Etna Summit Craters Excursion: A Unique Trek on an Active Volcano

Vincenzo Romeo
Sep 17
3 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Mount Etna , at 3,400 meters high, is not only the highest active volcano in Europe, but also one of the most fascinating in the world. Its spectacular eruptions and lunar landscapes make every excursion an unforgettable adventure.

On Saturday 11th and Monday 27th October 2025 , Sicily by Nature is organising Etna Top , a guided excursion that will take you to the Summit Craters to experience the energy of Sicily's most famous volcano up close.

What Makes This Etna Excursion Unique

Unlike regular tourist treks, this experience takes you directly to Etna's active craters , in areas normally inaccessible to the public.

Accompanied by a certified Nature Guide and Volcanological Guide , you will be able to:

Observe volcanic activity up close and personal
Walk along the edges of the North-East Crater (3,200m) or the Bocca Nuova (3,400m)
Enjoy breathtaking views of eastern Sicily
Understanding geological phenomena thanks to the explanations of experts

Detailed Etna Excursion Program

Morning: Departure and Approach

7:00 am - Meet at Piazza Scammacca (San Giovanni la Punta)
7:30 am - Alternative meeting point in Milo
8:30 am - Arrival at Piano Provenzana and meeting with the Volcanological Guide
9:00 am - Departure by 4x4 vehicle up to an altitude of 2,900 metres

Ascent to the Craters of Etna

3-hour guided trek to the Summit Craters
Destination: Northeast Crater (3,200m) or Bocca Nuova (3,300m)*
Stop at the summit to observe volcanic activity
Geological and volcanological explanations

*The choice of crater depends on the weather conditions and the volcanic activity at the time

Afternoon: Return

Descent on foot to the collection point (1h30)
Return to Piano Provenzana by 4x4
Approximately 3:00 PM - End of the excursion

Technical Data

Characteristic	Detail
Total duration	About 8 hours
Time of ascent	3 hours
Descent time	1h30
Difference in altitude	+/- 300 meters
Difficulty	High (for experienced hikers)
Maximum altitude	3,200-3,300 meters
Participants	Min 5 - Max 15 people

Mandatory Equipment for Etna

Technical Clothing

High-top trekking boots with Vibram soles (provided if needed)
Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (provided)
Long technical trousers (no jeans)
Heavy gloves and winter hat
Gaiters to protect against volcanic debris

Equipment

Telescopic trekking poles
30-40 liter backpack
Energy packed lunch
At least 2 liters of water
Spare T-shirt

⚠️ Important: At high altitude, even in September, temperatures can drop below 10°C with strong winds.

Costs and Services Included

💰 Price: €140.00 per person

(Payment in cash on the day of the excursion)

🎯 Services Included:

Sicily by Nature Nature Guide
Certified Volcanological Guide
Round-trip 4x4 transportation from Piano Provenzana
Safety helmet provided
Emergency wind jacket
Third Party Liability Insurance

Why Choose Sicily by Nature for Etna?

🏆 Experience and Safety

With years of experience on Etna's trails, Sicily by Nature guarantees completely safe excursions, always respecting Etna Park regulations and Civil Protection provisions.

👥 Qualified Guides

Our guides are certified and constantly updated on volcanic activity. The presence of a specialized Volcanology Guide makes the experience not only safe but also highly educational.