Excursion Description
An Etna eruption has once again lit up the highest active volcano in Europe. On the night of 6-7 August 2026, a violent paroxysm from the Cratere Voragine evolved into a lateral effusive eruption, with the opening of new vents at altitude (at about 2,750 m and 2,550 m) and lava flows running inside the Valle del Bove, through uninhabited areas.
This eruption excursion takes you, on a loop trek from Rifugio Citelli, up to the north crest of Valle del Bove: the natural observation point from which, at around 2300 metres, you look out over the valley and can admire the active lava flow at a safe distance.
For the latest status of the volcanic activity and the INGV bulletins, see the latest Etna eruption page.
The excursion, lasting about 6-7 hours, departs at 15:00: the afternoon timing is designed to reach the crest as the sun goes down and stay there for the sunset and a while beyond it, so you can see the lava by night, when the incandescent lava stands out at its best, delivering an unrepeatable natural spectacle.
Excursion Itinerary
You set off from Rifugio Citelli (1741 m), the only CAI refuge on the north-eastern side, with the initial briefing from the volcanological guide. The trail crosses the endemic birch woodland (Betulla aetnensis) to the Serracozzo lava flow cave, formed during the 1971 eruption, one of the most important eruptive events of the post-war period.
After the cave visit, you climb to the first panoramic point on the north crest of Valle del Bove (around 2050 m), from where views open up over the 4 summit craters and the immense Valle del Bove, today furrowed by the 2026 lava flows.
The moment of the lava flow: from sunset to night
Once at the viewpoint at around 2300 metres, the guide identifies the best observation point to safely admire the active lava flow of the 7-8 August 2026 eruption. The stop here is long: you stay on the crest for the sunset and a while beyond it, until you see the lava by night. As darkness falls, the incandescent lava becomes the absolute protagonist and the volcanic landscape turns into a surreal scene.
We then close the loop by descending along the 1928 fracture through sandy gullies and crater rims, with the final stretch through the birch woodland in the dark, guided by our headlamps.
What the excursion includes
- Authorised volcanological guide, with experience on the terrains of Valle del Bove;
- Helmet for the high altitudes and the cave visit;
- Headlamp for the cave visit and the return in the dark;
- Trekking poles;
- Eruption observation: dedicated assistance at the panoramic point for the safe observation of the lava flow and the sunset.
Book your Etna eruption excursion
Don't miss the chance to witness an Etna eruption in one of its most spectacular phases. Book your spot now for this sunset trek on the crest of Valle del Bove, facing the active lava flow.
- Volcanic activity is a dynamic phenomenon: the visibility and intensity of the flow are not guaranteed and can vary from day to day.
- The program may vary due to changing weather and volcanic conditions.
- Observation of the lava flow takes place at a safe distance set by the guide, whose assessment is final.
- Possible presence of volcanic gases near the fronts and the emission points.
- Good physical fitness is required: the excursion is NOT recommended for those with blood pressure problems, heart conditions, or asthma.
- Departure is at 15:00 and the return takes place at night: bring warm clothing and a headlamp for the return in the dark.
