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Ride up, hike down – explore craters, fractures, and Etna’s wild terrain

Trekking craters Etna Nord 3000 m.

  • Start: Piano Provenzana
  • Departure: 08.00 hour
  • Duration: 4,5 hours

Trekking craters Etna Nord 3000 m.

Trekking craters Etna Nord 3000 m.

Discover the raw beauty of Mount Etna’s northern slopes on this unique trekking adventure. After ascending by 4x4 bus to nearly 3000 meters, you'll hike back down on foot through ancient and recent craters, dramatic lava fields, and impressive volcanic fractures. Led by a certified volcanological guide, this tour offers both breathtaking views and deep insights into Europe’s most active volcano.

  • Start location: Piano Provenzana - Etna Nord
  • Starttime: 8,00 am
  • Duration excursion: 4-5 hours
Trekking craters Etna Nord 3000 m. itinerary

This Trekking Craters Etna Nord 3000 m tour is the perfect alternative for those who can’t – or don’t want to – hike all the way to the summit craters at 3347 meters. Whether it’s due to snow conditions, volcanic restrictions, or the challenge of the altitude, this tour still offers you a complete and spectacular experience of Europe’s most active volcano.

Starting from Piano Provenzana, on the quieter and less crowded north side of Mount Etna, you’ll first travel comfortably in a 4×4 bus up to 2860 meters. From here, a short walk takes you to Pizzi Deneri, a panoramic viewpoint at around 2900 meters altitude. Enjoy sweeping views over the coastline between Taormina and Catania, and admire the smoking North-East Crater from a safe distance.

After this scenic stop and a detailed explanation by your volcano guide, the 4×4 bus brings you slightly downhill to about 2500 meters altitude. From here begins a gradual trekking descent, offering a true immersion into Etna’s lunar landscape. You’ll pass impressive lava fields, craters, fractures, and even enter lava tubes formed during historic eruptions such as those of 1809, 1874, 1924, 1974, 1975, and the powerful 2002 eruption, which left one of the most dramatic crater systems on the volcano.

The final stretch of the walk takes you to the heart of the 2002 craters, one of the highlights of Etna Nord, before descending back to the starting point at Piano Provenzana.

Detail:
  • Starting Point Piano Provenzana
  • Departure time 08.00 Hour
  • Duration by bus 45 Minutes
  • Meeting time 7:45 Hours
  • Return time ≈ 14.00 Hour
  • Total duration 5-6 Hours
  • Total descent 1000 meters
  • Trekking duration on foot 4-5 Hours
  • Walking distance ≈ 6 km
  • Highest point ≈ 3000m
Price and availability

The excursion costs € 100,00 per person. Children from 8 to 12 years get a small discount and pay € 90,00 per person.

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Including and Excluding
  • Professional licensed volcanological guide
  • One-way with the 4x4 bus from 1800 m. to 2900m
  • One-way with the 4x4 bus from 2900m to 2500m
  • Trekking poles
  • Protective helmets
  • Hiking shoes (on request)
  • Wind jacket (on request)
  • Insurance in case of accidents
  • Food & drinks
  • Parking at Piano Provenzana (€3,00 per day per car)
  • K-way
What to Wear & Bring

Weather conditions on Mount Etna can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes. We recommend wearing layered clothing so you can adapt to both warm and cooler temperatures during the tour. A windproof or waterproof jacket is strongly advised, even in summer. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dusty – volcanic ash tends to stick to everything!

Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy trekking shoes with good grip are required. The volcanic terrain is uneven, dusty, and sometimes slippery.

  • Layered Clothes
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses
  • (Wind)jacket
  • 1,5 L water
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Snacks
  • Powerbank
FAQ

No, this tour does not reach the summit craters at 3347 meters. Instead, it goes up to approximately 3000 meters and is considered the best alternative when the summit area is closed due to volcanic activity, snow, or safety restrictions.

The hike is moderately challenging and suitable for people in good physical condition. The walk includes volcanic terrain with loose rocks and slopes. The descent from 2500m to Piano Provenzana (1800m) is around 6 km.

Children from 12 years and up can join, provided they are used to walking in nature and are accompanied by an adult. The terrain can be rough, so proper hiking shoes are essential.

In case of heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms, the tour may be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. You will be informed in advance and offered a reschedule or refund if necessary.

The excursion starts from Piano Provenzana. Transport to this meeting point is not included, but the 4x4 bus ride up the volcano is part of the tour package.

Yes, places are limited, especially in high season. We strongly advise to book in advance to secure your spot.
per person

€ 100,00

Trekking craters Etna Nord 3000 m.

  • 4x4 bus + volcanological guide included
  • Children 8 - 12 years € 90,00 p.p.

BOOKING REQUEST

Send your request for this excursion without any obligation. We will try to answer you within 1 hour!

  • No hidden costs
  • No advance payment
  • Free cancellation

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    Need help or you want advise?

    Need help? Me and my team will gladly help you choose your excursion!

    • Anniek I live in Linguaglossa and I’m an official touristic guide. It is my goal to give you the best memory of your holiday! I speak Italian, English and Dutch.
    • Ellen I live in Salerno and I love Sicily as a holiday destination. It is my goal to answer your request as soon as possible and to give you the best tips! I speak Italian, English and Dutch.
    • Alessandro I was born in Linguaglossa and I have over 40 years of experience on Mount Etna. Also, I’m an official volcano guide. I speak Italian, English, French and the Sicilian Dialect.
    Contact us this way

    Every day available from 09.00 hour to 21.00 hour, also on Sundays!

    Restrictions

    This excursion is not suitable for everyone due to the high altitude and physical effort required. Please read the following restrictions carefully before booking:

    • Good physical condition is required: The tour includes walking on uneven terrain, volcanic ash, and steep descents. Participants should be able to hike for 4–5 hours.
    • Minimum age: Children must be at least 8 years old and able to walk independently. Parents are responsible for supervising their child at all times.

    Not suitable for people with:

      • Heart or respiratory conditions
      • Severe joint or mobility issues
      • Recent surgery or chronic illnesses that may be worsened by physical exertion
      • Pregnancy: due to the 4×4 bus drive, the terrain and altitude.

     

    • Guides & Languages

    The hike is led by certified volcanological guides. These experienced guides speak Italian, English, and French (on request), and will share interesting facts and information about the volcano and its craters during the walk. Please indicate your preferred language when making your request, so we can try to accommodate you accordingly.

    Reviews from our customers

    The reviews you find here are 100% authentic and voluntarily written by people who have actually experienced an excursion with us. Only our guests can leave feedback, thus ensuring transparency and quality. Our guests' opinions help us to constantly improve and offer more memorable experiences. Discover our excursions through the eyes of those who have already chosen Piano Provenzana and get inspired for your next adventure!

    Only reviews from customers who have made the excursion.

    Rated by 2 customers

    5,0

    • The itinerary of the excursion:
    • Price/quality excursion:
    • Guide service:
    "What a fantastic experience!!!!!!”"

    We wanted to see Mount Etna during our vacation in Sicily in November 2024, but were a little unsure what kind of tour would suit us. The peak of Mount Etna was covered in snow at the time and the volcano was somewhat active. We received very friendly support when booking and decided to choose this tour at short notice. We were met at the parking lot by our guide Luca. He took a close look at each participant and handed out additional items of clothing and shoes if necessary so that everyone was dressed appropriately. We then took a 4x4 Taurus to the snow-covered plateau below the peak of Mount Etna. There we had some time to take photos and play in the snow. Afterwards, our guide told us about the views at various points and the history and characteristics of Mount Etna. We then took the bus down a little way below the snow line. From there, we walked downhill back to the parking lot - through wild lava landscapes, on crater rims from previous eruptions and through pure nature. One of the highlights was undoubtedly the visit to a cave that was formed during an eruption in early summer. Luca showed us videos that impressively documented its formation. In general, our guide during the tour was extremely nice, friendly, caring and helpful. He made sure that it was a safe tour for everyone, and in difficult places he showed everyone where to step in order to get over the difficult spot safely. He also told us a lot about Etna and nature at various points. He deserves a lot of praise for that! For us it was an absolutely fantastic experience that we can really recommend!

    26 November 2024 - Bianca & Sven, Germany
    "An amazing experience”"

    The tour was very well organised. I didn't have hiking boots and a jacket with me, but I was able to borrow some from the guides. The rent was included in the price and the boots and the jacket were of good quality. Our guide Julia was just great! She was very kind and gave a lot of interesting background information. She knows Mount Etna inside out. Our group was mixed, some spoke English, others Italian. At all times she made sure that she passed on all the information in both languages. The tour passes many impressive places, the landscape is simply unique. I can highly recommend it!

    21 August 2024 - Michael Schlickenrieder, Switzerland
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