Excursion to Etna's summit craters in 4×4 and trekking

Sicily at your feet: this is the feeling you will experience when you climb MountEtna in a 4x4, and then venture on a 10 km trek that will take you 3,260 metres above sea level, up to the summit craters.

During the 6-hour experience you will be in the company of a volcanological guide who will tell you every detail of the landscapes you are crossing, all in complete safety.

On Europe's largest and most active volcano, lunar landscapes, fumaroles and a breathtaking 360° view await you. From Taormina to the Madonie mountains, via the Aeolian Islands, the Nebrodi and the Ionian Sea, you will be able to say that you have really seen the whole island!

What we will do

We will meet in Piano Provenzana (CT), 15 minutes before the time indicated in the booking.

Here, at an altitude of 1,800 m on the northern slope of Etna, we will be welcomed by our expert volcanological guide , who will accompany us on this day of discovery of Europe's largest volcano.

After a briefing and equipment check, we will set off to explore one of the most scenically beautiful places on Mount Etna and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On board special 4x4 vehicles, we will reach an altitude of 2,900 m in about 40 minutes of transfer time.

Once off the vehicles, we will begin a 1.5-2-hour trek that will take us to the rim of the volcano's summit craters. The hike will require a certain degree of physical effort due to thealtitude, the height difference(400 m uphill and 1,300 m downhill) and the total length(10 km).

But every effort will be repaid by the surreal panorama that we will be able to admire at the summit, 3,260 m above sea level. The edge of the Bocca Nuova is the highest point on the island, characterised by the multicoloured colours of the sulphur and other mineral deposits and the fumaroles. From here we can also enjoy a breathtaking panorama over much of Sicily: the Ionian Sea, Taormina and then beyond the mountains surrounding Etna, the Nebrodi and Madonie, and the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands.

Leaving the summit, we will begin our descent on foot into the sandy gullies or Valle del Bove, with its characteristic and surreal lunar landscapes. We will then stop at a safe and scenic spot to eat our packed lunch (not included) at an altitude of around 3,000 metres.

At the end, we will continue our descent to return to our starting point at an altitude of 1,800 metres. We will say goodbye at the car park after 6 hours of hiking.

Who it is aimed at

The hike is suitable for physically fit people aged 12 and over. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to thehigh altitude and the physical effort required, the activity is not permitted for persons with heart problems or any other physical condition unsuitable for hiking. For persons over 50 years of age, a preventive cardiological examination is recommended.

Other information

The experience takes place all year round on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a minimum of 2 participants.

The excursion may be subject to change depending on weather conditions or Civil Defence forecasts, at the sole discretion of the organisation and/or guide.

As an alternative to descending on foot, those who are tired and wish to return by 4×4 bus can request this from the guide and, if possible, transport will be organised. This service will cost 20€ per person to be paid on site.

It is possible to hire hiking shoes, windbreakers and trekking poles, from 5€ to be paid on site. Contact the organiser after booking confirmation to request these.

As agift, participants will receive a bandana and a voucher for a tasting of typical products, which can also be used in the days following the experience at the MontataGrande company in Trecastagni (CT).

The meeting place can be reached by car, and a pay car park is available on site.

Recommended clothing

• Long trekking trousers
• Windbreaker jacket
• Batteries
• Hiking shoes

Don't forget to bring

• Backpack 25/30 L
• Gloves
• Water (at least 1.5 l)
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream