Hike near the summit craters up to the maximum safe altitude currently foreseen
The excursion starts at 1,900 m, where—after check-in and ticket purchase with your guide—you board the cable car to 2,500 m. From here begins an extraordinary trek gaining about 500 m in altitude, crossing recent snow-capped lava flows, vast craters, dramatic lava channels, and hot fumaroles venting high-temperature gases. The climb reaches 3,000 m—the maximum altitude currently permitted depending on volcanic-risk levels ⚠️—at the foot of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active and spectacular cone. This route immerses you in the highest active volcano in Europe, offering rare close-up views of ongoing volcanic processes and the powerful landscape shaped by recent eruptions. The descent is entirely on foot from 3,000 m back to the cable-car station, then by cable car to the starting point. Total duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~6.5 km Elevation gain: ~500 m (may vary) Difficulty: E (Hikers) – for those accustomed to sustained walking at high altitude.
What you'll see & do
- ✓Start at 1,900 m. After check-in/tickets with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the trek begins. Gain ~500 m over lava fields, craters, lava channels and hot fumaroles to 3,000 m—the maximum altitude allowed by summit ordinances—at the base of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active cone. This tour explores the upper slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and the second most active worldwide. The route stays above 2,500 m with safe, regulated summit views. From a safe distance, admire the South-East Crater, source of many recent eruptions; access to the cone is closed by Zafferana and Civil Protection due to extreme heat, instability, and potential collapses when magma is shallow. Descent: on foot from 3,000 m to the cable-car station, then cable car back to the start. Duration: ~5 h • Distance: ~6.5 km • Gain: ~500 m (may vary) • Difficulty: E – for hikers used to high altitude.
What's included
- ✓Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
- ✓Accident insurance
- ✓Authorized vulcanological guide
- ✓Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack
What's not included
- ✓54€ per person to be paid on site: tickets for cableway (round trip)
- ✓Parking ticket
- ✓Snowshoe rental at a cost of € 15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide the equipment)
- ✓Transport service from your accommodation
- ✓Hat and gloves
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.
Although the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, caution is advised, as the volcanic terrain can often be uneven and unstable.
The itinerary may be adjusted at the guides’ discretion or suspended if environmental, weather, or volcanic conditions change and pose a risk to the group’s safety.
The excursion will be conducted in accordance with the limits established by the regulations in force.
Suitable for children over 7 years old who are accustomed to walking.
The route includes ascending and walking along the crater rims, which may cause dizziness in sensitive individuals.
This itinerary, given its nature and altitude, is suitable for individuals in good physical health who do not have specific medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory issues, or hypertension.
For a safe and enjoyable excursion, it’s important to be aware of your health conditions and, if needed, share them with the guide. Doing so helps prevent problems and reduce risks.
The use of contact lenses is not recommended due to volcanic gases and ash, which can easily irritate the eyes. If you do wear them, it is advisable to use them in combination with sunglasses.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Hike near the summit craters up to the maximum safe altitude currently foreseen
The excursion starts at 1,900 m, where—after check-in and ticket purchase with your guide—you board the cable car to 2,500 m. From here begins an extraordinary trek gaining about 500 m in altitude, crossing recent snow-capped lava flows, vast craters, dramatic lava channels, and hot fumaroles venting high-temperature gases. The climb reaches 3,000 m—the maximum altitude currently permitted depending on volcanic-risk levels ⚠️—at the foot of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active and spectacular cone. This route immerses you in the highest active volcano in Europe, offering rare close-up views of ongoing volcanic processes and the powerful landscape shaped by recent eruptions. The descent is entirely on foot from 3,000 m back to the cable-car station, then by cable car to the starting point. Total duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~6.5 km Elevation gain: ~500 m (may vary) Difficulty: E (Hikers) – for those accustomed to sustained walking at high altitude.
What you'll see & do
- ✓Start at 1,900 m. After check-in/tickets with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the trek begins. Gain ~500 m over lava fields, craters, lava channels and hot fumaroles to 3,000 m—the maximum altitude allowed by summit ordinances—at the base of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active cone. This tour explores the upper slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and the second most active worldwide. The route stays above 2,500 m with safe, regulated summit views. From a safe distance, admire the South-East Crater, source of many recent eruptions; access to the cone is closed by Zafferana and Civil Protection due to extreme heat, instability, and potential collapses when magma is shallow. Descent: on foot from 3,000 m to the cable-car station, then cable car back to the start. Duration: ~5 h • Distance: ~6.5 km • Gain: ~500 m (may vary) • Difficulty: E – for hikers used to high altitude.
What's included
- ✓Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
- ✓Accident insurance
- ✓Authorized vulcanological guide
- ✓Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack
What's not included
- ✓54€ per person to be paid on site: tickets for cableway (round trip)
- ✓Parking ticket
- ✓Snowshoe rental at a cost of € 15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide the equipment)
- ✓Transport service from your accommodation
- ✓Hat and gloves
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.
Although the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, caution is advised, as the volcanic terrain can often be uneven and unstable.
The itinerary may be adjusted at the guides’ discretion or suspended if environmental, weather, or volcanic conditions change and pose a risk to the group’s safety.
The excursion will be conducted in accordance with the limits established by the regulations in force.
Suitable for children over 7 years old who are accustomed to walking.
The route includes ascending and walking along the crater rims, which may cause dizziness in sensitive individuals.
This itinerary, given its nature and altitude, is suitable for individuals in good physical health who do not have specific medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory issues, or hypertension.
For a safe and enjoyable excursion, it’s important to be aware of your health conditions and, if needed, share them with the guide. Doing so helps prevent problems and reduce risks.
The use of contact lenses is not recommended due to volcanic gases and ash, which can easily irritate the eyes. If you do wear them, it is advisable to use them in combination with sunglasses.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.