Enjoy the Adventure
Our excursion to the summit craters is normally organized on the northern side of the volcano, one of the most scenically beautiful places on Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will meet the guide at 1800 meters (see meeting place below) and after a short briefing we will reach an altitude of 2900 with the use of special 4x4 vehicles. The trek will start here and will take us to the edge of the summit craters in approximately 1.30/2 hours. Here, at 3260 meters above sea level, you will admire the surreal panorama inside the summit craters, in particular the Bocca Nuova characterized by the colorful colors of the sulfur concretions and other minerals, by the fumaroles and if possible by the eruptive activity. Unique landscapes that make this experience on the most active and largest volcano in Europe special. You will also find yourself on the highest point of the island and will therefore be able to enjoy a breathtaking view over a good part of Sicily: the Ionian Sea, Taormina and then beyond the mountains surrounding Etna, the Nebrodi and the Madonie, the archipelago of Aeolian Islands. After observing the sunset from this wonderful place, the descent will take place with the vehicles used on the outward journey from 2900 meters downwards.
IMPORTANT NOTES: The excursion may undergo variations depending on weather conditions or civil protection provisions at the sole discretion of the organization and/or guide. Due to the high altitude and the physical effort required, this excursion is absolutely NOT permitted for people with heart conditions or any other physical condition unsuitable for hiking. For people over 50, a preventive cardiological examination is recommended.
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. Also look at the equipment checklist
- Official authorized Etna Guide (Mandatory)
- Helmet (Mandatory)
- Neck warmer ETNA Unesco - GIFT only with us!!!
- A voucher for a free etnean food tasting
- Maximum 10 people per group
- Rent shoes - Jackets - Hiking poles
- Packed lunch
- Ticket for bus 4x4 (60€ by cash)
Tour Map
Our meeting point for the excursion is in Piano Provenzana - ETNA NORD turistic area (1800 mt a.s.l) at rent-souvenir house LA CAPANNETTA, close the chair lift.
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 special 4×4 vehicles up to an altitude of approximately 2900 metres. The cost of this service (€60) is NOT included in the participation fee.
After leaving the 4×4 bus, the guide will take you from 2900 m to the edge of the summit craters to enjoy the spectacular scenery offered by this majestic volcano. You will be in direct contact with the fumaroles and the sounds of the main crater. From this altitude the panorama will allow you to observe the Sicilian island from its highest point.
After visiting the summit craters we will descend to a safe area at approximately 3000 meters above sea level and we descent by bus 4×4 to Piano Provenzana
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
