Mount Etna Summit Crater Trekking 3350m

Reaching the Pinnacle: A Trek to Mount Etna’s Summit Craters

Trekking towards the apex of Mount Etna, Europe’s towering beacon in Sicily, is a pinnacle experience sought after by hiking aficionados. As participants of this revered adventure ascend, they are greeted by a dramatic landscape—an artistic masterpiece rendered by nature’s own tumultuous hand. The breathtaking vistas gift adventurers with enduring memories as they stand amidst the fusion of Etna’s two elemental forces: one crafting destruction that locals have courageously coexisted with for generations; the other, a force of creation showcasing awe-inspiring theatrics like Strombolian bursts, meandering lava streams, and the dynamic, living tableau only a volcano like Etna can offer.

Our journey commences at Piano Provenzana on the northern face of Etna, sitting at a comfortable elevation of 1800 meters. Here, excitement bubbles as we confirm our trek and embark upon a quest into Etna’s heart. The adventure truly sets in motion when we board the rugged 4WD vehicles that will convey us over one of Europe’s most elevated off-road paths, escalating to 2800 meters. This lofty locale serves as the trailhead for a remarkable ascent to the Summit Craters—Central Crater and Bocca Nuova—and their towering stance of approximately 3300 meters.

Once we’ve traversed the summit’s wonders and soaked in the expansive panoramas, we begin our descent. We’ll navigate down the slopes, skirting the North East Crater en route to the remarkable Valle del Leone. From there, the trek brings us to the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory at 2800 meters, offering yet another perspective on Etna’s majesty. It’s here that we’ll reunite with our vehicles, signaling the final leg of our journey back to Piano Provenzana.

Embark on this trek and uncover the formidable character of Mount Etna, a terrain of contrasts and memories immortal.

Etna summit Trekking details

• Stages: Piano Provenzana – Summit Craters—Central Crater and Bocca Nuova – Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory – back.
• Elevation: approximately + 400m, -500m, over about 7km.
• Travel time: approximately 6 hours, 09h00 – 15h00.
• Altitude: 1800m> 2800m by 4×4, trek to Etna summit.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Recommended equipment: UV3 sunglasses, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, sunscreen, 3-layer clothing (for different temperatures during the tour), water and a lunch packet (please note: it is no lunch included)

Trekking Etna 3350 reserved for +12 years old (accompanied by parents)
The excursion to the summit crater zone is dangerous, forbidden to those with heart diseases and asthma. The hike takes approx. 5 hours. You should be well equipped, you shouldn’t have physical health problems, joint pain or suffer from dizziness.
The itineraries are subject to change depending on weather conditions and the geodynamic activity of the volcano, in addition to possible eruptive activity, the risk is represented by cold, thunderstorms, lightning and fog.