We meet at Piano Provenzana square (Linguaglossa, Etna North). The exact meeting point will be communicated later, where we’ll get organized before departure.
Starting from Piano Provenzana (Etna North), we follow an off-road track (about 10 km) up to approximately 2,900 m above sea level, near Punta Lucia.
From there, at the base of the Northeast Crater and the central crater, the ascent begins along the “Del Paletto” trail, leading first to Monte Agata (3,200 m) and then to the summit, along the crater rim.
We walk along part of the Northeast Crater, then after a short descent, we climb up the central crater (Bocca Nuova), crossing it along the ridge heading south, towards the Southeast Crater.
We then descend along a direct route to the base of the Bocca Nuova and Southeast craters, returning to 3,000 m.
A very quick break, just enough time to eat something.
We continue towards the southeast, heading to the Barbagallo lateral craters, formed during the 2002/03 eruption.
From here begins the long descent towards the valley, passing alongside the spectacular Valle del Bove, the large caldera that preserves the remains of Etna’s ancient volcanic structures.
A few more steps through volcanic sand and lunar landscapes…
and we return to the cable car terminal at 2,500 m.
Total distance: approximately 12 km
Elevation gain: 600 meters
Elevation loss: 900 meters
Notes: minimum 4 participants
The starting point is different from the arrival point; arrangements will be made to retrieve any vehicles.
INCLUDED:
• Volcanological and/or Alpine Guide
• Full safety equipment (if required)
• Trekking boots, poles, helmet
• Insurance
NOT INCLUDED (EXTRA COSTS):
• Cable car and/or 4×4 ticket
• Cable car (round trip) 54.00 EUR
• Cable car (round trip) + 4×4 (ascent) 65.00 EUR
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
• Long trousers
• Windproof jacket
• Trekking shoes / long socks
• Sunglasses / sunscreen
• Backpack
• At least 1.5 L of water (summer season)
• Snacks
SERVICES AVAILABLE:
• Free parking (white lines)
• Paid parking (blue lines)
• Bar – Restaurant – Souvenir shop
The excursion is strongly discouraged for people with asthma, heart or circulatory conditions, or diabetes.
We meet at La Terrazza dell’Etna (meeting point), a bar–restaurant–self-service area, where we’ll get ready before departure.
The hike begins at an altitude of 1,900 meters, along the 2002/03 eruption trail, with views over the Etna South tourist station.
We continue along the 1537 eruptive fracture and then head up toward the 1892 crater.
Next, we reach the 2001 eruptive cone: we climb to the top and… yes, this is where a stop is a must. The view from up there is absolutely worth it.
From here, the trail leads us toward the Schiena dell’Asino, crossing pioneer vegetation that is slowly reclaiming the volcanic terrain.
We arrive at the viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Valle del Bove, at around 2,200 meters: in front of us, the remains of ancient volcanic structures.
This is where we stop for lunch—and trust us, everything tastes better with this view.
After the break, we begin our descent: we walk down a sandy channel toward the Pitagora Cave, a fascinating volcanic dyke carved into the rock.
The final stretch gently leads us back through a conifer forest… and then back to the starting point.
A hike of great natural value that will allow you to rediscover the eruptive activity that shaped today’s landscape.
The “Private” excursion option can be requested at the time of booking.
It includes only you and the guide, with no other participants.
You can choose one of our existing excursions, or—if you already have a specific place in mind—we’ll be happy to plan a custom experience just for you.
FOR MORE INFO AND PRICING, CONTACT US.
The lava flow excursion, although it is the most sought-after and magical experience, is a service that cannot be guaranteed.
Etna, despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, does not have constant effusive activity.
Please note that eruptions can occur at the summit (from the summit craters) and/or along the flanks (on the volcanic edifice).
For this reason, the “Lava Flow Excursion” cannot be defined in advance, neither in terms of timing nor location.
We, at GuideEtnaSud, will offer it as a “last minute” experience whenever conditions allow.
