Etna Volcano: South Side Summit Hike

282 Ratings

Città metropolitana di Catania

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Experience the extraordinary beauty of Etna and its summit craters on a trekking adventure with Ashàra Volcanological Guides. Explore volcanic activity and be amazed by the stunning natural surroundings.

Duration: 6 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Ashàra Volcanological Guides in Sicily - 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 at 3340mt. 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

What's Included

Trekking sticks
Helmet
Insurance and Volcanological Guides
Trekking boots

What's Not Included

Bottled water
Snacks
Tickets of cable car and jeep 4x4 (60€ per person) to pay on spot
Pick up transfer service from Catania or around
Wind jacket

Additional Information

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.

People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high

Location

Ashàra Volcanological Guides in Sicily

Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza

Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna Restaurant

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.9

(282 Ratings)

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544chenyiz

Sep 17, 2024

5* coudn't ask for better - The day before the hike they sent me a text indicating the time, location, and what we needed to bring, and they where avaible for any question. We started at 8am to " check- in" and briefing, so we were ahead of other organizations . It was organized . It has free parking there. Our guide and geologist (vulconist) was Giovanni. He was excellent!!! The explanations were interesting and concise! Passionate and very aware of the safety issues and procedures! Because of the yellow risk in this moment, we weren't able to climb to the main crater yet the tour was non stopping, we acrossed diferent beautifull sceneries. Very easy to do the hikes, really like in vacation mode. And we almost always dodged others tour groups, so it was better! The climbing (upper) was basically done with the telepheric and the bus. The team was amazing!!