Etna North: Etna Summit Craters Hike to 3400-Meters

Discover the largest volcano in Europe while exploring its 4 summit craters on this guided hike. Reach new heights at 3,357 meters and enjoy panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands below.

Learn the history of Mount Etna while traversing its sandstone trails and peering into its famous craters. Embark on an adventure under the careful guidance of a certified volcanological or alpine guide. The tour begins in Piano Provenzana Square (Linguaglossa - Etna North). Meet the guide by the ticket office and ascend to a height of 2,800 meters in a specialized 4x4 jeep. Start with a 1.5-hour climb along an easy section of trail that leads to the edge of the Bocca Nuova Crater (also known as La Voragine), at 3,250 meters. Along the way, your guide will explain the geology and historical background of the Etna Volcano. Continue in a clockwise direction along a nimble path to the Central Crater and then to the North East Crater, formed in 1911. If the weather conditions allow, you may even be able to walk up to its rim and take a quick peek into the depths below. Enjoy the vistas from the summit of Mount Etna. If the weather permits, hikers can admire panoramic views of the Aeolian islands as well as the coasts of Taormina, Catania, Calabria, and Stromboli with full clarity. Last but not least, explore the South East Crater, one of Etna's most active. From here, look over the valley del Bove below. After touring all 4 craters, start the 30-minute descent through a steep but manageable sandstone section that brings you down to 2,800 meters. (volcanological observatory) Here, short stop and then, return to the meeting point by jeep.