Guided tour

Mount Etna: Central Crater Guided Hike for Advanced Hikers

4.8 / 5

68 reviews

Activity provider: Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord
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    Guided tour

    Mount Etna: Central Crater Guided Hike for Advanced Hikers

    Activity provider: Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord
    Likely to sell out
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 57.33 per person

    Trek to the summit craters of Mount Etna and admire the volcanic phenomena. Explore a side less frequented by tourists, and learn about recent and historic eruptions that have formed the landscape.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 5 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English, Italian, French

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Climb Mount Etna and exploring its active craters
    • See all the active summit craters of Etna
    • Observe the ceaseless activity of the volcano
    • Listen to scientific explanations about the evolution of the volcano
    • Trek in a stunning moonscape
    Full description

    Put your walking shoes on and head off on a sights-filled trekking adventure around Mount Etna for experienced hikers. Discover the history and symbolism of the area with your guide, and immerse yourself in the striking natural scenery.

    From the meeting point, ascend in an off-road vehicle along the panoramic street on the northern side of the volcano to a height of 2,825 meters. From this point, begin the 4-kilometer walk on a path surrounded by volcanic scoria and bombs to the edge of the great Central Crater of Etna

    The total climb uphill is 470 meters until you arrive at the edge of the Central Crater of Etna at a height of 3,300 meters. Once there, stop to admire the greatness, uniqueness, and processes of the volcanic environment.

    Enjoy the view from the roof of Sicily (visibility can change according to the weather or volcanic conditions). Then, start the downhill journey on soft scoria and volcanic ashes, passing through Piano delle Concazze (at 2,750 meters, the base of the Volcanological Observatory).

    Continue inside of one of the sandy, big channels, characteristic of the north-east side of the volcano and surrounded by endemic plants and seasonal torrents. Reach the downhill path and the beech forest up to Piano Provenzana, the arrival point of the excursion.

    The total time of the trekking trail is 6-7 hours and the total kilometers (round-trip) is 11.2 km or about 7 miles (may vary). The difficulty level is E (experienced hikers).

    The maximum altitude reached is 3,300 mt and the minimum altitude reached is 1,800 mt. The difference in height is 470 mt (may vary) and the difference in downhill is 1,500 mt (may vary).

    Includes
    • Volcanological guide
    • Guided hike
    • Trekking poles
    • Protective helmets
    • Trekking shoes
    • Jackets
    • 1-way transportation with off-road vehicles (45€ per person)
    • Descent with off-road vehicles (€20 per person)
    • Parking ticket (3€ for the whole day - It can also be paid for after the excursion)
    Not suitable for
    • Pregnant women
    • People with back problems
    • People with mobility impairments
    • People with heart problems
    • People afraid of heights
    • People with vertigo
    • People with respiratory issues
    • People with epilepsy
    • People with high blood pressure
    • People with low level of fitness
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
    • You must keep social distance while in vehicles
    • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
    Traveler requirements
    • You are required to bring and wear a mask
    • You must fill out a travel information form

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Meet at the Chiosco Bar Mareneve (not the Chiosco Bar Etna Nord). This meeting point is located near the chairlift used by skiers in winter and is the second house of the four that are in the parking lot.

    Open in Google Maps ⟶
    Important information

    What to bring

    • Windbreaker
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Food and drinks
    • Snacks
    • Hiking shoes
    • Water
    • Rain gear
    • Packed lunch
    • Gloves
    • Long pants
    • Weather-appropriate clothing
    • Waterproof shoes

    Not allowed

    • High-heeled shoes
    • Sandals or flip flops
    • Baby strollers
    • Luggage or large bags
    • Short skirts
    • Sleeveless shirts
    • Skirts
    • Slippers
    • Umbrellas

    Know before you go

    • The trekking is for moderately trained hikers (being a path that develops at high altitude, it will be easy to accrue symptoms of fatigue)
    • The parking ticket will be paid after the excursion
    • The decent with off-road vehicles is optional for those who want to take transportation back down
    • Please come with your own bag or backpack
    • This excursion could be subject to variations in case of changes in the environmental, climatic, or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group
    • For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions, and. if necessary, let your guide know about them
    • The route consists of the ascent and walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness in susceptible individuals
    • The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force
    • This excursion may be cancelled if the minimum number of 2 is not met
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.8 /5

    based on 68 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.8/5
    • Value for money
      4.6/5
    • Safety
      4.5/5

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    The way with the cable car from the south was not possible at the moment. We were contacted the day before and we were offered 2 different tours. We decided to go to the northern summit crater starting at Etna Nord. The transport by off-road bus was an experience in itself, and the eruptions from the south crater were an added bonus. The ascent to the north crater was indeed exhausting and demanding, but our 11-year-old daughter kept up well. The wind at the crater rim was extremely strong, the view incredible. The descent through boulders and volcanic ash was also demanding. You should definitely wear proper hiking boots and if possible gaiters, in trekking shoes there are always stones. We strongly recommend warm and above all windproof clothing, at the starting point you can hardly imagine the difference in temperature. The tour was excellently organized, the explanations were very good. Great experience.

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    June 5, 2021

    M
    Marian – Germany Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Well organized tour, some waiting in line for the 4x4 buses both up and down, but not extremely long. Very knowledgeable guide, told us a lot about volcanism in general and Etna in particular. He also adjusted his pace to make sure I can keep up, as I was by far the oldest member of the group. We were also lucky to have clear and sunny weather, though it was biting cold and extremely windy at the top. Overall, a very nice (and tiring) experience.

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    October 19, 2020

    L
    LASZLO ZSOLT – Malta Verified booking

    Helpful?

    We saw so much more and got so much closer than we even imagined!! Our guide Daniele was amazing - so kind and so knowledgable. A must for anyone who is in the area! Be wary - our original trip was cancelled due to bad weather (mid October) so make sure you have an alternative day you can postpone too so you aren’t disappointed. Also - bring gloves and wear more layers than you think!!

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    October 16, 2020

    K
    Kathryn – United Kingdom Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 307193