4.9Google
5.0TripAdvisor
4.8GetYourGuide
Technical details
The activity at a glance
- Meet at 8:30 at Chiosco Bar Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana (1,800m)
- 4x4 off-road ride up to 2,900m, near the Volcanological Observatory
- Guided 1.5/2-hour trek to the rim of the summit craters (~3,300m)
- Stop at the summit among volcanic fumes and views over the sea and Sicily
- Hike down to 2,800m and return to Piano Provenzana by 4x4
Etna Summit Craters Tour, North Side
Live an unforgettable experience on top of Europe's highest active volcano! This excursion is designed for those who want to reach the summit craters of Mount Etna, combining the thrill of 4x4 off-road vehicles with the charm of high-altitude trekking, accompanied in total safety by our expert guides (available in Italian, English, French and, on request, Spanish and German).
4x4 ride up to 2,900 metres
Our journey starts at 8:30 at Piano Provenzana (1,800 metres), meeting at the Chiosco bar Etna Nord. From here we board special 4x4 vehicles, crossing breathtaking volcanic landscapes up to 2,900 metres, near the Volcanological Observatory.
Trek to the summit craters
From this point the adventure on foot begins: a trek of about 1.5 / 2 hours up to the majestic rim of Etna's summit craters. At the top, among volcanic fumes and unforgettable views over the sea and Sicily, we'll stop to explore the area and listen to the guide's stories and scientific explanations.
Descent and return to Piano Provenzana
After enjoying the volcanic spectacle of Etna's summit, we hike down to 2,800 metres, where the 4x4 vehicles will be waiting to take us back to Piano Provenzana. In total the trek covers about 5 km with a moderate elevation gain of about 330-400 metres. The overall duration of the tour is about 4.5 – 5 hours.
What you will see
Your climb to the summit, step by step
Meeting at Piano Provenzana
At the Chiosco Bar Etna Nord, at least 5 minutes before departure.
Off-road ascent
Through volcanic landscapes up to the Volcanological Observatory area.
Trek to the summit craters
1.5/2 hours of hiking to the crater rim, with a stop and the guide's explanations.
Hike down
Descent on foot to the 4x4 pick-up point.
Return
Back to Piano Provenzana by 4x4.
Included in the price
- Round-trip 4x4 transport from Piano Provenzana
- Licensed guide
- Insurance
Not included
- Trekking boots (€ 5.00/pair rental)
- Packed lunch (at participants' own care)
- Anything not specified under "Included"
Safety and useful tips
Being a high-altitude excursion, this tour is suitable for people in good physical health. It is not allowed for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure or respiratory problems, pregnant women, and children under 8 years of age. The itinerary passes along the crater rims, which may cause problems for those who suffer from vertigo. The organisation accepts no responsibility for health problems or injuries resulting from failure to observe the medical restrictions indicated.
Layered clothing: a breathable T-shirt combined with a second thermal layer or fleece, so you can adapt to the temperature changes between the start and the summit. Long trousers, preferably trekking ones, comfortable and sturdy. Windproof jacket or down jacket: essential at altitude to protect you from the cold and the biting wind of the volcano. Waterproof jacket (K-Way): useful to keep in your backpack in case of sudden rain.
Trekking boots: mandatory; if you don't have them, you can rent them for an extra €5 per pair. Backpack: compact and light, ideal to carry your equipment without weighing you down.
Hat and gloves: essential at altitude to protect against cold and wind. Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV rays at high altitude are very intense. Bandana or neck warmer: very useful to protect the airways from dust and volcanic gases along the route.
Water: at least 1 litre per person, for proper hydration. Packed lunch and snacks: bring a light lunch and energy snacks (dried fruit, bars, chocolate) to recharge during the stops. Spare clothes in your backpack: optional, a T-shirt and a pair of spare socks for when the trek is over.
For safety reasons, the route may be modified or suspended at the Guide's discretion, depending on weather conditions and volcanic activity. The excursion will be carried out within the limits set by any regulations in force. In case of adverse weather conditions, we will notify you promptly to reschedule or cancel the excursion.
Trusted by travelers from 40+ countries.
The summit of Etna is waiting for you
Secure your spot with just a €40 deposit: the €80 balance is paid in person on the day of the tour.
Real-time availability · instant confirmation · secure payment
Doubts? Solved.
The overall duration is about 4.5 – 5 hours (departure 08:30, return 13:30). The trek is about 5 km with a moderate elevation gain of 330-400 metres: you need to be in good physical health.
The price is €120 per person: €40 to be paid as a deposit through our website to confirm the booking + €80 to be paid in person on the day of the tour.
The excursion is suitable for people in good physical health. It is not allowed for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure or respiratory problems, pregnant women, and children under 8. The walk along the crater rims may be an issue for those who suffer from vertigo.
No, lunch is optional, packed, at the participants' own care. We recommend bringing at least 1 litre of water per person and energy snacks.
For safety reasons the route may be modified or suspended at the Guide's discretion, depending on the weather and the volcano's activity, and within the limits of any regulations in force. In case of adverse conditions we will notify you promptly to reschedule or cancel the excursion.
Yes, they are mandatory. If you don't have them, you can rent them for an extra €5 per pair.