mount etna self guided tour

Self-guided tour on Mount Etna

Self-guided tour on mount etna: exploring the majesty of sicily’s iconic volcano.

Nestled in the beautiful island of Sicily, Mount Etna stands tall as one of the world’s most captivating volcanoes. With its smoky volcanic emissions, majestic landscapes, and a history dating back thousands of years, Mount Etna offers a self-guided tour that promises an unforgettable adventure.

As you embark on your journey, it is essential to plan your visit to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety. Begin by researching the best time to visit, as weather conditions can be unpredictable on the volcano. The summer months offer more pleasant temperatures but can be crowded, while the cooler months provide a quieter experience, albeit with a higher chance of rain or snow.

Before setting foot on the volcano, ensure you have appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy footwear, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, and a backpack filled with essentials. Don’t forget to pack a map or a reliable GPS device, as well as plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Start your journey by arriving at Rifugio Sapienza, a popular starting point for visitors. Here you can find information about the volcano’s current activity and purchase a cable car or 4×4 jeep ticket that will take you closer to the summit. Remember that venturing beyond the authorized areas without a guide is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Once you reach the summit area, the striking landscapes will leave you breathless. The forests of ancient lava flows, known as ‘lava woods,’ offer a surreal and fascinating sight. As you walk across these petrified rivers, marvel at the sheer power of nature, as they stand as a testament to Etna’s volcanic activity.

One of the highlights of your visit should be exploring the craters. Since Mount Etna is an active volcano, the landscape is constantly changing. The most accessible and well-known crater is the Silvestri Craters, formed during the eruption in 1892. These craters, named after the Italian scientist Orazio Silvestri, offer a vivid example of the volcano’s destructive power. Be prepared for the sulfuric fumes, as they may be overpowering for some visitors.

For those seeking an extra thrill, consider taking a guided tour to explore other, less accessible craters. Experienced guides will lead you through a lunar-like terrain, where the views are both otherworldly and breathtaking. They will also share their knowledge about the volcano’s history and geology, enriching your experience with valuable insights.

Beyond the craters, Mount Etna offers even more to explore. The vast network of caves and tunnels carved out by volcanic activity is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The Grotta dei Ladroni, a cave formed by lava tubes, is one such example. With a headlamp and a sense of adventure, you can enter this natural wonderland and feel like a true explorer.

As you conclude your self-guided tour, take a moment to savor the panoramic views. The summit of Mount Etna offers a stunning outlook over Sicily’s landscapes, including the surrounding cities, vineyards, and, on a clear day, even the neighboring islands. It is during these peaceful moments that you can truly appreciate the raw beauty and grandeur of this extraordinary volcano.

Remember to always prioritize safety during your self-guided tour. Be aware of any warnings or restrictions issued by local authorities, as volcanic activity can change rapidly. If unsure about any part of your journey, seek advice from experienced guides or local information centers.

A self-guided tour on Mount Etna is an adventure that will stay with you long after you leave Sicily. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, witness the immense power of a volcano, and become captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of curiosity, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey.

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INDIVIDUAL HIKES IN SMALL GROUPS with max. 10 persons EXPERIENCE THE HIGHEST ACTIVE VOLCANO IN EUROPE

Etna Trekking & Experience Tours

The Trekking Excursions on Etna dedicated to the more adventurous , those who want to get off the beaten track and get lost in the Etnean nature ; accompanied by our team of experts who know and love Etna, and in compliance with current safety regulations.

Etna Helicopter Tour

Breathtaking bird’s eye view of Mount Etna

Duration: 20 - 95 min depending on tour

Difficulty: easy, altitude: 3500 m.a.s.l., etna north craters tour.

Walk through lunar landscapes and discover huge craters

Duration: 9:00 - 15:00

Difficulty: medium, altitude: 2100 m.a.s.l., etna 3000 tour.

Close enough to touch the majestic summit craters!

Duration: 9:30 - 16:00

Altitude: 2850 metres, etna trekking tour.

Challenging trekking on the unknown side of Etna

Difficulty: difficult

Altitude: 2300 m.a.s.l., etna & alcantara.

Hike for the whole family, from bare lava to ice-cold water

Duration: 9:00 - 17:00

Altitude: 1800 m.a.s.l., etna & wine.

Relaxing experience to get to know the largest active volcano in Europe and enjoy its fruits

Duration: 9:00 - 16:00

• Licensed and authorised tour operator
• Small groups (maximum 10 participants)
• Free equipment hire
• Certified expert multilingual guides
• Insurance always included in the price
• Itineraries and tours organised in detail
• Security and flexibility in payment methods

Unforgettable experiences

We are proud to offer a range of unforgettable experiences of high quality and suitable for all, even the most adventurous!

We will show you the highest active volcano in Europe through the eyes of those who, like us, love and respect it. Come with us to discover the hidden treasures of the volcano.

PRIVATE ETNA-TOUR

Useful information about our etna tours, our intention.

We want them to have experienced Etna , to have got to know it, to have learned what there is to know about volcanology, geology, plants, animals, … but also to have felt how a mountain of fire, gas, ash, snow is a living, ever-changing force of nature.

We want our customers to be as excited about this volcano as we are!

Hiking on Etna: What are the options?

Etna, with its 1250 km² surface area and an altitude of around 3340 metres, offers more than enough opportunities for a hike. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there is something for everyone, young and old.

On a guided hike, we will not only show you the most beautiful places, but also tell you all about the history of Mount Etna, its eruptions and geological formations, fauna and flora. We will be happy to advise you personally on which tour is the right one for you. Here you will find the contact details .

Etna north or south side?

Mount Etna can be climbed from the south or from the north. There, roads lead up to 1900 and 1800 metres, from where we start our trek. In the east of Mount Etna there is a huge valley (Valle del Bove), so access is not possible up to a higher altitude. In the west, Mount Etna is not very well developed, it takes a long time to get there from the towns on the coast and you don’t reach high altitudes on a hike.

On the south side of Mount Etna, the cable car (funivia dell’Etna) offers the opportunity to travel up to an altitude of 2500 metres. Depending on the altitude up to which an ascent is permitted, you can then travel further up in off-road buses.

There is no cable car on the north side, so the north is also less developed for tourism. However, buses can take you up to Pizzi Deneri at 2850 metres.

How to get to Etna?

You can either come to Etna with your own car or have us pick you up from the hotel. There is no public transport to the north side of Etna, but there is a bus from Catania (AST Bus) to the south side (cable car valley station). However, it does not reach Etna until 10:15. We usually start our tours at 9am so that we can benefit from the good visibility in the morning and spend the whole day at the volcano.

The roads to Mount Etna are good, and reaching the meeting point is no problem even with a motorhome. Only when there is a lot of volcanic sand or snow on the road should you be careful on the bends. Winter tyres and snow chains are compulsory on Mount Etna from 15 November to 15 April.

There are plenty of (paid) parking spaces on both the south and north sides of Etna.

Itinerary of our tours

Our guide will be waiting for you at the agreed meeting point. You will recognise him or her by the T-shirt or jacket with the EtnaWay logo. From then on, we do everything in the group: we provide the equipment and, if necessary, buy food and tickets for the cable car. If you have any question or need anything, always contact our guide . He or she can help you with everything.

We always do small groups with a maximum of 10 participants and choose our routes so that we do not encounter large groups of tourists.

On our trekking-only tours, we start hiking as early as possible and spend almost the whole day at the volcano. We also have a lunch break on the mountain.

We put a lot of emphasis on bringing you closer to the volcano, our guides tell you interesting facts and anecdotes, history, geology, flora and fauna of Mount Etna and also of Sicily and last but not least of the traditions, the way of life and the peculiarities of the Sicilians.

To give you a complete picture of Mount Etna, we also visit a lava tunnel on our hikes. This is a cave that was created during an eruption. We always have helmets and lamps with us for this.

What equipment do you need on Mount Etna?

The equipment you need on Etna depends on the time of year, the specific weather conditions and the tour or altitude.

It is best to wear clothes in many layers that can be taken on and off.

The temperature on Etna at over 2500 metres is about 10 to 20 degrees colder than on the coast. At 2000 metres it is about 10 to 15 degrees colder . When it’s windy, it can feel really icy, especially in winter. When the sun is shining, it can be warm in summer even at higher altitudes. The actual temperature felt can therefore vary greatly and can change rapidly from one day to the next or even within one day.

In summer you need sun protection (cap, sunscreen, sunglasses) and enough to drink (at least 1.5 litres per person). Even in winter , when there is snow, sun protection can’t hurt. You will also need a hat, gloves and warm, windproof snow clothing. On Etna it is often windy and the wind brings fine ash, so we recommend sunglasses also to protect against wind and ash. If possible, you should avoid contact lenses and wear glasses instead.

Advantages: Equipment rental

At the meeting point on Mount Etna, you can also hire warm clothing or buy gloves or hats. Just ask the guide, he or she will show you where to get what you need.

What food and drink do you need for a tour of Mount Etna?

For a full-day tour in summer, you need at least 1.5 litres of water per person, in winter 1 litre per person is also sufficient.

On our pure trekking tours, we have a picnic on the volcano . You have the option of buying a packed lunch at the meeting point on Mount Etna.

On our Etna & Wine and Etna & Alcantara experience tours, we have lunch in a mountain hut or at a winery with typical Sicilian food. So you don’t need to take any extra food with you. Food intolerances or diets (vegetarian, vegan, …) are taken into account there.

Best season for climbing Etna

Mount Etna can be climbed at any time of the year , but not all tours are always possible.

In the warm season we usually have stable weather on Etna and offer different tours at different altitudes every day.

In winter, it can be very cold, windy and icy at higher altitudes, so we can only do a hike at a lower altitude.

In winter it is also good if you are flexible. It is best to plan your Etna climb at the beginning of your Sicily trip, then we can postpone the tour to another day if it is rainy or cloudy.

Climbing the peak is usually possible from May to November – if climbing is allowed at all due to volcanic activity. In the other months, the summit is too icy, making it too dangerous to climb.

Safety during an eruption

The Prefecture of Catania, in collaboration with the INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), specifies, based on the current situation on Etna, up to which height Etna may be climbed or which routes may be followed. EtnaWay adheres to these regulations without exception! We respect the natural force of a volcano and want to offer our guests the highest possible safety.

As we stay in the safe zones, a tour does not normally have to be aborted if an eruption takes place; on the contrary, we are then lucky enough to be able to admire this tremendous natural spectacle. However, we may have to adjust the route of our hike to avoid the ash rain or gas emissions. We always have helmets for our customers to protect them from ash rain.

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EtnaWay - Etna Tour

Salita Francesco de Luna, 10, Taormina

4.9 280 reviews

• n vu ★★★★★ vor einem Jahr Wir hatten eine private Jeep tour mit zwei Familien gebucht. Der Kontakt mit Claudio für die Buchung war vom ersten Moment super freundlich, professionell und unkompliziert.Luca war ein grossartiger Tourguide, der auf interessanten und unterhaltsame Weise sehr viele Informationen vermittelt hat. Wir … More hatten einen grossartigen Tag!
• Linda m.w. ★★★★★ vor einem Jahr Sehr inteessante Tour! Abhilung beim Hotel mit sehr sympathischen und vielwissenden Guide!
• Kevin Lustenberger ★★★★★ vor einem Jahr Unsere Wanderung zu den Kratern von 2002 mit jeder Menge Information über die Entstehung vom Ätna sowie auch die Flora und Fauna im ganzen Ätna Gebiet hat uns sehr beeindruckt. Sowie auch der Besuch einer Lavastromgrotte am Nachmittag haben den Tag perfekt gemacht.Vielen lieben Dank für diesen sehr … More informativen Ausflug. Man merkt, dass Ihr die Natur und den Ätna auf Sizilien liebt und wertschätzt und das macht die Tour aus. Wir können allen Interessierten diesen unvergesslichen Tag nur empfehlen!
• Nina Ferara ★★★★★ vor einem Jahr Alles super geklappt - perfekte Kommunikation mit Claudio und echt tolles Tour mit Leon (auf Englisch, wie von uns erwünscht). Kann ich echt empfehlen!!
• Thomas Gamero ★★★★★ vor einem Jahr (Übersetzt von Google) Erstaunlich ????????

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• Etna easy (I have car)
• Etna easy (I need pick up)
• Etna half day
• Etna Valle del Bove
• Etna sunset
• Etna + Alcantara full day
• Accommodation
• Booking and contact

EtnaToursFromTaormina.com

GUIDED TOURS ON ETNA IN SMALL GROUPS FROM TAORMINA, CATANIA AND HINTERLAND

WELCOME TO OUR ETNA PRIVATE TOURS

MAX 4 PARTICIPANTS PER TOUR, PRIVATE AND CUSTOMIZABLE TOURS

LOCAL GUIDE AND 5 STARS TRIPADVISOR 

PICKUP AND TRANSPORT FOR FREE

THE CRATERS FROM THE ERUPTION IN 2002 AS VISITED IN A TOUR IN JULY 2020

SOME PHOTOS FROM OUR TOUR GUESTS ON ETNA:

CUSTOMIZABLE TOURS, LOCAL GUIDE, EXTRAORDINARY VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES

VISIT TO A MASSIVE VOLCANIC CAVE AND TO THE 1865 CRATERS AT SUNSET

VISIT TO THE CRATERS FROM THE 2002 ERUPTION, THE MOST EXPLOSIVE ONE IN THE LAST 250 YEARS

ETNA TOURS 2023

- TIME: From 8.45 to 13 or from 14.45 to 20  (flexible time contacting us) - Half day tour.

- TRANSPORT AND NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Meeting point in a town on mount Etna easy to reach.

Customizable tours are available.

- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Short, easy and relaxing walks suitable for families, children, seniors and for those who do not want to or cannot walk much.

- TOUR: 1) lava flow from 2002 which destroyed a touristic village and an unique pine forest; 2) flank craters at 1700 meters with amazing views and volcanic landscape; 3) small underground volcanic cave with an unique history concerning its past use.

- TIME:   From 8.15 to 14.15 or from 14.30 to 20.30 (flexible time contacting us) - Half day tour.

- TRANSPORT AND NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Pick up from and drop off at your accommodation for free, if needed. Transport for free.

Max 4 participants (customizable tours are available).

- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: S imple and relaxing walks for those who walk normally. Tour also suitable for children, families and seniors who want to walk.

- TOUR:  1) vast lava flow with beautiful lunar landscapes and massive volcanic cave unrivalled for its dimension and formation; 2) visit to several flank craters with stunning views and memorable volcanic landscape; 3) lava flow from 2002, the most explosive eruption on Etna in the last three centuries.

- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: S i mple and relaxing tour for those who usually walk. Tour also suitable for children, families and seniors who are used to walk.

- TOUR: 1) nice walk through a volcanic path with amazing views; 2) memorable panorama of the summit craters (not visited) and on the Valle del Bove, massive caldera unique in the world; 3) visit to flank craters at 2000 meters of altitude with stunning volcanic landscape.

- TIME: From 8.15 to 14.15 or from 14.30 to 20.30 (flexible time contacting us) - Half day tour.

- TIME: From 16 to 20.30 (flexible time contacting us) - Half day tour

- TRASPORT AND NUMBER OF PARTECIPANTS: Pick up from and drop off at your accommodation for free, if needed. Transport for free.

- DIFFICOLTY LEVEL: Short, simple, relaxing walks suitable to everybody, including children, seniors and families.

- TOUR: 1) flank craters with stunning volcanic landscape, breathtaking panorama and unique sunset on the volcano; 2) volcanic cave created by a lava flow; 3) lava flow from 2002, last destructive eruption on Etna.

- TIME : From 8.30 to 18 (flexible time contacting us) - Full day tour.

- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Tour suitable for everybody, appropriate for families, children and seniors with a minimum willingness to walk. It is not needed to know how to swim.

- TOUR: 1) visit to the Alcantara river with its amazing volcanic gorges and its contrasts between lava and water unique in the world. Possibility of swimming and relaxing in the gorges and in some small volcanic waterfalls; 2) visit to the volcano Etna: relaxing walk and visit to flank craters surrounded by an extraordinary volcanic landscape; visit to the lava flow from 2002, last destructive eruption on the volcano; exploration of a small volcanic cave with unique volcanic formation and fascinating history.

WHY YOU SHOULD COME AND VISIT ETNA WITH US...

5 stars on Tripadvisor and Certificate of Excellence 2018 and 2019. Check the entusiastic feedbacks of other participants in our tours.

If you do not have car,

pick up and drop off at your accommodation for free. Transports included in the tour are totally free of charge.

Best price of the web from only 39 € per person for a private tour. Real price, n o extra costs.

Only small groups with max 4 participants in total. Welcome to children, families, seniors, couples and small groups of friends.

No crowd and touristic areas. Yes to relaxing and nice walks in the silence and the beauty of the volcanic landscape.

Local and personal guide from Etna. Possibility of customizable tours.

Fast response to your requests. If not immediately, you will receive a response to your request within 1-2 hours.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS THINK ABOUT OUR TOURS...

Ron from the Netherland

"A GREAT DAY ON ETNA THANKS TO A GREAT GUIDE"

[...] my son and I did the tour with Giuseppe. He picked us up at the hotel in Catania on the exact time we agreed.[...] Giuseppe gave us a lot of important informations and advice. [...] He is a superb prepared guide. Volcanology is my passion and it was nice to notice that he and I share this passion.

Alltogether we had a long, magnificent day on Mount Etna! [...]

Nick from England

"KNOWLEDGEABLE, FRIENDLY AND GREAT VALUE"

Giuseppe took us and another couple well away from the hoards of coach tours and mass tourism that you get from the main operators.

He adjusted the trip to suit what we wanted based on his extensive knowledge of the area.

He spoke showing his considerable knowledge of the local geology and flora and maintained our interest throughout.

Throw in a free pick up from our hotel and it’s exceptional value too.

MORE REVIEWS

Nicole from Australia

"FANTASTIC TOUR"

Guiseppe was very relaxed and friendly with a lot of patience. He took us to some lovely spots. [...]

He had great knowledge of the area and a passion for history and the volcano.

Lovely small group personalised day. Thanks Guiseppe!

+39 347 311 99 58

[email protected]

Copyright @ All Rights Reserved

Background photos by Pawel Adamek & Giuseppe

• Etna Family Tour
• Etna Summit Area – 3000 mt
• Etna Wine Tour
• Etna & Alcantara Gorges
• Etna Excursion North
• Etna Excursion South
• Etna Morning
• Etna Sunset
• Etna Tour Winter
• Etna Helicopter Tour
• Etna for students

Mount Etna Tours

We organize mount etna tours from taormina and surroundings, but also from any other sicilian location on demand..

Get ready for some exciting adventures, with Mount Etna Tours you will discover the highest active volcano of Europe and it’s breathless natural sights! With Continente Sicilia, you will be guided exclusively by official private guides.

This tour is available exclusively during summer seasons, when temperatures are particularly hot during the day

This Etna morning tour is available all year, a classic excursion on Mount Etna. You will be guided into a short walk...

During Winter, Etna covers up it self with a white dress and excursions on Etna are a totally new experience

Etna south excursion is, among all excursions, the most traditional and popular.

Thanks to it's long exposure to sun, Etna north  is the greenest and most blooming slope of Etna

Visit the most suggestive sights of the volcano and the amazing Alcantara Valley.

The Etna Wine Tour, offers you the opportunity to discover all about Etna's Wine

Etna Hiking 3000 mt

Etna 3000 meters is one of the most exciting experience to be done on Etna.  Look, hear, feel, breathe Etna

Find out all our Tours and Excursions

Start exploring mount etna with our tours.

Mount Etna has been our specialty since 1999. The volcano area can be packed with tourists, we can help you avoid those areas because we really know the whole Mt. Etna area.

In 1999 I arrived from Palermo on the East Coast of Sicily and saw my first eruption. It was Aug 26th. UNFORGETTABLE! All experiences since that day have been the same. To see one of these most exciting natural events always stirs the emotions. It is AWESOME!!!

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanos worldwide, but she is not always erupting. Therefore if you’d like to see an eruption, keep your fingers crossed. If that dosen’t work, she will be unforgettable even without molten lava!

Remember that we are glad to guide you during your visit in Sicily, not only on Mount Etna. Feel free to ask about any other Sicilian destinations as well.

Continente Sicilia provides exclusively official private guides, in order to provide always the best Etna experience you could ever imagine!

What you say about us

Our Etna day with Davide

We are glad to be hosted by the Ziggy's famous blog Eating With Ziggy .

The food expert and lover wrote an interesting article about the wonderful day we spent together on Mount Etna. Enjoy reading about our Etna experience on his blog post " Our day with Davide "

La guida perfetta per il posto perfetto

Davide e l'Etna

We take care of our land, of our Nature. Every activity we organise, we donate a part to MAN: Mediterranean Association for Nature.

Contact Info

Via Nazionale, 48, 98039 Taormina ME

Available exclusively on appointment

[email protected]

Important notices for attendants

• Last minute booking? Whatsapp Us Now! (+39) 334 194 8217
• Mt. Etna Tours
• Mt. Etna hiking
• Siracusa Tours
• Sup and Surf
• Your #Etnaround

"GOOD TO SEE MUST WALK", full day guided tour by jeep 4x4 or minivan and hiking off the tourist paths.

Mt. Etna tours, excursions and trekking

Etnaround with its Mt. Etna tours will guide you into fantastic and exclusive excursions through lunar landscapes, old or latest Mt. Etna eruption and the green forests of the natural park. You will live a unique and exciting experience on the highest active volcano in Europe discovering unspoiled nature, traditions and flavors that distinguish and make our Sicily magic. A day you will never forget!

Classic Mount Etna Tour

Half day excursion by jeep 4x4 or minivan to discover the fantastic and unique scenery of Volcano Etna, an immersion in nature between lunar landscape and green forests.

Mount Etna Sunset Tour

Half day excursion suitable for everyone, to discover the fantastic and unique scenery of Mount Etna, an immersion in nature…

Mount Etna 3000 Tour

Full day tour by jeep 4x4 to discover the beautiful scenery of Mount Etna, and visit to the  3000slm and Etna summit craters! THE TOP you could ask for!

Mount Etna Hike Advanced Tour

“GOOD TO SEE MUST WALK”, full day guided tour by jeep 4×4 and trekking.   Pick up 09:00 – drop off 17:00 Step…

Mount Etna Hike Tour

Cavagrande Water Trekking

Ready for adventure! The nature reserve of Cavagrande di Cassibile is famous for  cassibile river and  freshwater lakes.Excursion based on…

Vendicari Tour

We will visit the natural reserve of Vendicari, one of the most important nature reserves in Sicily. An excursion between…

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• Via Parco Cristallo 87 Tremestieri Etneo (CT)
• (+39) 334 194 8217
• [email protected]

Etnaround room in Catania city centre

Book mt. etna tours, excursions and trekking.

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Etna guided tours, lonely planet and tripadvisor certified guide.

An unforgetable journey

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the fascinating landscapes of Mount Etna , Europe’s highest active volcano . Witness the power of nature with our experienced guides , while maintaining the utmost safety and enjoyment .

The only guide authorized and certified by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor.

Your guide Ernesto

Ernesto, beyond being a Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet certified hiking guide , is a passionate enthusiast of Mount Etna and hiking, with a degree in agronomy.

He is a magnetic yet private individual , a sensitive observer and attentive listener , making him a reliable choice for mountain adventures.

His extensive knowledge of Mount Etna , his readiness to manage weather conditions, and his contagious enthusiasm for the mountains make him unique.

Ernesto invites you to disconnect from daily hustles , fully immersing yourself in the wonders of nature .

With him, you will experience a unique journey, breathing fresh air and discovering a new perspective .

Are you ready for the adventure of your life?

Check Out Our Video

Find out more, choose your tour.

Adventurous: Etna Guided Tour

Based on 350+ reviews

Easy: Etna Morning Tour

Easy: Etna Sunset Tour

Pricing and inclusions.

At only €65 €59 per person , our tour package includes all necessary equipment such as trekking shoes, poles, helmets, and anoraks , ensuring your safety and comfort during the excursion. Additionally, our offer includes insurance coverage and guidance from certified and knowledgeable guides .

Price and Inclusions

The cost of the tour is €65 €59 per person, which includes all necessary equipment to ensure your safety and comfort during the excursion.

Food & Drinks

We will make a special stop at a charming village, where you can purchase some local delicacies to enjoy during the rest of the adventure.

What to Wear

During the cold season, it is recommended to dress in layers to stay warm. We advise to add a windbreaker for protection, and carry extra socks for unforeseen situations.

Meeting Points

We have three convenient meeting points: Piazza Stesicoro, 31 - Piazza Sant'Alfio, Trecastagni - Bar Crateri Silvestri, Nicolosi.

Full Day Mount Etna Trekking Tour From Taormina

Explore europe's highest volcano alongside an expert guide, complemented by sicilian lunch.

Looking to hike to the summit of Mt. Etna but aren't sure about trekking alone? Then join our tour where we've enlisted the help of a volcanological guide and organized transport to and from Taormina and Giardini Naxos, so you can soak up the bucket list-worthy views without wasting valuable time and energy on logistics. Our carefully crafted itinerary, complete with lunch and free time at the foot of Mount Etna, allows you to safely experience the volcano in all its majesty.

• Visit the volcanic cave
• Speak with expert volcanologists
• Trek through rare birch trees
• Amazing views from atop a volcano
• View volcanic craters
• Cross Sartorius Mountains
• Easy hike on Mount Etna

After meeting your driver and fellow adventurers in Taormina or Giardini Naxos, your full-day tour begins with a scenic drive to the foot of Mount Etna. Gear up and greet your expert volcano guide, then begin your thrilling hike to the top, passing by rare birch trees and steaming craters of the Sartorius Mountains along the way.

Upon reaching the viewpoint, you'll be blown away by the surrounding lunar-like terrain, contrasting Sicily's elegant coastline and the rich blues of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a more leisurely hike down and settle in for a three-course Sicilian meal and free time in town before returning to your starting point.

Mount Etna Trekking Tour From Taormina Description

Your 8-hour tour includes:

Guided hike on Mount Etna and visit to a volcanic cave

Rental equipment

Delicious three-course lunch with beverages

Transportation from Taormina or Giardini Naxos

Professional English-speaking guide

Free time after lunch

Enjoy a small group size

Meet Your Driver in Taormina

There's no need to navigate the winding roads to Mount Etna yourself on this volcano trekking tour, as your day begins with a scenic transfer from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. After meeting your guide and fellow group members at a pre-designated location, you'll hop into a luxury A/C Mercedes minivan or minibus and drive through awe-inspiring Sicilian landscapes to a quaint village nestled at the foot of Mount Etna.

Trek Mount Etna

Your volcanic trekking guide, who will accompany you throughout the trek, will meet you in this enchanting village. Take a few minutes to absorb the impressive views of the Mediterranean to the south and Mount Etna to the north; then, if you haven't already, lace up your hiking boots, and grab any required gear from your guide.

You'll then begin the bucket list-worthy trek on Mount Etna, hiking across the Sartorius Mountains. Enjoy a relaxed pace as you navigate through these side craters that formed after the 1865 eruption, and deepen your understanding of the region as your guide details Mount Etna's fascinating history, geology, and morphology.

A surprising highlight of the trek will surely be the otherwordly birch trees you'll pass through, which have adapted to Mount Etna's harsh surroundings. Displaying a silvery-white color, and even some pink hues, it's a sight to behold against the dark colors of Mount Etna. There's no need to hurry here, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

Admire 360-Degree Views

Fatigued legs will discover renewed energy as Mount Etna's viewpoint comes into view, and you'll quickly acknowledge the hike was well worth it for the astonishing 360-degree views surrounding you. Admire the harsh yet beautiful lunar-like landscapes, unique shades of deep reds and browns, and pungent smells of sulfur that remind us of the powerful forces of this breathtaking scenery.

Peaking at 10,921 feet (3,329 m) above sea level, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, and on a clear day, you can gaze out over the entire coastline that Etna dominates, stretching from Taormina to Calabria, and even catch sight of the distant island of Stromboli.

Indulge in a Three-Course Lunch

After enjoying the much easier downhill portion of your Mount Etna hike, you'll again find yourself in the charming village set at the foot of the volcano. You'll have no doubt worked up an appetite and will be happy to hear a delicious Sicilian lunch is waiting. Sit down for a well-earned three-course meal, complemented by beverages, and reminisce with your newfound hiking friends about your favorite parts of the adventure so far.

Explore at Your Leisure

There's plenty more to explore at the foot of Mount Etna, so the next hour is yours to wander at your leisure. Check out the charming souvenir shops dotted around the village, grab another drink at one of the picturesque restaurants, or embark on another short hike to one of the nearby viewpoints. After roughly an hour, meet back up with your driver and group members and transfer back to Taormina or Giardini Naxos, happily exhausted from your epic day out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

What should I bring?

Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are mandatory, as is proper rain gear if conditions require it. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and a water bottle.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Sicily.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour involves navigating uneven terrain that can be steep and challenging in places.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

Yes, a delicious Sicilian three-course lunch and beverages are provided in the price of this Mount Etna tour. However, food and drinks outside of lunch will need to be purchased.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends at the designated meeting point in Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Our guides are happy to arrange taxis from here to your accommodation if needed.

. Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

We recommend this tour for ages 13 and up who are comfortable hiking on uneven terrain. If you'd like to purchase this tour for someone under the age of 13, please reach out to us for options.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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How to Hike Mt. Etna, an Active Volcano in Italy

M ount Etna loomed large over everything as we arrived in eastern Sicily that early January. From miles away, I could see the steam plumes rising from the snow-topped behemoth, like blown-out candles on a hastily iced birthday cake. Appropriately, I was on a milestone birthday road trip around Sicily, from Palermo to Catania. The second-to-last stop: Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and also its tallest, at 10,900 feet. Scientists believe Etna has been active for more than 500,000 years, presiding over Sicily long before humans arrived.

I'm no stranger to volcano hikes. I've summited several active stratovolcanoes (composite volcanoes) in my lifetime, from New Zealand's Tongariro to Nicaragua's Concepción. Italy is the only country on mainland Europe with active volcanoes, thanks largely to its location near two tectonic plates. Vesuvius, the most notorious among them, engulfed and preserved the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum after a violent eruption in 79 A.D. Stromboli has had regular minor eruptions for thousands of years. While Mount Etna hasn't had a catastrophic eruption since an infamous incident in 1669, its many eruptions in 2023 filled the news with jaw-dropping photos of lava vaulting into the atmosphere. When I thought of Sicily, I thought of turquoise-colored waters, stunning cathedrals, small villages, ancient ruins and, of course, the wine and food (pasta alla Norma in particular). I hadn't pictured an almost-constantly gurgling volcano that locals ski down in winter.

Now, one might ask, why voluntarily climb something that could blow at any minute? It's a perfectly reasonable question, and it sits at the smoldering heart of volcano tourism, which has exploded (no pun intended) in recent years as eruptions have captured the world-Kīlauea in Hawai'i and Fagradalsfjall in Iceland, for example-even as the volcano blowouts damage or disrupt local economies.

Volcano tourism brings thousands of visitors to Sicily each year. Ten municipalities surround Mount Etna, with several villages of 5,000 residents or fewer who depend heavily on tourism from volcano visitors. Since its 2013 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Etna has been one of Sicily's top-growing attractions. The Parco dell'Etna has taken steps to keep the crowds in check to maintain the volcano's integrity: specifically, limited parking, steep access fees, and the strong recommendation to take guided visits. The cable car to the start of the trails (8,202 feet) is 50 euros per person. Navigating Etna's unmarked paths and frequently shifting landscape requires the expertise of volcano guides. Visitors are permitted to hike up to about 9,000 feet alone, after which a guide is necessary, for both safety and environmental reasons.

A mountain of many moods

On the morning of our hike, my rental car begrudgingly changed gears on the snake-like winding drive from the town of Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza (6,266 feet above sea level) in Parco dell'Etna. As we approached the southern slope of the volcano along a twisting road, we spotted the glistening sea, villas with citrus trees poking over the gates, and small family vineyards making use of the area's fertile volcanic soil.

After acquiring gourmet deli sandwiches for our future lunch break at the meeting point (it's Italy, after all), we took the cable car up to meet our volcano guide, Vincenzo Greco . Vincenzo is a local volcanologist and second-generation Etna guide. He studied geology at the University of Catania and became the youngest person ever to achieve certification as a volcanology guide in Italy.

We started our ascent-excited to work off days of Sicilian cannoli-and trekked through the Valle del Bove. Winter-tanned Vincenzo introduced us to the volcano. He explained which eruption created which new landscape, noting how old this new rock ledge was or how this patch of ground has changed in the past decade. Six weeks before my arrival, in November, a new vent opened on the southeast crater at nearly 9,200 feet. A second vent opened three days later, effusing the new lava . In December, the lava flows reached Valle del Leone and the greater Valle del Bove, depressions on the eastern slope, creating a lava flow field and burping up occasional ash amid the steam and gasses. The lava flows would stop in February, once again reworking the landscape of Etna.

Everything here changes. I recalled the homes we passed on the way in, squarely in the line of Etna's fire if she ever got angry enough. With the windy road and altitude, there could be no escape if something happened. You really have to love the volcano, Vincenzo said, or at least love living by it or perhaps just be a bit stubborn.

Vincenzo and Etna have a passionate Italian relationship. He loves Etna, but their quarrels are, well . . . volcanic. He studies her moods and knows her mannerisms. He flew a drone over an eruption once and her heat melted his camera. It was an expensive mistake, but the few photos he got were spectacular.

About half an hour into the hike, Vincenzo ducked toward a large crevasse between two rocks. "Feel this!" he exclaimed excitedly. "But be careful." I inched forward, waving my hand around in the air aimlessly until a burst of boiling heat hit my skin. It was a small steam vent-Etna saying hello. The power of the invisible heat surprised me. It was a reminder of how easy it is to fall into a false sense of security up here. This isn't your average molehill. Thanks to unmarked paths and a disorienting amount of regular landscape shifts, Vincenzo and his fellow guides have had to rescue tourists when Etna gets moody.

Our hiking group turned a corner and came face-to-face with a lava tunnel formed by a previous eruption. We smushed into the narrowing pathway one at a time. The rock walls towered overhead on both sides, blocking out the sun above. Following the same path as a recent river of molten red lava was a stark reminder of Etna's power.

A crunchy layer of snow covered the black lava rocks throughout the journey, turning the scene into a black-and-white photo anytime the clouds rolled in and covered the bluebird sky. Typically, this time of year, hikers might need snowshoes or cross-country skis in addition to hiking boots. Instead, it was unseasonably warm across Sicily. We sat down for lunch as a crater pumped out billowing white puffs in the distance, our jackets off, the sun blazing. Up next, the final stop: one of Etna's four main craters, at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

In some parts, the crater rim narrowed to the width of two footsteps side by side, on loose lava pebbles. The winds whipped the smell of sulfur away. I could see the clouds off in the distance, a white blanket over the valley. Above me, the sun beat down from a bright blue sky. The black lava rocks absorbed the light, but the white snow was blinding. For a brief moment, I grew disoriented. I felt like I could walk out onto the blanket of clouds, thousands of feet above sea level. Maybe it was the combination of altitude, sulfur, and adrenaline, but I felt briefly euphoric in this otherworldly atmosphere. In that moment, I realized Etna's pull. I brought myself back to earth by looking down into the crater, the bottom of which was so deep it wasn't visible. Halfway around the crater, a dizzyingly steep drop appeared. With a flourish, Vincenzo appeared to hop off the ledge. Was my guide supposed to jump off? Would I be stuck in Etna's clutches forever?

The descent was arguably more challenging than the climb. Vincenzo took off, hopping down the steep drop of loose lava pebbles. Others followed suit. Unwilling to body surf down thousands of jagged little rocks, I attempted to switchback. My boots sank deep into the ground with each sideways step, as if I had attempted to walk across a ball pit. I felt my shoes fill with lava rocks. Time to throw caution to the wind. Hiking poles in hand, I "skied" down Mount Etna, sending mini avalanches of lava rocks flying with each skip. The lava rocks felt springy at that speed.

Once we arrived at the cable car, the world changed. We had come back down through the clouds, and everything was gray. The seaside views were gone, covered by fog. I tried to catch one last glimpse of Etna from below. She was gone, off in her own world.

Know before you go

Getting there.

Sicily has two major airports: Palermo Airport (Falcone Borsellino Airport) on the west side and Catania Airport (Vincenzo Bellini Airport) on the east. Catania is about an hour from Mount Etna and Palermo about three.

Where to stay

The town of Nicolosi is the gateway to the southern entrance of Mount Etna.

Hotel Alle Pendici is a nine-room B&B dotted with framed photos of Mount Etna throughout the seasons. The rooms are basic but cozy with a ski chalet ambience.

Blanc Maison Etna is a five-room B&B next to a beautifully manicured park. The rooms have views of the pool, the garden, or the volcano.

Tour operators we love

The Society of Guides Vulcanologiche Etna Nord offers a variety of tours with licensed volcano guides, including ours, Vincenzo.

• Customer care: (+39) 379 104 5234
• Write to us

Takes you off the beaten path

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Discover mount Etna, europe's largest active volcano with one of our Etna tours. We offer jeep tour, Etna cable car excursions and trekking tours. Our Etna experiences, includes a visit to see lava flow caves, to admire the lunar landscapes, to hike the Silvestri craters or all the way to the summit to experience the view of the active craters at an altitude of 3320 meters. With Sicily Active you can choose an  Half day guided tour on the south side, adventurous  Full day tour on the north flank of the volcano including a visit to the amazing Alcantara gorges and the river. For the most demanding hikers is available the ultimate and most requested of the Etna summit tour , the six hours trekking to see the active craters. Among our offers to discover mount Etna you will find a morning tour with Quad bikes with whom you can visit mount Etna to see lava fields and some of the best natural attractions of the volcano. We do not require advance payment, all our tours on mt. Etna include transportation from your hotel or from a meeting point. We provide without additional costs walking poles and trekking boots. You can book through our webpage of if you prefer you can get in touch with us through WhatsApp. Come and discover europe's highest active volcano with Sicily Active.