Hike craters 2002 Mount Etna

Itinerary hike craters 2002

The meeting point for this excursion is on the north side of Mount Etna at Piano Provenzana, Linguaglossa. Once arrived at Piano Provenzana you will meet the guides who will assist you along the unpaved road that leads to the craters of 2002.

Excursion craters 2002

As soon as you start to climb on the unpaved road, the guide will explain some details of the eruption and will show you the remains of some structures that were completely destroyed under the lava of 2002. 

After about one kilometer you will cross the fracture of the eruption of October 27, 2002 formed on the path "Monte Nero - Timpa Rossa". During the hike you will see many volcanic formations created by the various eruptions on the north side of Mount Etna in different centuries

In particular, we remember the eruptions of September 10, 1911 and June 17, 1923 that menaced the village of Linguaglossa.

You will also see special morpho-volcanic structures called 'Hornitos' (Spanish for 'small oven') after which you will continue to ascend along the pyroclastic cones of the 2002 eruption and admire the famous "bottoniera of 2002" formed during this eruption.

The maximum altitude that you will reach in this hike to the 2002 craters is about 2200 meters up to the border of one of the 2002 craters.

Volcanological guide

During this hike to the craters of 2002 you will be accompanied by regularly authorized and experienced guides of the territory.

Details hike craters 2002 Mount Etna

• Length: 4,5 km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Starting point altitude: 1800 meters
• Highest point: 2200 meters
• Altitude difference: 400 meters
• Difficulty: Medium-low

The hike itself starts at 10.00 am. However, you need to be there already at 09.45 am so that you can meet with the volcanological guide and have a briefing. Your equipment will be checked and, if necessary, you can rent shoes and/or a jacket directly at Piano Provenzana.

You will find a large parking area at Piano Provenzana. This is a paid parking area, therefore there will be an attendant passing by to leave you a ticket.

Recommendations:

It is mandatory to wear good hiking shoes during the hike. These can also be rented through the volcanological guides or in the stores that are at Piano Provenzana. Also, it is necessary to wear layers and bring a jacket (which can also be rented). The weather can change rapidly in the mountains. It is also necessary to bring at least 1.5 liters of water.

Price

The excursion costs € 30,00 per person.

In case of snow, snowshoes are recommended. The organization can provide snowshoes. The price for snowshoe rental is € 15,00. Mountain shoes are mandatory with snow!

Eating & Drinking

When you return from the hike, after enjoying the beauty of the volcano, you can choose to eat or drink something at high altitude. There are several bars at Piano Provenzana, and also some restaurants where you can stop for lunch.

If you instead start the descent towards Linguaglossa you will find several restaurants where you can stop to taste something homemade and typical.

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