Etna North: Guided trekking to Summit volcano craters
Description
Starting from Piano Provenzana 1800masl (Etna Nord), the unique slope that currently allows the climb to the summit in safe conditions, with special 4x4 we will arrive to 2825masl (Piano delle Concazze.) From here begins the ascent of about 2h to the main crater rim at an altitude of 3.320masl. You will walk on the edge of the Central Crater, Northeast Crater and we will admire the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. You will surrounded by a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs, and the sparkling colors of the ground due to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. After the visit at the top, the panoramic path of descent characterized by fine volcanic ash and scorie, will give us a unforgettable view of Sicily coast During the hike the guide will explain the history, the formation and the peculiarities of the volcano. Once again at 2825masl, with the 4x4 we will return to Piano Provenzana
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting point and departure with special 4x4 from Piano Provenzana 1800masl (Etna North) to Piano delle Concazze (2825masl)
Starting from Piano Provenzana 1800masl (Etna Nord), the unique slope that currently allows the climb to the summit in safe conditions, with special 4x4 vehicles, admiring the typical landscape of Etna, we will climb up to 2825masl near Piano delle Concazze. From here begins the ascent of about 2h to the main crater rim at an altitude of 3.320masl. You will walk on the edge of the Central Crater, we will face the vertiginous Northeast Crater and we will admire at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions.
In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs, and the sparkling colors of the ground due to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. After the visit at the top, the path of descent in addition to being characterized by fine volcanic ash and slag, will always be very panoramic thanks to the beautiful view of the Sicilian coast. The whole route will be seasoned with pleasant breaks where the guide will explain the history, the formation and the peculiarities of the volcano. Once again at 2825masl, with the 4x4 we will return to Piano Provenzana, the final point of a great and inevitable experience in Sicily.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sconsigliato a soggetti asmatici e con problemi di cuore
Reviews(51)
Fantastic experience. A bus took us up to 2900 metres and from there it was a slow measured hike up to the north-east crater. Our guide Pepe was very good. He realised quickly that in a group of hikers in their twenties I, being 61 years old, was the weakest link and adapted speed and amount of breaks, which he used to impart his extensive knowledge about volcanoes and the geology, accordingly. I took a stop here at 3290 metres while Pepe took the rest of the group (including my husband who is also 60 but stupid fit) a little higher and along a ridge line. I enjoyed sitting near the edge of the crater listening to the low rumbles and deep explosions of Etna. An impressive and humbling experience. Our hike back took us a different route, part walking, part sliding down on loose volcanic coarse sand. It felt very much like traversing a lunar landscape. The whole experience was, while exhausting for me (the others seem to sail through) absolutely worth my while and unmissable. Thank you, Pepe and Ashàra.
Fantastic experience. The guide and the organizers were attentive and available, as well as truly kind. Highly recommended.
We ascended Etna guided by Max, a very knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging guide. Unforgettable experience, the spectacle we witnessed (even in the absence of magma flow) was wonderful. Excursions that I recommend to everyone, but be careful!!! Not all guides and agencies are serious and respectful of the rules, which is why I highly recommend the Ashàra agency.
thanks to Giovanni and the entire team of guides who accompanied us to the summit craters of Etna: thanks to your professionalism, experience, and passion, we safely enjoyed the ascent to the volcano from which one can admire a wonderful landscape! They provided us with the necessary materials (which is impossible with carry-on luggage): poles, gloves, helmets, etc.... Super🔝
We did the guided tour with Max on the 2nd June. This was a proper hike up to a crater, quite hard work but it was the most incredible experience - Max was fantastic, making sure we were safe the whole time and sharing his knowledge of Mt Etna. The staff on arrival ensured we were properly equipped..the only thing I wish I'd taken were a pair of gloves as the wind is quite cold near the summit. This really was the trip of a lifetime and it couldn't have been any better. Matt and Alessandra
A beautiful hike to the northeast crater. Everything was perfect. The volcanological guide Simone was excellent
Unforgettable experience with Simone and our small group (much nicer than the large groups we met). Despite the extreme conditions that did not allow us to reach the highest craters, Simone offered us a superb itinerary, where we could still take full eyes and live extraordinary emotions facing the beauty of nature!! This is an intractable activity during a stay in Sicily, although slightly difficult if you are not used to hiking (which is my case). But Simone managed the pace perfectly, with frequent breaks and a quiet pace, adapted to everyone. Come well covered (cap/hoodies/blouses or gloves) because it is very cold and windy up there!! Thank you Simone!! 🙏🏻
Giaccomo was an excellent guide, very good organization between the guides and upstream we were able to go to the top and it was a wonderful experience! I recommend +++
The trip was absolutely top. Guide Giacomo is a super likable guy with whom you can talk really well. He has an incredible amount of cool knowledge about Mount Etna, its history and current activity – which really gives you a completely different understanding of the volcano. The ascent and descent took place on different routes, which made the tour really varied and exciting. Overall a great trip with nice people, lots of fun and a portion of adventure. Would recommend to anyone!
Etna north summit craters, not particularly challenging but suggestive. Guide prepared and available, all well organized. To do!!
