Etna Summit Active Crater Trekking Adventure
Trekking to the summit of Mount Etna is the most complete experience we offer on this active volcano. It’s a tour for those who want to get as close as possible to the main craters, feel their energy, and reach an altitude of 3320 metres above sea level.
During the hike, we’ll cross rugged volcanic terrain – lava fields, rockfalls, ash, and loose slopes. We’ll walk along the edge of an active crater and look down into its smoking vents. On clear days, the view from the summit stretches across all of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and even the distant coast of Calabria.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding tour, led by an experienced, licensed volcano guide.
ATTENTION! If access to Etna’s summit craters is not possible due to increased volcanic activity or adverse weather conditions, we will offer an alternative: the Etna 2900 – Lava Desert Hike, which reaches the highest point legally and safely accessible on the volcano.
Itinerary
6:30 am – 7:00 am: Meeting in Catania
You’ll meet the guide at the agreed location in Catania to begin the ascent to the highest accessible point on Mount Etna.
Scenic Drive Towards Etna
We’ll travel in a comfortable minivan towards the northern side of the volcano. During the 1.5-hour drive, you’ll see a changing landscape – from small villages, orchards and vineyards to black, barren lava fields.
4×4 Ascent to 2900 Metres
The adventure begins at Piano Provenzana (1800 m a.s.l.). From there, we’ll take 4×4 vehicles up to around 2900 metres, passing vast lava flows, flank craters and the ski lifts.
Trekking to the Summit
We’ll begin a 3-kilometre hike across a vast lava desert, gradually ascending from 2900 m to 3320 m – the highest point accessible with a licensed volcano guide. Depending on weather conditions and volcanic gas activity, we’ll explore the summit crater area.
We’ll reach the rim of the Northeast Crater and look directly into its impressive, fume-filled core. Along the crater’s edge, we’ll observe rare phenomena unique to active volcanoes: volcanic gas emissions from fumaroles and fissures, yellow sulphur deposits, hot steam vents, and the strong smell of hydrogen sulphide. You’ll hear the volcano breathing and witness its activity up close.
In good visibility, we’ll also see the Southeast Crater – the most active on Etna – and Voragine, currently the volcano’s highest point.
On the way back, we’ll descend about 2 km on a sandy volcanic slope to 2850 m, where the 4×4 will pick us up and take us back to Piano Provenzana.
Return to Catania
During the return journey to Catania, there will be time to rest and reflect on the experience. We expect to arrive around 15:30.
Meeting point
Choose the meeting point closest to your accommodation in Catania.
Travelling from outside the city? Contact us – we’ll help you find a convenient solution.
After booking, please let us know which meeting point you choose.
You can drive to the Etna starting point with your own car, but this does not affect the tour price. Transfer from Catania is free for our guests – if you choose not to use it, the cost remains the same.
Meeting Points:
1. 7:00 am – Piazza Giovanni Verga
2. 7:05 am – Piazza della Repubblica
3. 7:10 am – Piazza Stesicoro
4. 7:15 am – Pasticceria Savia
5. 7:20 am – Piazza Cavour
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza Stesicoro
Pasticceria Savia
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Giovanni Verga
Cancellation policy
You can cancel your reservation for any reason up to 48 hours before the tour and receive a full refund of your deposit.
Note
- The guide retains the right to adjust the itinerary on the day of the tour if weather, volcanic activity, or trail conditions compromise the safety of the group.
- If the tour needs to be cancelled due to weather or elevated volcanic alert levels, we will inform you the day before. In such cases, we will offer an alternative trekking option or the possibility to reschedule.
- This itinerary takes place at high altitude in an active volcanic environment. Although the elevation gain is moderate, the route includes exposure to volcanic gases, uneven terrain, and potentially harsh weather conditions. This tour is suitable only for those in good physical condition and with previous mountain hiking experience. It is not recommended for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, obesity, or for children under 14. If you don’t hike regularly or are not comfortable with elevation - do not book this tour.
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