Etna's Fiery Summit: Exclusive 6-Hr Crater Trek – Must-See!
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Price From $54.87 per person
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Each excursion is carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk. After the meeting and departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna Sud), with the cable car and 4x4 jeep you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and environments looking lunar, you reach the Etna Summit Craters at 3340mt. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the dizzying Northeast Crater and we will see at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs and the sparkling colors of the ground thanks to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit the craters of Barbagallo and cross a lava channel. Once again at 2500 m with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
David_W, 9/20/2025 1:49:30 AM
Fantastic! Our guide Max was very professional and engaging taking us to the summit craters and explaining history and geology of the volcano, all while keeping us alert to the dangers of an active volcano. The hike is strenuous going up so you need to be in somewhat good shape. It’s more challenging on the decent as the soil on the trail is slippery, maybe approx 8 km in total. You will experience an active adventure most people will never see in their lives.
81tatjanaa, 8/4/2025 3:55:35 AM
If you want REAL Etna experience and not just to check the box in your bucket list - these are the guys you must stick with :) There is so much advantage of hiking in a small group with experienced guide versus wandering around in big a touristic groups and missing out all the real fun Etna can give. We were happy to get Massimo as a guide, who not only lead us through the most amazing paths of Etna and got us as close to the summit as it was possible, but also was very insightful all the way. As a curious person I was glad to know so much about volcanism, geology, tectonic process etc. during our hike. As a bonus Massimo also made a lot of pictures and fun videos which he gladly shared after the hike. 10000/10!!!! Tania
matry0shkab, 6/29/2025 6:16:48 AM
With the organized excursion it is relatively easy to get there but it is too hot! About 70 minutes from Taormina. In the middle of nature there is "iddu" (that's what the Sicilians call it)
simonnes127, 5/29/2025 8:50:42 AM
We booked the night before and the company was very communicative with us. We started after 8:30am and got back before 2pm. Antonio our volcano tour guide was great. Set a nice pace for everyone.Moderate difficulty.
Nomad64928354264, 4/25/2025 1:21:46 PM
Great tour, very informative, great views. The tour guide was super friendly and funny, we had a great time. Only accessible by car. The organiser picked us up personally from our apartment, since we had problems with our rental car for a charge of 80€ per ride. Also a AST bus runs between Catania Centrale and Refugio Sapienza twice a day. Sadly, since a few years they decided to not hike up to 3400m due to security reasons, but on getyourguide it is advertised that the tour is up to 3400m.
763monaw, 4/5/2025 6:31:53 AM
Really nice and experienced guide. It was communicated before that due to the volcanic activity, we couldn’t go to the top crater. We still went as high as possible and had a very safe guide. We also escaped the fog and came down early. Best hike possible for these weather conditions.
Colleen S, 11/24/2024 4:07:08 AM
The guide Sammy was awesome and so informative. He answered every question and was so much fun!! He was patient during the tour and did not rush through it at all. I HIGHLY recommend this tour to get the full Momma Etna experience!!
SarpOnline, 11/18/2024 3:04:24 AM
Could not have asked for more — a very professional organisation crowned by a guide absolutely passionate about what he does: Thank you Mary! The way he paced the group for four hours, showing us breathtaking views but avoiding unnecessary risks, all the while dousing us with interesting historical and geological information was, simply remarkable. And if this was not enough, he went out of his way to show us a sample lava tunnel *after* the trek was over and we were back in the base station: He jumped in his personal car and had all the group members follow him in their cars to drive down the mountain to a lava tunnel spot, which, otherwise would remain unknown to us.. Thank you! They provide walking sticks and shoes if you need them. Will definitely do it again.
Susan_L, 11/2/2024 1:43:38 AM
Antonio was an excellent guide blending knowledge of vulcano science with a great tour of the landscape and Etna history. He had great energy and was fun to be with. Highly recommended
paulsH2739VR, 10/30/2024 3:00:03 PM
Had an early 8am meet with Nino which was ideal as we were first on to the mountain and beat the crowds. Thoroughly enjoyed it and had picnic lunch at the best spot with the best views in Sicily... Due to ongoing Yellow Warning following July 4th eruptions we didn't make it to the very top but got close and still very worthwhile. Highly recommend a guided tour.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high
Departure point
Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna RestaurantReturn details
Each excursion is carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk. After the meeting and departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna Sud), with the cable car and 4x4 jeep you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and environments looking lunar, you reach the Etna Summit Craters at 3340mt. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the dizzying Northeast Crater and we will see at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs and the sparkling colors of the ground thanks to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit the craters of Barbagallo and cross a lava channel. Once again at 2500 m with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point.No redemption information available
24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund