is recommended.
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what is and isn't included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make all the necessary arrangements before your trip begins.
- Official authorized Etna Guide (Mandatory)
- Helmet (Mandatory)
- Neck warmer ETNA Unesco - GIFT only with us!!!
- A voucher for a free etnean food tasting
- Maximum 20 people per group
- Rent shoes - Jackets - Hiking poles
- Packed lunch
- Ticket for cablecar 4x4 (52€ by cash)
Tour Map
Our meeting point for the excursion is in Rifugio Sapienza Etna South turistic area (1900 mt a.s.l) on front the ticket office of Cable Car Funivia dell'Etna.
Itinerary
Our excursion to the summit craters is designed to give you the best visit experience considering less exposure to volcanic risk conditions. Our itinerary takes place on the northern side of Etna and is led by expert guides authorized by the Italian government and covered by insurance policies, equipped by radio and GPS devices
At the meeting point we will have a briefing to meet your volcanological guide, to check the equipment and for the last details before leaving. We recommend maximum punctuality because transport carriers must leave at the scheduled times. Otherwise you may miss the excursion.
The first part of the ascent takes place with the cable car up to an altitude of approximately 2500 metres. The cost of this service (€52) is NOT included in the participation fee and you’ll paid it by cash to the guide or ticket office.
After leaving the cable car the guide will take you from 2900 m to the edge of the Barbagallo craters, the place of eruption 2002, to enjoy the spectacular scenery offered by this majestic volcano. You will be in direct contact with the the feeling of the main crater. From this altitude the panorama will allow you to observe the Sicilian island from its highest point.
The descent will be on foot downhill to return to an altitude of 1900 m (parking). It will be an adrenaline-filled experience inside the volcanic sand gullies. We will be accompanied by the soft light of the sun. A truly suggestive and fun experience.
ONLY WITH US
ETNA BANDANA as a Gift!
Only with Etna Summit Craters will you receive a beautiful and very useful gift at the meeting point. A multi-purpose "bandana" neck warmer and hair band that can be used to mitigate the breathing of volcanic gases during our excursions. The value of this bandana is €15 but by booking online on this website it is free for each participant!
*The image is illustrative only and the style of the bandana may be different
