Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava – 3347m

Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava - 3347m with 4x4 bus (round trip)

✔ Escursione available at the moment!! (last update: 23 June 2024)

A unique experience during your holiday in Sicily? Reach Etna's summit craters at sunset up to an altitude of 3347 metres? All this is possible with the help of volcanological guides and comfortable 4x4 buses!

This excursion is only done at this time because there is Strombolian activity in the central crater. You can admire the red lava boiling inside the crater!

On this Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava excursion - 3347m, we set off in a 4×4 off-road bus until we reach an altitude of 2900 metres. From here begins a trek up Mount Etna to the active summit of the volcano Etna. Once on top, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Etna's crater, and hear the gases being emitted. After this stop, you will be able to start admiring the sunset as it leaves the daylight to descend behind the beautiful mountains of western Sicily.

The trek continues downhill until you reach 2900 metres again, where you will take the 4×4 bus back to Piano Provenzana at 1800 metres altitude, the original starting point.

Description Etna Craters Summits sunset and lava - 3347m

The Etna Crateri Sommitali sunset and lava excursion - 3347m. starts from Piano Provenzana - Etna Nord. Here we take a comfortable 4x4 bus up to an altitude of 2900 metres. From here begins the trek to the summit of the volcano Etna. This is a trek with 500 metres of altitude difference that requires about 2 hours of walking uphill. In total, the distance to the summit is about 4.5 km.

As soon as you get to the top of Etna's crater, your fatigue is rewarded by the landscape of yellow and white sulphites, the gases emanating from the active mouth, and the feeling of life that an active crater gives you. Standing on the edge of the summit crater of the active volcano Etna is an unforgettable experience. While being accompanied by the sun setting comfortably behind the Sicilian mountains, looking out to the sea. After this unique experience, we walk back down to 2900 m. From here we take the bus back down to the starting point Piano Provenzana at 1800 m.

Price Etna Crateri Sommitali sunset and lava - 3347m

• € 140.00 per person*

!! This excursion requires a minimum age of 12 years and good health and condition!

Inclusive

✓ Authorised volcanological guide
✓ Ascent by 4×4 all-terrain bus from 1800m to 2900m
✓ Descent by 4×4 all-terrain bus from 2900m to 1800m
✓ Trekking from 2900m to 3347m, until the summit craters
✓ Trekking from 3347m to 2900m
✓ Trekking poles (if required)
✓ Safety helmet
✓ Insurance in case of accidents (insurance through volcano guides - not through Pianoprovenzana.it!)
✓ Jacket (on request)
✓ Hiking boots (on request)
✓ Sunset on Etna

Exclusive

X Food and beverages
X Parking at Piano Provenzana (€3.00 per car)
X Tip for the guide (not mandatory)

Payment and booking confirmation:

We do not ask for advance payments, we work on a trust basis! You can pay on the day of the tour, directly to the guide. You can pay by cash, debit card or credit card. Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation with all details and the booking voucher by e-mail.

Excursion starting time

The Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava 3347m excursion starts daily by reservation ONLY. The excursion to the summit crater is only possible from the Etna North slope. And requires a minimum number of 6-8 participants (this also depends on the guide).

The departure time also depends on the time of sunset.*

• Meeting around 17.00 hrs
• Departure around 17.30 hrs

! Departure by reservation only! A minimum number of participants is required to start the excursion.

The overall duration of the excursion is about 5 hours. This means that the return is expected around 10.30 p.m.

* The departure time will be based on when the sun sets. So it may vary!

The guides

The Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava 3347m excursion is accompanied by professionally trained volcanological guides. These guides speak Italian, English and/or French and will tell you a lot about the volcano Etna and its craters and eruptions during the tour.

Specifications Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava - 3347m

• Duration: 2 hours uphill + approx. 1.5 hours downhill
• Distance: 9.5 km (4.5 km uphill + 3.5 / 4 km downhill)
• Duration: approx. 5 hours in total
• Altitude of the trek starting point: 2900 metres
• Highest point: 3347 metres
• Height difference: approx. 500 metres
• Difficulty: difficult

The duration may vary from one excursion to another. It depends on the weather, wind and volcano activity, among other things. The average is about 2 hours walking uphill (4.5 km) and 1.5 hours walking downhill. Of course, there is also walking around the active crater rim.

When is it possible

The Etna Summit Crater sunset and lava excursion - 3347m is only possible in high season (let's say from 15 June to about 15 September) and is only carried out when the volcano is active! These are activities that are not directly dangerous for us, but give us the chance to see lava or magma!*

The volcanological guide determines each morning after assessing the conditions whether or not the hike should be performed. For example, the activity of the volcano and the weather conditions are also taken into account, based on reports from the institute of volcanology. This could mean that the excursion may be cancelled at the last minute. There is nothing we can do about this, as everyone's safety is top priority! However, they always offer an alternative excursion so that you can still see and explore Etna (and its eventual eruption!).

* We can never guarantee that you will see lava or magma. This is because the volcano can "interrupt" activity at any time.

Requirements to participate in the Etna Summit Crater sunset and lava excursion with 4x4 bus - 3347m

• Good hiking shoes must be worn during the hike. If necessary, these can be borrowed from the volcano guides. In addition, you must wear layered clothing and carry a jacket (which can also be borrowed). This is because the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
• It is necessary to bring at least 1.5 litres of water.
• Note that this hike requires some training. You need to be in good condition for the Etna Summit Craters sunset and lava hike - 3347m.
• An important aspect of this hike is the altitude at which you will be staying. Your body is not used to this altitude. At an altitude of 3347m, for example, the oxygen in the air is 10-20% lower.
• If you have heart problems, you cannot do this walk.
• If you suffer from asthma and/or other respiratory problems, you cannot do this hike.
• If you are pregnant, you cannot do this walk.
• Do you have knee problems? Then you cannot do this trek either, because the trek takes place on uneven ground and your knees must be able to endure great force during the return walk.
• For this hike, you must be at least 12 years old and therefore in good physical condition.

Important diclaimer!

The excursion always takes place in accordance with current regulations, under the responsibility of the volcanological guide. Pianoprovenzana.it accepts no responsibility.

In case of changes in volcano activity or weather during the hike, refunds are never possible. Furthermore, it is always the volcano guide to decide the route of the excursion. Because safety comes first.

Booking request