Climbing Mount Etna is a legendary hike that you cannot miss if you are on vacation in Sicily. To help you plan your trip, here are some specific details about the travel time you can expect, depending on the type of hike you choose.
Discover our excursions for climbing Mount Etna
Climbing Mount Etna: the classic hike in Sicily
This is the most common and easiest method to organize (excursions to the summit of Mount Etna are only possible and must be accompanied by a volcanologist guide from an altitude of 2,850 meters).
Please note that there are several stages:
- Fifteen minutes by cable car (from 1,900 meters to 2,500 meters above sea level) and twenty minutes by Unimog 4x4 (up to 2,850 meters above sea level).
- A 1.5- to 2.5-hour climb to reach the summit on foot (approximately 400 meters of elevation gain).
- A walk among the craters lasting around one hour, depending on the weather and volcanic activity: an unforgettable experience!
- Descent to the cable car: around 2.5 hours.
In summary, you should allow a good half day to explore the volcano in good conditions.
Crossing from north to south via the summit
If you are in good physical condition and enjoy walking, this hike combines fairly intense physical activity with cultural discoveries.
Here is a schedule for the itinerary:
- Fifteen minutes by cable car (from 1,900 m to 2,500 m altitude) and twenty minutes by 4x4 Unimog (up to 2,850 m altitude).
- 1.5-2.5 hour climb to the summit on foot (approximately 400 m elevation gain).
- A walk among the craters lasting around one hour.
- Start of the excursion from the south slope to the north slope: a fifteen-kilometer walk, taking around three hours.
You should allow a full day for this hike, which must be accompanied by a guide.
Hike up Mount Etna to see the lava. Special Dawn Excursion to Mount Etna
Reserved for athletes accustomed to trail running, this route follows the circuit used for trail running competitions held every July. Allow approximately five hours for this intense hike.
Discover our other excursions
Etna summit base by cable car
This route, which is very popular with tourists, will allow you to admire Mount Etna from a unique perspective. At 300 meters from the summit, the landscape is breathtaking and will leave you with lasting memories.
Here is a provisional schedule for this visit to Mount Etna by cable car:
- Fifteen minutes by cable car (Etna Sud).
- Two-and-a-half-hour climb to the base of the summit (maximum altitude 2,850 meters, the highest altitude accessible without a guide).
- Descent to the south slope. Allow about half a day for this option.
Helicopter tour of Mount Etna
For an extraordinary experience, a helicopter tour over Mount Etna is an excellent option. Seeing Etna from above, you will immediately understand its impact on the surrounding environment. If the weather is not favorable for your trip over Etna, other itineraries are available.
Allow between 20 and 35 minutes for a flight. Come and discover this excursion over Mount Etna by helicopter.
Mountain bike tour of Mount Etna
To cycle to the summit of Mount Etna, you need to have a good grounding in mountain biking (and you must be accompanied by a guide). Otherwise, we do not recommend attempting it. Allow a full day for a complete electric bike excursion. Enjoy your discoveries!
