Mount Etna tour: explore the highest volcano in Europe
Take part in a Mount Etna tour and explore its breathtaking environment, featuring craters, lava flows, and lunar landscapes.
Mount Etna: the tickets most chosen by travelers
Why take a tour of Mount Etna?
Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of Italy's most fascinating natural attractions. Standing over 3,300 meters tall and with a history spanning over 2,700 years, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Its intense volcanic activity, marked by spectacular eruptions, makes it a unique destination to explore the ever-evolving dynamics of nature.
A tour of Mount Etna allows you to discover truly captivating lunar landscapes. Must-see destinations include the summit craters, the volcano's beating heart, which offer breathtaking views and an adrenaline-filled experience for trekking enthusiasts. For less experienced visitors, the Monti Silvestri, located near the Rifugio Sapienza, are easily accessible and provide spectacular views of the Catania coastline.
The Valle del Bove, a vast depression on the eastern side, offers a surreal landscape with recent lava flows and towering cliffs, telling the story of millennia of volcanic activity. Exploring the lava tube caves reveals the secrets of past eruptions.
Every tour on Mount Etna is a journey through black deserts of volcanic sand, pristine forests, and lava-sculpted landscapes, with panoramas extending to the sea and the Aeolian Islands. Visiting the volcano means immersing yourself in a unique ecosystem and discovering a magical place that tells incredible stories of nature's power and beauty.
Discover all other experiences
Mount Etna: tips for your visit
Useful information for exploring Mount Etna (FAQ)
1. Can you visit Mount Etna on your own?
Yes, it is possible to visit Mount Etna on your own, especially in areas like Piano Provenzana and Rifugio Sapienza, where you can explore the park, walk along marked trails, and take in the views. However, while self-guided visits are allowed, hiring a guide or taking part in an organized tour is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the geological and historical significance of the volcano. Guides can offer insights and help navigate more remote or potentially hazardous areas.
2. How much does it cost to go up Mount Etna?
The access to the natural park is free of charge, but you’ll need to pay for parking in areas like Piano Provenzana or Rifugio Sapienza. However, if you want to participate in guided tours, costs can vary significantly depending on the activities chosen. These tours represent the best way to explore the volcano and appreciate its beauty and history, as they allow access to less accessible areas and provide an in-depth understanding of the volcanic environment and its geology.
3. Can you go up Mount Etna without a guide?
It is possible to visit Mount Etna without a guide, particularly in areas accessible by car or by walking on marked paths. However, venturing to higher altitudes or less accessible areas, such as the summit craters, is safer with a guide, as the terrain can be challenging and the volcano is active. For safety reasons, guides are required when accessing certain parts of the volcano.
4. How long does it take to walk up Mount Etna?
The time it takes to walk up Mount Etna depends on the route and your fitness level. For a typical hike to Piano Provenzana or Rifugio Sapienza, the walk can take around 2-3 hours from the base to the upper station at 2500 meters. If you plan to reach the summit or visit more remote craters, the hike can take several hours (around 4-6 hours), depending on the route and weather conditions.
5. Can you see lava in Etna?
Yes, it is possible to see lava flows on Mount Etna, especially after eruptions. Lava sightings are most common after recent eruptions, and guides often take visitors to safer, accessible areas where lava may still be visible. However, active lava can be unpredictable, and it’s important to follow safety guidelines. You may not see lava at all times, as it depends on the volcanic activity.
6. Is it safe to go up Etna?
While Mount Etna is an active volcano, it’s generally considered safe to visit, provided you follow safety instructions and choose the right routes. Guided tours, especially those led by experienced volcanologists, are recommended for safety. Certain areas may be off-limits depending on volcanic activity, and it’s important to check for warnings or restrictions from local authorities before planning a trip.
7. How to get on top of Mount Etna?
To reach the top of Mount Etna, most visitors use a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza, which brings you to an altitude of around 2500 meters. From there, you can either walk or take a 4x4 vehicle to the summit craters. Reaching the summit is possible, but it requires a guide and is often dependent on weather conditions. Alternatively, for a more rugged adventure, hiking to higher altitudes with a guide is possible.
8. Is it better to visit Etna from Catania or Taormina?
Both Catania and Taormina offer great access to Mount Etna, but the best starting point depends on your preferences. Catania is closer and offers direct routes to the Rifugio Sapienza (southern access) or Piano Provenzana (northern access). It's a good option if you're looking for a more straightforward route. Taormina, while slightly farther, provides a more scenic route, with views of the coastline. Both towns offer tours and transportation, but Catania is often the more convenient choice for visitors heading to the mountain.
How to get to Mount Etna
Here are some directions on how to get to Mount Etna, particularly to the Rifugio Sapienza parking area, the starting point of the cable car:
- By car: to reach the Rifugio Sapienza parking area from Catania, take the SP10 road towards Nicolosi, then follow the SP92 until you reach the Rifugio Sapienza, a journey of about 45-50 minutes.
- By public transport: from Catania's bus station, AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) offers direct service to Rifugio Sapienza. However, schedules are limited, so it's recommended to check in advance.
- Guided tours: many organized tours depart directly from Catania or Taormina. These tours usually include transportation to the volcano, often by jeep or minivan, making them ideal for those who prefer not to rent a car or are unfamiliar with the area.
Each option offers a chance to discover the wonders of Mount Etna, but planning ahead is crucial, especially during the peak season.
The best experiences in
Best attractions around Mount Etna
What to see on Mount Etna
Mount Etna offers an incredible variety of attractions, each corner of the volcano hiding landscapes shaped by eruptions and millennia of geological history.
On the northeastern slopes, a particularly fascinating trail leads to the Sartorius Mountains, a series of seven dormant craters formed during the 1865 eruption. This volcanic complex is renowned for its lunar-like landscapes and the flora that covers the lava flows, creating striking contrasts between black and green.
Also in the northeastern area, the Grotta dei Ladroni (or "Grotta delle Nevi") offers a captivating experience. This lava cave carries an air of mystery linked to an 18th-century legend. It is said that a group of bandits, pursued by authorities, sought refuge inside, but their attempt to hide was in vain: the cave turned out to be a natural trap.
The cave structure, with its two entrances—one rocky staircase and an artificial slide—facilitates access and connects directly to its historical use as an ice cellar, a crucial function for ice preservation in past centuries.
To the southeast, the spectacular Valle del Bove dominates. This vast depression, formed tens of thousands of years ago, showcases the most violent transformations of Etna while offering breathtaking views. Those seeking a more intimate experience can visit the craters formed by the 2002 eruption, exploring a more authentic and less touristy volcanic environment.
Etna isn't just about nature: many tours combine volcanic exploration with tastings of typical Sicilian products, from cheeses to wines, enriching the journey with local flavors and traditions.
Best tours to discover Mount Etna
To fully experience the majesty of Mount Etna, you can book an online guided tour that combines exploration, history, and nature. Here are some of the best options:
1. Jeep Tour, Mount Sartorius + Grotta dei Ladri - explore the northeastern part of Etna with a jeep tour that visits the Sartorius Mountains—seven dormant craters from the 1865 eruption—and the legendary Grotta dei Ladroni. Discover local flora and fauna, enjoy stunning lava landscapes, and end with a tasting of Sicilian wines and local products.
2. Lava Cave: Guided Tour - take a journey through unique landscapes, from the Silvestri craters to the black sand deserts. Equipped with helmets and flashlights, you'll explore volcanic caves and admire the impressive Valle del Bove.
3. Summit Crater Tour from Etna South - discover the grandeur of Etna with a guided hike to the summit craters. Using the cable car, you’ll reach the summit and marvel at the active craters and continuous volcanic activity that shapes the landscape.
4. Etna North: Tour of the 2002 eruption craters - travel into the heart of Etna's northern slopes, far from the crowds. With a guide, explore the lunar landscapes, the remains of infrastructure buried by lava, and the lush forests marking the rebirth of nature. This 4.5 km route reveals the volcanic and geological history of the area.
History and legends of Mount Etna
Mount Etna has long been shrouded in myths and legends, weaving its history with the cultures that have inhabited Sicily over the millennia.
For the ancient Greeks, the volcano was the home of Hephaestus, the god of fire, and was inhabited by the Cyclopes, who forged divine weapons in the mountain's fiery heart. According to another myth, the titan Typhon, defeated by Zeus, was imprisoned beneath Etna and forced to carry the weight of Sicily on his shoulders, causing earthquakes and eruptions with every movement.
The real history of the volcano dates back to the earliest known eruptions around 1500 BCE, although detailed accounts appear in the works of Pindar and Aeschylus, who describe the eruption of 475 BC.
Today, Mount Etna remains a powerful symbol of nature's force, with recent eruptions, such as those in 2002 and 2017, underscoring its continuous activity and the impact it has on the landscape and local lives.