Trekking Summit craters starting from Etna Sud

Sapienza Refuge - Nicolosi (CT)

€ 50 Euros + € 75 transport

Craters excursion Summits

The excursion to Summit craters of Etna at 3357 m. & egrave; undoubtedly the most beautiful excursion; fascinating, the most & ugrave; spectacular that only the Vulcano Etna will be able to do it; leave it in your mind for life.

The excursion to the summit craters of Etna starts from the square of the Rifugio Sapienza (Nicolosi) , on the southern side of Etna. During the excursion you will be accompanied exclusively by: ALPINE GUIDES and VOLCANOLOGICAL GUIDES

Description:

The meeting point of the excursion is located in front of the ticket office of the Etna cable car. Nicolosi Etna Sud - Rifugio Sapienza

The excursion to the summit craters will start; the tour "Etna Sud Summit Craters Excursion" from the square of the Sapienza Refuge (Nicolosi - Etna Sud), first using the Cableway Etna , which from an altitude of 1900 meters will lead us; at an altitude of 2500 meters.
Once you reach 2500 meters, the tour will continue aboard special vehicles " jeep 4x4 " we will reach an altitude of 2900 meters in the area called Barbagallo Craters or (Ex Torre del Filosofo) . From here yes avre a first view of the true volcanic landscape of Etna with a view of the Ionian Sea.

From this altitude the trek will begin along the former Torre del Filosofo path through the lava fields emitted by the recent activities of the South East Crater which produced lava fountains up to 10 km high. After the crossing it will lead us to the summit craters of Etna. . During the excursion on Etna the Alpine Guide or the Volcanological Guide that accompanies you along the journey will tell you everything you want learn about the volcano and its history, while admiring the lunar panorama of Etna.

After 2km of trekking, in which we will initially cross the last lava flow of 27 July 2019, we will take a path that in about an hour and 45 minutes will lead us to 3250 meters , that is; on the edge of the “Bocca Nuova” , one of the four summit craters of Etna . The crater "Bocca Nuova" , opened in 1968, noteworthy because ;, it is; probably the largest, most impressive crater. Inside, there are 2 important craters. Named: Bocca Nuova del '64 or della Spagnola, and Bocca Nuova del 1968 .

Continuing the excursion of the summit craters, we will visit all the active craters present, which are Central Crater, North East Crater, Bocca Nuova Crater and finally the South East Crater, the last active craters formed in 1971. < / p>

Continuing with the excursion in a clockwise direction we will continue through an agile path, always skirting the Crater "Bocca Nuova" , will lead us to the edge of the Central Crater (also called La Voragine). Observing the crater you can admire the latest eruptive vent opened in the last year.
From this last point, going up a steep but short climb, (in consideration of the weather conditions and volcanic activity) you can make a short "view" inside the North East Crater , formed in 1911, a real summit of Etna . From the top of Etna the view will be spectacular !! We could look at 360 ° , and if the day allows it we could clearly see the Aeolian islands , the Nebrose mountains , the coast of Taormina , the coast of Catania , the coast of Calabria , and the Stromboli. ,
Last but not least we will observe the South-East Crater formed starting from the year 1971 which is; one of the most active craters of Etna and the majestic Valle del Bove

After visiting all four summit craters, we will begin the descent along a steep, but easy sandstone which in about 10 minutes will take us from an altitude of 3323 meters to an altitude of approximately 3000 meters. At this point a short picnic break will be made.

Descent:

The excursion will continue in the direction of the Barbagallo Craters - (2002 eruption). After having skirted and visited the two craters, the excursion continues towards the relative effusive mouths and the respective lava flow tunnel .
After the visit to the tunnel, the 4x4 jeep will be taken back to the starting point (Refuge Sapienza)

Type of trekking

  • Type: Ring, same starting and ending point
  • Departure Rifugio Sapienza
    • Cableway from 1900 to 2500 meters
    • Jeep 4x4 from 2500 to 2800 meters
    • Begin Trekking
    • Barbagallo Craters (2002 eruption)
    • Bocca Nuova Crater (3300m)
    • South East Crater
    • Descent
    • Lunch break
    • Effusive mouth (eruption 2002)
    • Descent by 4x4 jeep + cable car
  • Difference in height: + 500,
  • Altitude difference downhill: - 500
  • Total distance: About 8 km
  • Degree of difficulty: moderate

What's included

  • Certified volcanological or alpine guide
  • Accident insurance
  • Helmet

Mandatory equipment

  • Trekking shoes (possibility to rent)
  • Windbreaker or down jacket (rentable)
  • Water

Recommended equipment

  • Backpack
  • Snake- Packed lunch
  • Trekking poles
  • K-way (waterproof jacket)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen / cocoa butter

More info

  • Rental of trekking shoes on request (5 euros)
  • Rental of duvets (winter jackets) on request (5 euros)
  • Also suitable for children over 7 years of age.
  • More information? See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Read carefully
The excursion may undergo variations at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted if the environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, such as to compromise the safety of the entire group.
The excursion will take place within the limits set by the ordinances in force.
This itinerary, in relation to the type and altitude, is not suitable for people who do not suffer from particular pathologies (cardiovascular, respiratory or hypertension).

Excursion video Summit Craters

Information
Starting
about 10:00
Duration
5/6 hours
Arrival
about 3:30 pm
Difficulty
high excursion difficulty high excursion difficulty high excursion difficulty low excursion difficulty low excursion difficulty
Help
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Instant confirmation
Tickets sent to your e-mail
Payment
On the day of the excursion
Additional cost
Cable car and bus: 75 Euro
Price
Adults: 125 Euros
Children: 115 Euros
Do you have questions?

Contact us, we will be happy to answer your questions.