The hiking routes we propose are carefully selected. We strive to make everything perfect. Our routes, done at the right time (night, dawn, dusk), evoke unique emotions, which the guide loves to share.
We understand that our prices may seem high, but they reflect the quality of our exclusive tours, the experience of our professional guides, the use of state-of-the-art equipment, and our commitment to exceptional customer service.
We are convinced that the unique and unforgettable experience you will have on Mount Etna in Sicily is well worth the cost.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Etna Tour. How to hike on Mount Etna Sicily ?
We do things well or we don't do them
In this page you will find the best routes to explore the volcanic territories, our recommendations to see the summit craters of Sicilian volcanoes and the lava flows.
Pick-up from your accommodation (between Catania and Taormina) is included in the price. You can also reach our meeting point with your vehicle. The departure is early in the morning, in a small group, accompanied by our English-speaking volcanologist guide.
We offer full and half day Etna excursions and also circuits lasting several days. In all our excursions there is the visit of craters, of a lava tunnel and of a lava flow. Unlimited breakfast and picnic are included in the price of many excursions.
In our group there are between 6 and 12 people maximum. The equipment is available for free loan: trekking poles, backpack, helmets, torches, hiking shoes, k-way.
Our luxury vehicles (Mercedes GL or V-Class Extra Long 2019) with dedicated driver, have official licenses, prices include insurance and VAT. In case of an eruption, we suggest the ascent at sunset.
How to visit Etna without a guide and climb to the top?
Going to the summit without a guide is prohibited. At the Sapienza refuge (Silvestri crater, southern slope) there is the cable car, which takes you from 2000 to 2500 meters above sea level.
Then by Unimog 4x4 buses up to 2900 meters and from there on foot with a guide (whose service must be booked in advance) you will reach the altitude of 3300 meters.
To climb to the top you have to be perfectly healthy, athletic and have no physical problems. It is important to have high protection sunglasses.
Also remember to bring a scarf to protect yourself from volcanic fumes. Arriving at the top, the scarf will be useful for covering the mouth and filtering out irritating volcanic gases.
High-top hiking shoes are recommended, otherwise the volcanic sand gets into the shoes. If you feel dizzy or have asthma, don't go to the top. The lava channel or tunnel will be difficult to do if you are claustrophobic.
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How to visit Mount Etna?
The car is the most popular means of transport for visitors who want to discover the splendor of Mount Etna. Unfortunately, public transportation to Mount Etna is virtually non-existent.
From Catania, you will need to head towards Nicolosi, the last village near Etna Park, to reach the Sapienza Refuge, at an altitude of 1,900 meters.
To reach the Sapienza Refuge on the south side of Mount Etna, you can take the AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) bus, which departs from in front of Catania Central Train Station.
Etna tour from Catania: the bus leaves at 8 a.m., arrives at the bar/restaurant “La Cantoniera” (meeting point with the guide) at 10 a.m. and leaves for Catania at 4 p.m.
This is an easy and inexpensive way to meet up with our guide and take part in the South Etna excursion. The guide will be waiting for you at the bus stop at La Cantoniera (South Etna).
Where to visit Mount Etna?
Located in Italy, more specifically in Sicily, near the city of Catania, Mount Etna is an active volcano that rises to over 3,340 meters above sea level.
Although it is now considered the most active volcano in Europe, the site continues to attract more and more tourists from all over the world.
Visit Etna from Catania or Taormina
Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, with the base of the volcano bathed by the Ionian Sea. The largest cities to stay in are Catania and Taormina, but also Riposto/Giarre.
To visit Etna from Catania or Taormina, you will need a car, otherwise we can offer you our private car service with a dedicated driver.
When to visit Mount Etna?
Visit Etna, when to go?
All seasons are ideal for visiting Mount Etna. The best times to visit Etna are spring (April-June) and fall (September-November).
If you love snowy landscapes and skiing, and are looking for a breathtaking destination with a mysterious charm, come in winter, between February and March.
Visit Etna in winter: a winter vacation on Mount Etna is perfect for you. Yes, you heard right: you can ski on a volcano in Sicily!
An excursion to Etna is a complete and immersive adventure, ideal for spring break, combining mountains, sea, city, and above all, nature at its most beautiful.
What excursions are available on Mount Etna during this season?
Visiting Etna during the winter season (December-March): there is often snow on Etna in winter. Most trails above a certain altitude may be snowy or icy.
To reach Mount Etna in winter, between December and March, your vehicle must be equipped with snow chains for the tires (even if it is not always necessary to use them), as the road may be snowy or icy.
You can ask the car rental company to provide you with snow chains. There is an option on request (sometimes for a fee), such as a baby seat or GPS navigator, which are normally available on request in advance.
From spring to fall (April-November), all the excursions described on the website are normally available. In the image, you can see a summary of the most beautiful and exciting excursions available, divided according to the slope of Mount Etna.
Visite Etna: les possibilités réparties selon le versant de l'Etna.
Visit Etna, when is the best time to visit the volcano?
Visit Etna in spring and fall: spring and fall are the most interesting times of the year to visit Etna. The contrasting landscapes, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists on the trails make these times of year the best times to visit Etna.
Visiting Etna in summer: in summer, to avoid the heat and crowds, simply set off 3 hours before sunrise. This Special Dawn Etna excursion not only allows you to avoid the heat, but also lets you discover Etna in an unusual way.
Visiting Etna in summer: in summer, you can also choose the excursion that includes the cable car ride, to easily reach an altitude of 2,500 meters and, in the fresh air, touch the volcano's burning craters and the hot lava from the last eruption!
Visit Etna at night: set off at night, under a starry sky, climb without realizing the effort required, watch the sun rise from the sea and illuminate the volcano from its summit. The English-speaking guide will give you a thrilling experience.
Visit Etna under the full moon
Special mention for this full moon tour of Mount Etna, spending 24 hours on the volcano. Imagine setting off in the afternoon for the summit area of Mount Etna, setting up base camp, dining on the volcano's hot spots while admiring the landscapes at dusk.
Then set off on a night hike under the light of the full moon, above the starry sky. Sleep in a tent and wake up before dawn to watch the sun rise over the Ionian Sea, with a coffee in hand.
Who are the guides accompanying you on the excursion?
When I created Etna3340, my priority has always been to entrust my clients to the best local guides. Let me introduce you to the guides who work with great passion at Etna3340, to accompany you safely on the Sicilian volcanoes.
But what does “best Etna3340 guides” mean?
To be selected, guides working at Etna3340 must have extensive knowledge of the Sicilian environment, extensive field experience, and the ability to convey their knowledge and guide tourists safely.
For this reason, the excursions organized by Etna3340 are in a higher price range, as superior quality service costs more. Etna3340 guides are paid above average in order to reward their professionalism and passion.
The guides work for about 6 months a year. They all share a love for Etna and Sicily, enjoy passing on their knowledge, and love sharing a beautiful hike with active visitors.
Our mission: to welcome you as dear friends and respond professionally and sincerely to your specific needs. Our goal: to give you an authentic Sicilian excursion experience, just like we have locally.
The different tours of Mount Etna
Etna3340 offers you its expertise and experience to provide you with original and unique experiences. The three most famous tours of Mount Etna are the ascent to the summit, a helicopter tour over the Italian volcano, and an excursion via the north face of Mount Etna.
The climb up Mount Etna is done with a guide. Once you reach the summit, at an altitude of 3,340 meters, you will explore craters that are still active, see lava flows, and experience a hike in a lunar landscape.
The helicopter tour will give you the opportunity to see Italy's most active volcano from the sky. Visiting Etna via the north face will allow everyone, young and old alike, to explore the bowels of the volcano in half a day.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Etna, take the time to admire the view of the Valle del Bove. Canyons, 1,000-meter-high walls, and other fruits of volcanic activity will surprise you.
We love sharing the beauty of Etna with visitors. All our excursions on Etna include a visit to lava flows, craters, and a lava tunnel.
Climbing the 3,340 meters of Mount Etna is mainly reserved for people who are healthy, athletic, and in excellent shape. With a guide, which is mandatory, you can safely climb to the summit of Mount Etna.
Etna3340 provides you with an expert English-speaking guide who will show you the wonders of Mount Etna.
To ensure your hike goes smoothly, wear high hiking boots to protect your feet and prevent sand from getting into your shoes. We also recommend wearing high-protection sunglasses.
What does Etna3340 offer for visiting Mount Etna?
We do things right or we don't do them at all. On this page you will find the best itineraries for exploring volcanic areas, our recommendations for seeing the summit craters of Sicilian volcanoes and lava flows.
Pick-up from your accommodation (between Catania and Taormina) is available. You can also reach our meeting point with your own vehicle. Departure is early in the morning, in small groups, accompanied by our English-speaking volcanologist guide.
We offer full-day or half-day excursions to Mount Etna, as well as multi-day tours. All our excursions include visits to craters, a lava tunnel, and a lava flow. In the event of an eruption, we offer nighttime or sunset ascents.
Equipment is provided: hiking poles, backpack, helmets, torches, hiking boots (rental €5 per pair), rain jacket. Our luxury vehicles (Mercedes GL or V-Class Extra Long) with dedicated drivers are licensed for private hire, and prices include insurance and VAT.
