Enjoy the Volcanic HARD Experience
For those who are very fit and want to climb to the top of the volcano without using cable cars or 4x4 vehicles, it is possible to organize a special experience with a private guide. An experience exclusively for excellent walkers. The possible itineraries are different, from the south, north or west side of Etna. 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. Starting from an altitude of approximately 1800 meters you will reach at 3260 meters above sea level, you will admire the surreal panorama inside the summit craters. Bocca Nuova rim is 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES: The excursion involves a minimum altitude difference of 1400/1500 meters and a total of 7/8 hours of walking, even on uneven and rocky off-track terrain, so it is an experience EXCLUSIVELY for excellent hikers/mountaineers, who have recently undertaken excursions with similar difficulties. If you don't have the necessary training we recommend the 4x4 and trekking tour. The excursion may be subject to variations based on weather conditions or civil protection forecasts at the sole discretion of the organization and/or guide.
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. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Official authorized Etna Guide (Mandatory)
- Helmet (Mandatory)
- Neck warmer ETNA - GIFT only with us!!!
- A voucher for a free etnean food tasting
- Maximum 6 people per guide
- Rent shoes - Jackets - Hiking poles
- Packed lunch
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
You will be notified of the location of the meeting point after agreeing the itinerary with our guides. 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.
This excursion involves climbing towards the craters along paths to be followed exclusively on foot. No means of transport such as cable cars or 4×4 vehicles will be used. The guide will decide the difficulty of the route based on your abilities and needs.
The guide will take you to the rim 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 and eat a packed lunch at approximately 3000 meters above sea level!
The descent will take place by walking downhill to return to 1800 meters above sea level (parking). It will be an adrenaline-filled experience inside the volcanic sand gullies. The return is expected between approximately 4-5 pm.Â
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
ToTo Know Before the visit
Our suggestions and terms to enjoy Etna
Etna is a big volcano, but also a very high mountain. Visitors need to know some important information before attempting the ascent to the summit craters
