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Cratere Centrale dell'Etna

Cratere Centrale dell'Etna: Our most recommended tours and activities

Mount Etna: Cable Car, Jeep, & Hiking Tour to Summit

1. Mount Etna: Cable Car, Jeep, & Hiking Tour to Summit

Ascend to the summit of the craters of Mount Etna, one of the most coveted excursions a hiker can make. Hike in full safety with an authorized alpine and volcano guide, and marvel at the beauty and wonder of the highest active volcano in Europe.   Depart from Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi, and ascend 2,504 meters by cable car. Then, ride in a 4x4 Jeep up to 2,900 meters, to begin your hike. You’ll hike 1.5 hours uphill, passing many craters and taking long pauses to take pictures and rest. Experience the incredible feeling of being on top of the world in this rocky, beautiful landscape with the giant sky above you. After reaching the summit, descend for 2 hours back to the cable car, which will take you to your departure point.

Mount Etna: Summit and Crater Guided Trek Tour

2. Mount Etna: Summit and Crater Guided Trek Tour

Enjoy a cable car before walking across Europe's highest active volcano. Take in the breathtaking scenery in the company of your expert guide. After a briefing with your guide, ride the cable car to an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. Then, start your 2-hour trek to 3000 meters and take breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery and views. Walk through the lunar landscape of the lava fields as you traverse the nature trails of the highest active volcano in Europe. Take in the panoramic views, then trek back down to the upper cable car station. Return to the meeting point by cable car and get your last views of the brooding mountain. 

Nicolosi: Mount Etna Cable Car Excursion up to 3000 meters

3. Nicolosi: Mount Etna Cable Car Excursion up to 3000 meters

A valid alternative to the summit craters is the 3,000 m Etna excursion. You go up by cable car up to 2,500 meters. From here begins the path on foot. It will be possible to observe the summit craters, then we will stop on a lateral crater (barbagallo at about 3000 meters). You will admire the recent lava flows (2021) until you reach the inside of a lava channel. We will visit an effusive vent (2002 eruption) and from here we will descend along the sandbanks to the mound from where we will observe the Bove Valley, admiring, on fine days, a view that sweeps from the Ionian Riviera to the interior of Sicily. Duration 4/5 hours. Departures at 9.30 and 10.30, meeting time 30 minutes before departure (the departure at 10.30 is compatible for those arriving by bus (AST) from Catania). Meeting Point Shelter Alpine Guides Etna Sud, next to the Refuge Sapienza

Etna: Guided Trekking Tour to Summit Craters

4. Etna: Guided Trekking Tour to Summit Craters

Enjoy a physical challenge with rewarding views on this guided climb to the highest authorized safety altitude of Etna. Take breaks along the way and capture unique photos of the summit craters as you admire the stunning natural beauty all around you. After meeting and departing from Rifugio Sapienza, with the cable car you reach an altitude of 2,500 meters and here will start trekking on foot for about 2 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill by visiting a lava flow channel, with both ancient and recent lava flows until you reach the base of the most active crater at the moment, the Southeast Crater and the Central Crater. Then your guide will also take you to see the great craters of 2002 called Crateri Bargaballo. Enjoy a fun descent over the sand, overlooking Valle del Bove. Finish by taking a cable car to return to the starting point. Feel safe accompanied the entire way by volcanological guides, regularly authorized to guide on active volcanoes, in accordance with the communications of the Civil Protection and volcanic risk levels. They carry out this excursion to the maximum permitted safety level, currently planned at 3000 mt very close to the summit craters of the volcano. The hike, of great volcanological and geological interest, is a valid alternative to the Summit Craters (3,357 meters), and is among the most complete and fascinating trek you can make on Etna between craters, fractures, and lava flow.

Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

5. Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

After pickup from the designated meeting point, drive to Mount Etna to begin your tour. As you ascend to a height of 2,000 meters, your professional guide will tell you about the history of the volcano and explain its unique nature to you. Walk on paths away from the tourist areas to take in the flora and fauna away from the crowds.  Different aspects of the volcano will be highlighted, such as its nature and resources, its amazing landscapes, and the huge lava flows that have destroyed buildings and roads. You will be taken to a viewpoint to see the panoramic view of the Valle del Bove, the most important valley on the east slope of the volcano. Visit an area of ancient explosive activities, Hornitos, a semi-cave and a state refuge. Learn about its origin and the features inside from your guide. You’ll also have the chance to sample the wines, liqueurs, and honeys from this area. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation in Catania.

Catania: Mount Etna High-Altitude Guided Hiking Tour

6. Catania: Mount Etna High-Altitude Guided Hiking Tour

Climb up to an altitude of 3,000 meters and enjoy incredible panoramic views near the top craters of Mount Etna. Join a certified guide on a unique adventure from Rifugio Sapienza and safely explore an active volcano, by staying away from the danger zone. Begin at the Bar Esagonal at an altitude of 1,900 meters. Take a scenic cable car ride up to an altitude of 2,500 meters before starting your trek on Mount Etna. With special authorization for scientific purposes, pass the current altitude limit of 2750 meters and push to a height of 3000 meters with your guide (only without major altitude sickness in the group). Touch fumaroles with hot gas emissions and pass by the banks of still-steaming lava flow from the most recent eruptions. You will visit a small basalt canyon (if not buried by snow) and then arrive at the base of the most active crater at the moment, the Southeast Crater. Next, head to the large craters of 2002, then descend a path (full of snow in winter) to the cable car station to return to the starting point.

Sicily: Mt. Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour

7. Sicily: Mt. Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour

Tick off two of Sicily’s must-see attractions in one day on this tour with hotel transfers from Catania. Explore volcanic caves and rock pools on a trek through Alcantara Gorges. Walk around the craters of Mt Etna with an Alpine guide. Make a stop at a local winery for a traditional lunch with wine. Start your Sicilian adventure by meeting your guide in Catania, either at your accommodation or another agreed-upon location. Take a brief, scenic drive by an air-conditioned van to either the Sartorius craters or the 2002 crater on the Northeast side of Etna. Let your guide introduce you to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena. Walk through ancient woods, extinct craters, and old lava flows. Witness deserts of lava and ashes, peculiar formations, and traces of previous eruptions. Reach a maximum altitude of 2000 meters. Then, strap on your helmets and lamps to explore a volcanic cave like the Grotto del Ladroni or Grotta Cassone. Stop at a nice winery up along the mountain road for an authentic Sicilian lunch including appetizer, first course, water, and wine, which will be served outdoors or indoors depending on the weather. Visit the Alcantara canyons, formed thousands of years ago from the lava flow that invaded the bed of the Alcantara river. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Alcantara River. End your day back in Catania where you were picked up.

Mt. Etna: Private Tour in 4x4 from Taormina

8. Mt. Etna: Private Tour in 4x4 from Taormina

Break away from classic tourist itineraries to discover unique landscapes of Etna on this guided tour from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned, 4WD vehicle. Have your experience enriched by stories and fun facts from your guide.  Begin your private adventure with hotel pick up from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Relax on the drive over regular and unpaved roads as you ascend the extinct craters that sit at an altitude of 2,000 meters.  Walk through lunar landscapes on Europe's highest active volcano at a UNESCO-listed site and view ancient lava flow. Admire the Etna forest, the Valley of Bove, and extinct craters. Put on your helmet and headlamp and make your way through a long, underground tunnel, formed by lava flow. Ascend the summit area at 3,0000 meters where you can purchase a cable car ticket on the spot. Be dropped off at your hotel at the end of your tour. 

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

9. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour

10. From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour

Jump in the shuttle bus and head out into the lunar landscape of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. At over 6,500 ft (1,981 meters), this majestic mountain dominates the coastline, concealing plenty of treasures. No trip to Sicily would be complete without a visit to the tempestuous territories of Mount Etna. Starting at Rifugio Sapienza, follow the line of the old Silvestri craters down into a cave of lava formed during the eruption of 1792. From here, head to a local organic farm and sample honey and wine, cultivated in the fertile soils of the region. En route to Taormina, look at the spectacular wildlife reserve of Isola Bella from above. Upon arrival, spend lunch at your leisure, then re-group to check out the highlights of this unique historical town. From the old-world charm of the ancient Greek theater to the breathtaking views of Giardini Naxos Bay and the striking architecture of Palazzo Corvaja, this town steals the heart of every visitor.

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What people are saying about Cratere Centrale dell'Etna

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,317 reviews

A perfect and unique tour. Let's start with the fact that the guide "Vicenzo" was great! The atmosphere was pleasant and light, the explanations were detailed to the right extent, interesting, topical, understandable, and not too long and rambling. He knew how to take rest breaks while climbing exactly when he needed to. And also helped when needed. The route itself is beautiful, the experience of climbing is special, to touch the heat of the stones, to be close to the mouth of the mountain, to see the view is amazing. At the same time, it is important to note that the route is not easy at all, it requires effort and physical abilities.

It was a great experience and a very well organized tour with kind guides (Allesandro and Ernesto) that enlightened us with a lot of interesting information! We had been lucky that it was sunny and there was a lot of snow on Etna in Feb 23 what made the area more interesting and varied and and the hike even a bit adventureous, as we trudged over snow fields, then again sat in the black desert round the caldera and finally slid down the slope on our bottoms :)

Our guide Vincenzo was very helpfull and great! He shared a lot of knowledge and it was really cool to listen to. The hike was more difficult than expected but we still really enjoyed every moment of it ! Thank you

Very great tour, the group size of 8 was great. Vincenco is a great guide, imparted a lot of knowledge and took good care of everyone in the group. highlight of the holiday.

Great experience! I will do it again in spring! Ernesto the guide was very helpful, explained and guide all the group to live a great experience!