Description
Etna summit craters trekking begins at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, on Etna South, where you meet your certified mountain guide. A cable car and a 4x4 jeep lift you to 2,800 m, and from there about two hours on foot cross lava flows and lunar-like terrain to the summit craters, with the Ionian coast spread around you.
Walking along the Central Crater's edge you look toward the Northeast Crater and the Southeast Crater, the one behind the most recent eruptions. Up here the ground shows gas emissions, volcanic bombs and bright colors left by elements such as sulfur.
On the way down the route visits the Barbagallo craters, crosses a lava flow channel and looks over the Valle del Bove. At 2,500 m you board the cable car back to the start.
- Multilingual volcano or Alpine guide
- Hiking boots, rock helmet, walking sticks and insurance
The hike suits moderately trained walkers used to sandy, uneven ground. Bring a spare T-shirt, a jacket, a backpack of 10 to 20 liters, water, snacks and a packed lunch. If the summit craters are closed, the tour goes as high as the cable car allows. It is not suitable for children under 11, pregnant women, or anyone with heart, back, breathing or vertigo problems.