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From Catania: Mount Etna Summit Craters Hiking Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Mount Etna's volcanic landscape with craters and trails, viewed from a helicopter tour.
Hikers ascending Mount Etna summit crater with volcanic smoke.
4x4 mini bus driving on volcanic terrain at Mount Etna, Sicily.
Hikers exploring lava rock formations at Mount Etna.

Duration

6 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.4/5

(108)

Nina

Nina

May 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
I’m still buzzing from our Etna trip yesterday. Went with my partner and our two teens (they barely whined, so that’s already a win). The views were EPIC, literally felt like being on another planet. Our guide, Luca, had wild stories about eruptions and local legends. The hike wasn’t too tough but do bring proper shoes—my sneakers got sooo dusty. Weather was pretty chilly at the top, so if ur a cold person, layer up. We even tasted some local honey and wine, which was a nice surprise. Didn’t love the little crowd at the main crater (guess everyone had the same idea), but plenty of quieter spots too. Overall, def worth it for the memories.
Jens

Jens

May 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
We booked a half-day tour for our family of five. The pick up was smooth, van comfy (although I wish the AC was stronger). Our guide Maria was super keen, knew her volcano facts inside out. Kids were fascinated by lava tubes. Only minus was we felt a bit rushed at the final stop, didn’t get all the photos we wanted. Still, Etna is GORGEOUS and the guide made sure everyone felt safe. Bring snacks, the tour doesn’t include much food.
Mira

Mira

May 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Best. Day. Ever. Went solo, met a bunch of other travelers on the van and we instantly bonded over how WILD the landscape is. Our guide Carmelo was super patient with all our questions (I had so many, sorry Carmelo). Walking through the lava cave was literally the highlight—so dark and cooool inside. Also, I dropped my sunglasses and the guide helped me find them (legend). Would 100% do again, maybe the sunset tour next time.
    • Enjoy a day trip to Mt. Etna from Catania, 35km away, with a comfortable 4x4 ride and round-trip transfers. Choose your pick-up location for a seamless start.

    • From the base, ascend via 4x4 to 2,800m (North), trek up the rest, or take a cable car plus 4x4 to 3,000m (South), depending on your chosen route.

    • At the summit area, trek with a certified guide who shares insights into the craters and their rims, pointing out steaming vents and lava caves, and ensuring a safe journey.

    • 4x4 round-trip ride from Catania to Mt. Etna’s base

    • Waterproof jacket/poncho

    • Guided hike to the craters

    • A certified multilingual guide fluent in English, Italian, & German (as per option selected)

    • 4x4 round-trip ride from North Etna (as per option selected)

    • Round trip cable car and 4x4 from South Etna (as per option selected)

  • TOTAL DURATION6 hours 30 minutes
    Central Catania
    Start point

    Central Catania

    Get direction
    60 min
    35 km
    North base (Piano Provenzana)

    1. North base (Piano Provenzana)

    Pizzi Dineri (2,800m)

    2. Pizzi Dineri (2,800m)

    Bocca Nuova (3,300m)

    3. Bocca Nuova (3,300m)

    Central Catania
    End point

    Central Catania

    Get direction

    Your ending point would be same as your start point

    Central Catania
    Start point

    Central Catania

    Get direction
    South base (Rifugio Sapienza)

    1. South base (Rifugio Sapienza)

    Torre del Filosofo (2,900m)

    2. Torre del Filosofo (2,900m)

    1 activity

    Things to do

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 4.4
    108 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    53
    41
    14
    0
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    What our guests say

    Nina

    Nina

    May 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    I’m still buzzing from our Etna trip yesterday. Went with my partner and our two teens (they barely whined, so that’s already a win). The views were EPIC, literally felt like being on another planet. Our guide, Luca, had wild stories about eruptions and local legends. The hike wasn’t too tough but do bring proper shoes—my sneakers got sooo dusty. Weather was pretty chilly at the top, so if ur a cold person, layer up. We even tasted some local honey and wine, which was a nice surprise. Didn’t love the little crowd at the main crater (guess everyone had the same idea), but plenty of quieter spots too. Overall, def worth it for the memories.
    Jens

    Jens

    May 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    We booked a half-day tour for our family of five. The pick up was smooth, van comfy (although I wish the AC was stronger). Our guide Maria was super keen, knew her volcano facts inside out. Kids were fascinated by lava tubes. Only minus was we felt a bit rushed at the final stop, didn’t get all the photos we wanted. Still, Etna is GORGEOUS and the guide made sure everyone felt safe. Bring snacks, the tour doesn’t include much food.
    Mira

    Mira

    May 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    Best. Day. Ever. Went solo, met a bunch of other travelers on the van and we instantly bonded over how WILD the landscape is. Our guide Carmelo was super patient with all our questions (I had so many, sorry Carmelo). Walking through the lava cave was literally the highlight—so dark and cooool inside. Also, I dropped my sunglasses and the guide helped me find them (legend). Would 100% do again, maybe the sunset tour next time.
    Andre

    Andre

    May 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Booked last minute and so glad we did. Morning pickup was right on time. Van was packed but everyone was in good spirits. Guide switched between English and French—impressive! Hike was manageable, though one of the kids in our group got tired and needed a piggyback (not ours, lol). The lava fields are out of this world. Only downside—couldn’t take pics inside the lava cave. Still, a memorable day.
    Sara

    Sara

    May 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Took my parents and my boyfriend (family trip, lol). The van ride up is a bit twisty, so if you get car sick, maybe take something before. On arrival, you really feel the altitude! The air is so fresh. Saw some snow patches even in May. Our guide was informative but I wish we spent less time at the souvenir shop and more time hiking. Still, Etna is a stunner and we all got some great photos.
  • What to bring

    • A valid ID proof matching the name on your booking.

    • It is recommended to wear closed shoes (sports or hiking) and season-appropriate clothing.

    • Guests are also advised to bring a windbreaker or jacket, a small backpack, and water for the hike.

    What’s not allowed

    • The tour is forbidden for those with heart and/or lung diseases and for pregnant women.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.

    Additional information

    • Weather conditions may affect access to the summit craters; confirm availability before booking.

    • Participation is subject to the guide’s assessment of health, preparation, equipment, and abilities.

    • Pick-up is at a meeting point agreed upon at booking or at your accommodation.

    • The itinerary may vary in the event of adverse weather conditions or at the guide’s discretion.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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