Summit craters excursion Etna South

The summit craters excursion Etna South is a high-altitude adventure that will take you to explore the wild Etna South slope, reaching the highest allowed altitudes of the summit area of the imposing Sicilian volcano.

Departing from Catania we will arrive at Rifugio Sapienza to board the famous Etna Cable Car. An exciting trek will then begin through breathtaking views, ancient craters and views of the distinctive Bove Valley (Valle del Bove).
A unique experience not to be missed if you are an experienced hiker!

Summit craters excursion Etna South

This excursion starts around 08:30 from Catania, one of our guides will pick you up at your hotel or at the Catania central train station. We will then set off to reach Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of about 1900m on the Etna South slope. When we arrive at the mountain refuge, there will be time for a short stop at the bar, after which we will give you trekking poles and we will be ready to start our adventure!

We will board the famous Etna Cable Car that will take us up to an altitude of 2500 meters, this will be the starting point of an exciting hike of about 6km, which will last about 3 hours. During the excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will reveal the secrets, history and geology of the majestic Mount Etna. You will see breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by a lava desert among ancient craters. Arriving at the highest point of the trek, at about 2800 meters above sea level, you will be amazed by the wonderful panoramic view of Valle del Bove, one of the most striking corners of Etna.

We will then set off on the return trek, reaching the Etna Cable Car station again, to return to Rifugio Sapienza. After a few minutes of rest, we will leave from Rifugio Sapienza to take you back to the hotel, around 16:00.

Come with us to explore Mount Etna South slope in all its splendor, discover the wild charm of this wonder of nature and take with you lasting memories of this experience!

Important information

1) Children can participate in this excursion from the age of 8, we recommend alternatively our Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion, our most popular tour.

2) In case of bad weather, the excursion will be cancelled at no added cost. However in case you had already taken the cable car ride you will be required to pay 30% of the tour cost.

3) During the hike, the maximum altitude allowed by current ordinances is reached, at the present time about 2800 meters.

4) To participate in this hike, you need to be physically fit. This itinerary is forbidden for those with cardiovascular, respiratory or hypertension conditions.

5) We recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you, or purchase it at the bar in Rifugio Sapienza before boarding the Cable Car.

Summit craters excursion Etna South details

Price
  • Adults price (10 years and older): € 129.00 per person
  • Children price (8-10 years old): € 109.00 per person
  • Children under 8 years old cannot participate in this excursion, we recommend our Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion as an alternative.
  • This excursion can be conducted with a minimum of 4 participants.
Timetable
  • Departure time: 08:30
  • Return time: 16:00
Meeting point
  • Catania city
  • Catania Central Train Station
  • April to May:
    Variable weather and temperatures, we recommend winter clothing with layers and sneakers.
  • June to September: Warm temperatures, we recommend summer clothing with t-shirt, trousers or shorts, and sneakers. However, we suggest bringing a light jacket or a k-way in case of passing rain. Optionally, to protect yourself from the sun, you can bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • October: Variable weather and temperatures, we recommend winter clothing in layers and sneakers.
  • November to March: We recommend winter clothing with a jacket, long trousers, winter hat, and waterproof or hiking shoes (available on request).
Trekking info
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Length: about 6km
  • Maximum altitude: about 2800m above sea level.
  • Altitude difference: about 300m
Availability

Year-round

Pick up
  • Pick up available
  • Free upon request, only within the city of Catania
Customizable tour

Not customizable

What's included in the summit craters excursion Etna South

Included

Excluded

€ 129.00 per person

€ 109.00 children 8-10 years old

Reservation request

Summit craters excursion Etna South

We will contact you within 1 hour!

More information?

We will gladly help you choose your tour.

We are available daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

We speak: