Excursion itinerary, Etna’s Active Lava Flow: 2 options

🌋 BOOKINGS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The current lava flow has almost stopped and, due to the restrictions in place, we have temporarily suspended this excursion.
We’ll be back with the next lava flow! 🌋
Thank you for your understanding.

Best alternative excursion: Etna sunset & lava tour with 4×4 bus

At the moment we offer 2 different ways to experience the spectacular active lava flow on Mount Etna. Both excursions are accompanied by an official licensed volcanological guide, who is in direct contact with the authorities and will always choose the safest possible route based on the current volcanic activity.

Option 1 – Easy Sunset Tour (4×4 bus to approximately 3,000 m)

This option is suitable for almost everyone and is the easiest way to admire the active lava flow.

Your adventure starts at Piano Provenzana (Etna North), where you will meet your licensed volcanological guide. From here, you will board a special 4×4 off-road vehicle, which will take you high up the volcano. During the ascent, there will be a stop at either the 1809 Crater or the impressive 2002 Craters, depending on the route chosen by the guide and the current volcanic conditions. Only a short and easy walk is required to reach the viewpoint.

The 4×4 then continues towards the Pizzi Deneri Observatory, located at approximately 2,850 metres (almost 3,000 metres). From here, you will enjoy an easy guided walk to an authorised panoramic viewpoint overlooking the active lava flow. From this safe observation point you can admire the glowing lava from a distance. For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to approach the lava any closer.

As the sun sets, the scenery becomes even more spectacular. The lava glows bright red while volcanic gases and steam rise from Etna’s summit craters. Combined with the warm colours of the sunset, this creates one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles Etna has to offer. (This excursion is our traditional Etna sunset & lava excursion where you can now also see the lava flow from above. Here the link to the original excursion: Etna sunset & lava tour with 4×4 bus

Tour details

📍 Meeting point: Piano Provenzana (Etna North)

• Meeting time: 5:30 PM
• Duration: approximately 3 hours
• Price: €75.00 per adult, €60.00 per child (4–12 years)
• Suitable for: Everyone (children from 3 years old)

We process reservations in the order they are received. To ensure fast and correct handling, we only accept booking requests submitted through this page by clearly mentioning Option 1 – Easy. You can book this option by this link: https://pianoprovenzana.com/excursion/etna-sunset-tour/

Option 2 – Medium Trekking Tour (approximately 1,600 m starting altitude)

This excursion is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and would like to experience Etna on foot.

Together with an experienced licensed volcanological guide, you will depart in the late afternoon from Mount Etna (we will tell you the meeting location with the booking. If possible we will now go to the front lavaflow. So this means the position can change every day. If there are any problems due to autorhization or volcanica activity, we will go instead to the panoramic viewpoint of Serracozzo.

Serracozzo itinerary: The trail leads through beautiful birch forests, ancient lava fields and unique volcanic landscapes towards one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Valle del Bove. After approximately 2 hours of uphill hiking, you will reach the panoramic viewpoint of Serracozzo, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Etna’s north-eastern side.

If volcanic activity allows, you will be able to admire the glow of the active lava flow after sunset. While enjoying this unique scenery, your guide will explain the geological history of Mount Etna and the characteristics of the current eruption. After a break to enjoy the view and take photographs, you will hike back along the same trail, descending for approximately 2 hours, returning to Rifugio Citelli later in the evening.

For safety reasons, the guide may modify the itinerary at any time depending on volcanic activity and weather conditions.

Tour details

📍 Meeting point: Will be send with the booking

• Meeting time: around 5:00 PM
• Total duration: approximately 4,5 hours
• Hiking time uphill: 2 hours
• Hiking time downhill: 2 hour
• Distance: approximately 7 km
• Elevation gain: approximately 400 metres
• Difficulty: Medium / Challenging
• Suitable only for people in good physical condition who are accustomed to hiking.
• Price: €60.00 per person

Mandatory equipment (not included) version 2 (hike):

• Hiking boots (possible to rent by the guide: € 5,00 indicate your size at least 24-hours before!)
• Headlamp
• Windproof jacket

Departure information: Trekking active lava flow on Mount Etna

The Etna Active Lava Flow Excursion is available daily by reservation, for as long as the current volcanic activity allows. Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. Being on time is essential so you can meet your licensed volcanological guide, take part in the safety briefing, and allow enough time for the equipment check before the excursion begins.

As Mount Etna is currently attracting many visitors due to the ongoing volcanic activity, we strongly recommend arriving a little earlier to allow enough time to find parking and avoid any delays.

• Startpoint Etna North
• Duration excursion 3 or 4,5 hours
• Meeting time 17.00 or 17.30 hour
• Returntime 21.00 or 22.00 hour

Price and availability*

The prices for the Etna Active Lava Flow Excursion are as follows:

Option 1 – 4×4 Bus Sunset Tour

• Adults (13 years and older): €75.00 per person
• Children (4–12 years): €60.00 per child

Option 2 – Trekking Tour Serracozzo

• Adults (13 years and older): €60.00 per person
• Children (10–12 years): €60.00 per child

Payment

We do not require any advance payment. We work on the basis of trust: when you make a reservation, we trust that you will be there on the day of your excursion. In return, you can rely on your licensed volcanological guide being ready to accompany you on this unique and unforgettable experience.

Availability

This excursion is available only as long as the lava flow remains active and volcanic conditions allow the trek to take place safely. Early booking is highly recommended.

Including and excluding

What to Wear – Be Prepared for the Altitude

Keep in mind that this excursion takes you up Mount Etna, where temperatures can be very different from those at the coast. Wear warm clothes (long trousers, and bring a jacket! It can feel more chilly when there is wind!

Being well-prepared will ensure you enjoy the volcanic views in full comfort — whatever the weather!

Food and drinks
There are 2 bars at the startpoint. There you can buy a snack, or bring something from ‘home’. We advise you to:

• Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person
• Pack a sandwich or snack, as you’ll return to your car only around 21.30 / 22.00 hour with the hike!

Being well prepared ensures you stay energized and comfortable throughout the experience!

• Layered clothes
• Wind or rain jacket
• Good hiking or sport shoes
• Water
• Snack
• Phone
• Powerbank
• Backpack
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Mask or scarf

FAQ