Home Mount Etna Tours Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

4.9/5 1318 reviews

Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking

GO-ETNA

5/5 (2053)

The Piano Provenzana excursion takes adventurers up Mount Etna’s majestic north side, from 1,800 meters to the Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters. Highlights include ancient craters, recent lava flows, the ruins of “Le Betulle” hotel, and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands, Ionian Coast, and Calabrian shores. The journey concludes with a trek around the 2002 eruption’s button craters, showcasing Etna’s volcanic power.

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour : Highlights

Panoramic Ascent to Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters, close to the the active craters.
Visit to the Ruins of Hotel "Le Betulle": witness the remnants of the only structure visible among those engulfed by the massive lava flow on October 27, 2002.
Short trek at Umberto and Margherita Craters, along the edges of these extinct craters at 2,380 meters.
Stunning Views from Pizzi Deneri and, from a safe distance, marvel at the summit craters towering over the majestic Valle del Bove.

Full description

Experience an adventurous and awe-inspiring journey from Piano Provenzana on the north side of Mount Etna, utilizing 4×4 off-road vehicles, authorized by the Etna Park Authority. Expert mountain guides will accompany you on this excursion, ensuring both safety and an educational experience.
The journey begins at an altitude of 1,800 meters at Piano Provenzana. From here, travel along a breathtaking panoramic road that winds through ancient craters and recent lava flows, leading you to the Volcanological Observatory at an elevation of 3,000 meters.
Your first stop is the historic site of “Le Betulle” hotel, a remnant of the buildings engulfed by the lava flow on 27 October 2002, offering you a striking view of nature’s relentless power.
Next, proceed towards the Umberto and Margherita craters, positioned approximately at 2,380 meters. Here, embark on a brief trek around the rims of these dormant craters, fully immersing in the raw, elemental forces of creation and destruction.

Continuing, venture in the direction of the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory. Upon arrival, disembark for a short 15-minute trek, ascending to the pinnacle of the Pizzi Deneri promontory. Weather permitting, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian coastline stretching from Syracuse to Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, and the rugged Calabrian shores.
While you’re here, gaze across the distance at the formidable summit craters of Mount Etna, securely viewing them as they loom over the majestic Valle del Bove.

As the excursion continues, board the vehicles for a descent towards the legendary button craters of the 2002 eruption. Standing at an altitude of around 1,900 meters, begin a fascinating trek across the lava flows and explosive deposits. This circular path offers a unique opportunity to wander along the crater rims and witness the distinct “bottoniera” formation, characteristic of Etna’s lateral eruptions.
Upon reaching the summit at roughly 2,050 meters above sea level, take in the dramatic panorama of the eruptive landscape and observe the path of the lava flow that decimated the Piano Provenzana resort. Conclude the trek with a brief descent down a sandy slope before rejoining the off-road vehicles for a return journey to Piano Provenzana.

Information / Included

Including competent English speaking alpine / vulcanological guide
Including Unimog 4×4 ticket
Including Pickup service: We offer the pickup and drop off service in the area around Taormina and Catania from the locations listed below. Alternatively, if you have your own car, you can reach Piano Provenzana.

Other information

The tour is easy and suitable for everyone.
Children under 12 years pay 18 euro less.
Trekking shoes can be rented on site

TAORMINA AREA PICK UPS

Letojanni (Hotel Antares)
Pick up time: 08:30
Location: Hotel Antares, Via Germano, Via Chincherini, 98037 Letojanni ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit TAORMINA. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Via Chincherini in Letojanni . Turn right and take Via Chincherini. Your destination is on the left.

Parking: Free on the street.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Saa4eYFLyafmahhA6

Taormina Cable Car – Down
Pick up time: 08:40
Location: Taormina Cable Car – Down, 98039 Mazzarò ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit TAORMINA. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Mazzarò, continue for 1.6 kms, turn left after “Blue Sea Diving Center”.
Parking:
-Covered parking – (.ca) €18,00 within 10h
-Open-air parking – (.ca) €3,00 for the first hour + €2,00 per each extra hour.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHMUmbkNnfNKsB7GA

Taormina Railway Station
Pick up time: 08:50
Location: Taormina-Giardini, via 98039, Via Nazionale, 43, Villagonia ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit GIARDINI NAXOS. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula, after about 3.3 kms you will find your destination on the right.
Parking: (.ca) €10,00 per day at Carpark Taormina

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BvALo4yUmNyVKG6s9

Giardini Naxos Terminal Bus
Pick up time: 09:00
Location: Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit GIARDINI NAXOS. Take the SS185 and SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Viale Dionisio, after about 2.1 kms you will find the terminal bus.

Parking: Paid parking on the street

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wxA1SfpZwVHWPfkD6

CATANIA AREA PICK UPS

PIAZZA PAOLO BORSELLINO
Pick up time: 08:30
Location: Piazza Paolo Borsellino, 95100 Catania CT

Parking: Borsellino AMTS PARKING – ca. €1,00 per hour

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dicfjhq2GWuoqp1N6

CATANIA MAIN TRAIN STATION
Pick up time: 08:40
Location: Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 2, 95129 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road) or free on the street.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dm5mpRmMSKwG5uXk7

VILLA BELLINI (Catania city center)
Pick up time: 08:50
Location: Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini, Via Etnea, 292, 95131 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RyfJSbAauQMGbz756

PIAZZA CAVOUR (Piazza Borgo)
Pick up time: 09:00
Location: Piazza Cavour, 95100 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rQkmAZMY9iTYac9N7

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour: Reviews 1318

Score 4.9/5

Total reviews: 1318
Reviews in English: 328

Mike Sibbald VERIFIED
07 November 2024

Etna 3000 tour

Thoroughly enjoyable trip from start to finish. We were picked up from our hotel on time and taken to the cable car start point. A scenic journey up the mountain took us to the Unimog bus. From there we were taken up to 2,600m. A short walk to 3,000m gave spectacular views of the smouldering peaks of Etna and the ash fields. Unfortunately it was not possible to get to the higher levels due to ongoing volcanic activity and safety issues. But you soon get to realise that this is a "living" mountain. Our guides were very informative and approachable. The lunch was perfect. I can totally recommend this tour for anyone. Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Evelin VERIFIED
28 October 2024

Exceptional Etn experience, a must-do!

We had an amazing experience on the Etna tour! From start to finish, everything was seamless. The pick-up was on time and hassle-free, and the drive itself was both comfortable and filled with interesting stories and insights. The organization of the tour was spot-on, with everything running smoothly. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating information about Mount Etna and the surrounding area, making the journey both educational and engaging. We had a delicious lunch that added to the authentic experience. Overall, this tour is well worth the trip—highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!

Lissa Djatmiko VERIFIED
21 October 2024

Good tour but mediocre lunch

Lunch was okay but not worth the money. Just booked the tour

Clare VERIFIED
21 October 2024

What a trip!

At first I wasn't sure if I'd booked the right trip to do Etna 3000, but oh oh my goodness it was just spectacular. From start to finish the excursion was so informative with very knowledgeable and friendly guides. We were so lucky to get a clear day and the view from the top after the cable car, jeep journey and walk to the top was stunning. Hands down one of the best views I've ever seen. The lunch was also well above what I expected as well. Overall, I can't recommend Go Etna and this trip enough. Me and my husband have made some great memories, thank you.

Tyla Doyle VERIFIED
17 October 2024

A great day on Mt. Etna! Pick up from our hotel was prompt. At our meeting point, when we gathered everyone it would have been nice to have an explanation and overview of the day. We got to where we were allowed to go and it was amazing! Sammy was knowledgeable & entertaining with our English group. Our driver was great! The two hour lunch was delicious but was too long & too much food! Overall, a good day!!

Inger Elisabeth Krogsrud VERIFIED
12 October 2024

Very Nice trip

The trip was very good orginised. The driver/guide had a lot of knowledge about the area, and he shered with us.

Mount Etna Tours and Etna Nord Excursions
Etna Nord Tours

Prices & Booking

No hidden fees - All inclusive

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Duration: 3/4 hours Difficulty: Easy
€ 89 per person

Meeting point Piano Provenzana

€ 114 per person

Pick up in Taormina area

€ 124 per person

Pick up in Catania area

English-speaking guide

The price includes 4x4 Unimog ticket

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Payment options

Cash to the guide

Credit Card online

Wire transfer

Other pickup locations

On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina, for example: Syracuse, Noto, Messina, etc. Contact us for more information

Private Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version. Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.

- Mount Etna Private Tours
- Contact us for all other Tours

Last Booking 3 hours ago

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