The summit craters of Etna excursion represents the most exciting experience to explore Europe's highest active volcano. This unique adventure combines the thrill of 4x4 off-road with the excitement of high-altitude trekking, taking you to discover the summit craters at 3403 meters above sea level.
How the Etna Summit Craters Excursion Works
Our summit craters of Etna excursion takes place in two distinct phases that ensure a complete and safe experience.
Ascent to the Summit Craters of Etna in 4x4 Off-road
The first phase involves the use of 4x4 vehicles that travel along the "702 – Summit Craters" trail, ascending along the North-East Rift, one of the most fragile areas of the volcano. The starting point, communicated a few days before, will be Rifugio Citelli (1741m) or Piano Provenzana (1800m).
The off-road ascent allows reaching an altitude between 2800 and 3000 meters, admiring a landscape that changes with every turn: extinct craters, lava flows, 'dagale' (islands of vegetation surrounded by lava), and remains of tourist facilities covered by past eruptions. During this approximately 9-kilometer journey, you can observe up close the scars left by volcanic activity and understand the destructive and creative power of Etna and its summit craters.
Trekking on the Summit Craters of Etna
The second phase is the actual trekking. Once you have reached and passed the Pizzi Deneri volcanological observatory, you continue on foot towards the 4 summit craters of Etna:
- Voragine Crater: At 3403 meters, it is the new summit of Etna after the 2024 paroxysms
- Bocca Nuova: Adjacent to Voragine, characterized by intense fumaroles
- South-East Crater: Formed in 1971, protagonist of spectacular eruptions
- North-East Crater: The oldest, dating back to 1911
The visit will take place with the utmost respect for the place and in safety, accompanied by an experienced volcanological guide who will explain the ongoing geological phenomena.
Descent Routes from the Summit Craters
The descent is entirely on foot through suggestive volcanic sand and crater rims, offering breathtaking views of eastern Sicily. Two possible return routes are available:
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Piano Provenzana Route: Passing along the 2002 eruption cones, this route allows you to observe up close the most recent volcanic formations and understand the morphological evolution of the volcano.
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Rifugio Citelli Route: Following the 1928 fracture, this route crosses historic lava flows and offers a different perspective on Etna's eruptive activity.
Physical Preparation for the Etna Summit Craters Excursion
The summit craters excursion requires good physical preparation. The approximately 21-kilometer route with 1600 meters of elevation gain presents medium-high difficulty, with unstable terrain, significant slopes, and possible presence of volcanic gases.
Required Technical Clothing
To participate in the excursion, adequate equipment is essential:
- High-top trekking shoes (mandatory)
- Technical layered clothing for temperature variations
- Respiratory protection against volcanic gases
- Waterproof jacket and hat with gloves
Safety equipment (helmet and trekking poles) is included in the price and provided by our guides.
Safety and Volcanic Conditions
Safety is the absolute priority during the exploration of the summit craters. Our certified volcanological guides constantly monitor the volcano's conditions and can modify the itinerary based on seismic activity and gas emissions.
The excursion does not guarantee reaching the maximum altitude due to the instability of the summit area and variable volcanological conditions. This precaution is fundamental to ensure the safety of all participants.
What the Etna Summit Craters Excursion Includes
- Authorized and specialized volcanological guide
- 4x4 off-road transport for the ascent
- Helmet for the high summit altitudes
- Professional trekking poles
- Pre-excursion safety briefing
Book the Etna Summit Craters Excursion
Experience the most complete way to explore the world's most famous volcano. Fill out the form to book your summit craters of Etna excursion and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the summit that has fascinated travelers and scientists for centuries.
- The excursion does not necessarily include reaching the maximum altitude or prolonged stops in the summit area due to the instability of the summit.
- The program may vary depending on weather and volcanological conditions.
- A good physical condition is required. The excursion is not recommended for those suffering from asthma or heart problems.
- Maximum cooperation and caution are recommended in following the guide's instructions.
