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Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike

163 Reviews 4.90 out of 5 stars Based on 163 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Catania, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, Italian
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • High-top trekking shoes (NOT available during winter period)
  • Trekking sticks
  • Helmet
  • Snacks Snack and food
  • Bottled water Bottle of water
  • Cable car and 4x4 jeep tickets (65€ per person) to be paid locally
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
95030 Nicolosi CT, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Trekking carried out by a certified company of mountain and volcano guide who will be happy to accompany you with professionalism and safety up to the top 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 Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South), with the cable car and jeep 4x4 you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and lunar-looking environments, we will reach the Etna Summit Craters. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the vertiginous 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 due to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit Barbagallo craters and cross a lava flow channel.
Once again at 2500 masl with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point.

Remember that we are always talking about an active volcano so there may be variations of itinerary if necessary

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-132502P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.90
163 reviews

Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 163 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
153
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • High-top trekking shoes (NOT available during winter period)
  • Trekking sticks
  • Helmet
  • Insurance and Volcanological Guides
  • SnacksSnack and food
  • Bottled waterBottle of water
  • Cable car and 4x4 jeep tickets (65€ per person) to be paid locally
  • Pick up transfer service from Catania or around
  • Wind jacket

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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