The itinerary Etna winter hike up to 3000m

Your adventure begins at 08:30, when you meet your certified volcanological guide. Around 09:00, you will take the Etna cable car up to 2500 metres, where the hike begins.

From here, you’ll start your ascent on foot to nearly 3000 metres, covering a vertical gain of around 500 metres. The first stop is the 2001 eruption crater, known as Crater del Laghetto. After exploring this remarkable formation, the hike continues to the Valle del Bove viewpoint at approximately 2750 meters – one of the most dramatic and scenic points on Mount Etna.

The trail then leads to the Barbagallo craters, formed during the intense 2002 eruption. Located at nearly 3000 metres above sea level, these craters offer one of the highest accessible viewpoints on Etna in winter. Along the way, your guide will point out active fumaroles, where warm gas still escapes from the lava – a powerful reminder that Etna is an active volcano, and why it’s essential to explore it with an experienced guide.

As a final highlight, you’ll walk through a spectacular lava channel – a natural canyon carved by flowing lava – offering a unique and immersive volcanic landscape.

From the Barbagallo area, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Etna’s active summit craters, including the South-East Crater and the Central Crater, often emitting smoke or gas.

After taking in these incredible sights, we begin our descent back to the cable car station, followed by the ride down to Rifugio Sapienza at 1900 meters.

Details Etna winter hike up to 3000m

The tour starts at 09:00 AM, with the meeting point at 08:30 AM at Etna South – Rifugio Sapienza. From there, we take the cable car to 2500m before beginning the hike on foot.

Highlights of the Etna Winter Hike

During this unforgettable winter hike on Mount Etna, you’ll explore some of the most impressive volcanic features on the southern slope of the volcano:

✓ Lava flow channel – walk through a natural canyon carved by flowing lava
✓ Fumaroles – see and feel the heat of volcanic gas escaping from the ground
✓ Barbagallo Craters – reach nearly 3000 meters and explore the impressive craters from the 2002 eruption
✓ View over the Valle del Bove – enjoy one of the most dramatic viewpoints on Mount Etna
✓ Laghetto Crater – visit the crater formed during the 2001 eruption
✓ Various lava flows – walk across different layers of lava from multiple eruptions over the years

Keep in mind that trekking in winter may always be different from that described here. This is because the safety of the participants and the guide always comes first. Therefore, the route may be subject to changes due to snow and/or ice.

• Starting point Etna Sud - Rifugio Sapienza
• Meeting time 08.30 hour
• Departure time 09.00 hour
• Return time Around 14.00 hour
• Total Duration 5-6 hours
• Total elevation gain 500 meters
• Highest point ≃ 3000m
• Walking distance 6,5 – 7 km
• Duration Cable Car ≃ 15 Minutes (oneway)

Price and availability

Price Etna winter hike up to 3000m

The Etna winter hike up to 3000 m. costs € 102,00 per person in total. This consists of € 50,00 for the hike itself and € 52,00 for the Etna cable car (roundway).

Payment

You can pay on the day of the excursion, directly to the guide and to the Etna cable car ticket office. We do not ask for any pre-payment. Because we work on a trust base. We trust you to show up when you book and you can trust us that the guide is there waiting for you when you book! You can pay cash, by pin or with creditcard, like you prefer!

Availability

The Etna winter hike up to 3000 m. is available every day as soon as there is enough snow on Mount Etna. Usually this is in December, January, February and March. The excursion will take place with a minimum participation of 6 persons in total. If this number is not reached, the excursion can be moved to another date. You can then decide whether to postpone your booking or to participate in another excursion.

Including and Excluding

What to bring & clothing

Good hiking shoes are obligatory during the hike. These can also be provided by the volcano guides (free of charge). In addition, you must dress in layers and bring a good jacket (can also be provided by the guide, free of charge). The weather can change rapidly in the mountains. We recommend:

• Long winter trousers
• Sweater
• Sweatshirt or hoodie
• Windjacket
• Medium/long socks
• Hat and scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Phone

FAQ