Hike near the summit craters up to the maximum safe altitude currently foreseen Discount Tickets

Overview

The excursion starts at 1,900 m, where—after check-in and ticket purchase with your guide—you board the cable car to 2,500 m. From here begins an extraordinary trek gaining about 500 m in altitude, crossing recent snow-capped lava flows, vast craters, dramatic lava channels, and hot fumaroles venting high-temperature gases. The climb reaches 3,000 m—the maximum altitude currently permitted depending on volcanic-risk levels ⚠️—at the foot of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active and spectacular cone. This route immerses you in the highest active volcano in Europe, offering rare close-up views of ongoing volcanic processes and the powerful landscape shaped by recent eruptions. The descent is entirely on foot from 3,000 m back to the cable-car station, then by cable car to the starting point. Total duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~6.5 km Elevation gain: ~500 m (may vary) Difficulty: E (Hikers) – for those accustomed to sustained walking at high altitude.

Meeting and Pickup

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Italian-GUIDE

French-GUIDE

Itinerary

Inclusion

Entry/Admission to Mount Etna

Accident insurance

Authorized vulcanological guide

Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack

Exclusion

54€ per person to be paid on site: tickets for cableway (round trip)

Parking ticket

Snowshoe rental at a cost of € 15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide the equipment)

Transport service from your accommodation

Hat and gloves

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
• 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

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

The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.

Although the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, caution is advised, as the volcanic terrain can often be uneven and unstable.

The itinerary may be adjusted at the guides’ discretion or suspended if environmental, weather, or volcanic conditions change and pose a risk to the group’s safety.

The excursion will be conducted in accordance with the limits established by the regulations in force.

Suitable for children over 7 years old who are accustomed to walking.

The route includes ascending and walking along the crater rims, which may cause dizziness in sensitive individuals.

This itinerary, given its nature and altitude, is suitable for individuals in good physical health who do not have specific medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory issues, or hypertension.

For a safe and enjoyable excursion, it’s important to be aware of your health conditions and, if needed, share them with the guide. Doing so helps prevent problems and reduce risks.

The use of contact lenses is not recommended due to volcanic gases and ash, which can easily irritate the eyes. If you do wear them, it is advisable to use them in combination with sunglasses.