Geodynamic situation of Etna

Currently the area of the summit craters of Etna is forbidden, by order of the civil protection, due to the eruptive risk. Further information: https://www.etna3340.com/blog/eruptions-etna The limit of the hikes is currently set at 2850 meters of altitude. The situation changes from day to day depending on the unpredictable activity of the Etna volcano. The restrictions on the areas allowed for hiking change often, even during the day depending on the volcanic activity.

Route for the ascent to the summit of Etna

The hike includes walking on the active craters in the summit area, on a recent partly hot lava flow, crossing a lava channel and the view of the Valle del Bove. You will see fumaroles and walk on sulfur-rich volcanic soil. The beauty of this picture, painted by the volcanic forces of nature, leaves hikers breathless. Going around the summit craters of the active volcano is an unforgettable memory, which will remain etched in your memories.

Volcan Etna, the ascent to the summit craters

To climb to the top of the largest and most active volcano in Europe, use the cable car which is near the Silvestri crater and the Sapienza refuge. The ascent continues in a 4x4 Unimog, then on foot, on a not too difficult path in a magnificent lunar landscape. You will see hot craters from recent eruptions. Our volcanologist guide will explain to you the eruptive history and how the Etna volcano works. At the top of Etna we take you on a hike around all the summit craters. The rest of the day is dedicated to the descent on the southern slope towards the cable car and to the discovery of the Valle del Bove, the lava channel and the craters of the great eruption of 2002-2003 and 2001. We arrived at Rifugio Sapienza with the cable car around 4 p.m.

Who can hike to the top of Etna

The climb to the summit craters of Etna is not an excursion suitable for children (under 12 years), due to the presence of irritating sulfuric gases, the difficulty of the excursion and the evident volcanic risk. This excursion is not suitable for pregnant women, heart conditions, asthmatics and people with joint problems. To participate you must be in perfect physical shape and be used to hiking in difficult terrain at high altitudes.

What can be seen at the top of Etna?

There are currently 4 main active craters at the summit of Etna. You will circle the summit craters depending on the conditions of volcanic activity, weather and sulfuric gas emissions. The panorama of Sicily, Catania, Taormina and the Mediterranean offer a magical spectacle from this altitude. On the way back, the descent on the volcanic sand slopes will be a real treat. The downhill route includes hiking to the hot lava of the 2022 eruption, near the Valle del Bove (great depression and place of the former summit of Etna).

Canal / Lava tunnel and Valle del Bove

During the descent there will be the visit of a recent lava channel equipped with a helmet. A lava channel is formed by a flow that has cooled, forming a solid crust. When the flow ceases to be fed, it empties and leaves a cavity in the form of a channel or tunnel. The hiking trail continues towards Valle del Bove. It is a large horseshoe-shaped depression into which most lava flows flow. The view is breathtaking in these volcanic places.

The equipment for the excursion to the top of the Etna volcano

Equipment provided free of charge: helmet, torch, poles, rucksack and raincoat. To participate in the excursions on Etna, high trekking boots are mandatory. If you don't have them, you have to get them or rent them. The price for the rental of trekking shoes is €5 per pair with Etna3340. Tell me your measurements (woman and man) no later than 24 hours before the excursion. Your guide will bring your shoes to you on the day of the hike. Equipment required but not included: gaiters or mid-calf socks (to limit volcanic sand in shoes). Trekking trousers, shirt/fleece, warm waterproof windproof jacket with hood, gloves, hat, cap to protect your head from the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses. Plan ahead for a picnic and water (1.5 liters per person).