How to visit Etna
Advice for trips to Etna, how to visit it alone or with a guide
General information on how to visit Etna and the most suitable tours.
Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, offers nature and adventure lovers a unique experience: the excursion to the summit craters. Reaching the top of this fiery giant, at 3357 meters above sea level, unique in the world, which offers unforgettable emotions and breathtaking views.
On this page we provide you with some useful advice on how to visit Etna, which periods of the year are most suitable for excursions, how to dress appropriately, which side of the Etna volcano to choose and other useful tips to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
How to visit Etna?
Come and visit Etna
First of all it must be said that although a visit to Etna is recommended, it is not always necessary to be accompanied by a guide, or rather those who want to climb Etna alone can do so, but only up to a certain altitude, which varies according to based on volcanic activity. Normally you cannot go above 2,750 meters without an authorized guide.
It is also important to know that, in addition to the summit craters, Etna has numerous other lateral craters (around 300) and as many lava flow caves.
So, to have fun and explore the volcano and its immense beauty, it is not necessary to climb the peaks (an experience not suitable for everyone).
Recommended clothing
Etna Clothing Excursion
Naturally the recommended clothing changes depending on the seasons in which you want to visit Etna and the altitude you want to reach. If you visit Etna in autumn and spring, winter clothing is required, such as winter trousers, boots, fleece sweater, windbreaker, gloves and hat.
From late spring, summer, lighter clothing is recommended; in the summer season it is recommended to dress "in layers", especially at the Summit Craters 3357 m., even in summer the temperature in the morning can be cold. Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap with visor are recommended;
Although it is very hot at lower altitudes, we always recommend wearing long trousers, to avoid volcanic sand getting inside your shoes during the descent on the lava sands.
You will certainly have heard of Etna Nord or Etna Sud several times.
Etna North or Etna South?
The choice of which side to visit depends on various factors.
Northern side of Etna
The Northern side - Piano Provenzana is the most "suggestive" side, the most "green" side. The contrast between the "Bosco Ragabo" and the volcanic landscape make this side of Etna unique in the world. The emotion you feel as soon as the wooded area ends, and you arrive at Piano Provenzana with Etna in its most majestic side in the background, makes the moment surreal.
The proximity to the summer resorts of Giardini Naxos (40min), Taormina (50 min) make this side more convenient to reach for those staying in these locations.< br> Personally we recommend the side of Etna Nord - Piano Provenzana, without any doubt.
Due to its characteristics it will give you a unique and unforgettable experience.
To get to this side of the volcano you have to go up the panoramic and unique Mareneve road, characterized by lush vegetation of yellow broom flowers and coniferous woods, until you reach the lava flows that have wrapped up Piano Provenzana in 2002, causing its total destruction.
This side of the volcano is much less crowded than the south side, making it ideal for those looking for a unique experience away from crowded places.
Furthermore, this side of the volcano is ideal for those who want to visit both Etna and the "Alcantara Gorges" on the same day. (about 50 minutes by car).
The main EXCURSIONS possible to ETNA NORTH - PIANO PROVENZANAare the following- SUMMIT CRATERS 3357 m.
- ETNA "3000" - Volcanological Observatory - Eruptive fracture of 2002
- Craters 2002 eruption
- Caves Tour
To sleep the day before the excursion we recommend the town of "Linguaglossa", which is about 18 km (20 min.) from Piano Provenzana
BY CAR
Etna Nord: A18 CT-ME motorway, exit for Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, continue towards Linguaglossa and follow the Mareneve provincial road up to Piano Provenzana.
Travel times: From Catania 50 minutes.
From Taormina: 40 min.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Unfortunately there are no direct public transport connections, so you will be able to arrive in time for the hike to the summit craters at 3357 m. This is why we must find solutions with direct agreements.FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A CAR AVAILABLE.
It is possible to organize a pick-up service directly from your hotel: Minimum price: €150 return for 2 people. All other participants share the costs among a maximum of 4/5 participants.
OTHER (CHEAPER) SOLUTIONS.
Arrive by train to Fiumefreddo station by 7.15 am. Here one of our guides can take care of the round trip transfer service.
DI TAORMINA-GIARDINI NAXOSOne of our guides may have available places available for a possible transfer. Ask about availability.
TRAIN+BUS SUMMER PERIOD ONLY (JULY AUGUST)
DEPARTING FROM CATANIA: For the summer TRENITALIA together at FCE they organize a combined TRAIN+BUS transport every day to reach Piano Provenzana. The service is called ETNA LINK The departure is scheduled from Catania at 10.20 am with (change at the Giarre station), and arrival at Piano Provenzana at 12.00. At 1.00 pm it will be possible to take part in the Etna "3000" excursion The excursion will end at approximately 4.30 pm. At 4.45pm the BUS will leave for the return to Catania, arrival time at 6.30pm. Cost: Only €15.20 (round trip)TRAIN+BUS
DEPARTING FROM TAORMINA-GIARDINI NAXOS: For the summer TRENITALIA a> together with the FCE they organize a combined TRAIN+BUS transport every day to reach Piano Provenzana. The service is called ETNA LINK The departure is scheduled from TAORMINA at 10.01 am with (change at the Giarre station), and arrival at Piano Provenzana at 12.00. At 1.00 pm it will be possible to take part in the Etna "3000" excursion The excursion will end at approximately 4.30 pm. At 4.45pm the BUS will leave for the return to Taormina (always changing in Giarre) arrival time at 6.49pm. Cost: Only €14 (round trip)Southern side of Etna
The Southern side - Rifugio Sapienza is the most "tourist" side, the proximity to the city of Catania, the port of arrival of the cruise ships, makes it the side with the most "hit and run" tourism, especially in the months of July and August.
The southern side is characterized by a purely volcanic landscape, with few areas of vegetation, and despite the countless eruptions that have affected this side, there are several souvenir shops and restaurants.
The ascent is facilitated by the presence of the Cable Car which in just a few minutes from 1900m above sea level, allows you to reach the altitude of 2500 m >. (Return cable car cost - €50).
For those who want to climb further, on board special 4x4 vehicles it is possible to reach an altitude of 2750/2800 m. approximately, where the Alpine or Volcanological Guides will allow you to carry out a short trek of 20/30 minutes. approximately on the Barbagallo Craters. (total cost Cable Car + 4x4 BUS = €78).
Above this quota, accompaniment by Alpine or Volcanological Guides is mandatory.
From this altitude it is possible to reach the Summit Craters at 3357 m in a 2-hour walk.
The total duration of the excursion is approximately 5 hours. Difficulty level: moderate.
Important: the ascent route from the South side - Rifugio Sapienza has been interrupted several times by the recent eruptions of the South-East Crater< /strong>, making the path inaccessible for many months.
The main possible EXCURSIONS to ETNA NORTH - PIANO PROVENZANA, are the following:
SOLUTION 1 with BUS
The public transport with which it is possible to reach the southern side - Rifugio Sapienza is the bus of the AST company. It is a regular bus that leaves Catania from Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII and reaches Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. Departure at 8.15am - 15 minute stop in Nicolosi and reaching the Rifugio Sapienza square around 9.45am/10am. To optimize times we can offer you a transfer from Nicolosi to the Rif at 8.45am to ensure you arrive in time for excursions to the summit craters, which usually start at 9/9.30am. The return can always be made with the same AST bus, which leaves from Rif around 4.00 pm.
The price is around 6 euros one way. Below we report all the timetables taken from the company website:
From Catania: Departure from Catania is scheduled every day at 8:15 am, while arrival on Etna is expected around 10:00 am. You can take the bus directly to Nicolosi at 9.05 am.
From Etna: The departure from Etna towards Catania is scheduled every day at 4.30pm, with arrival in Nicolosi at 5.30pm and Catania at 6.30pm.
For further information contact AST S.p.A. Catania – Via Luigi Pelzo, 230/232 – Tel. 095 7461096
SOLUTION 2 with BUS
Another solution, again with scheduled AST-BUS, is the following: departure from Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7.15 am with BUS to PEDARA, arrival at 8.20 am. Upon your arrival in Pedara, our guide will be waiting for you and will accompany you free of charge to the starting point of the excursion and will then be able to continue the planned excursion together with the other participants. The ticket costs 3/4 euros. The return journey takes place with the direct bus Rifugio Sapienza – Catania, departing at 4.30 pm. The cost of the ticket is approximately 6 euros.
For information contact AST S.p.A. Catania – Via Luigi Rumpfo, 230/232 – Tel. 095 7461096
BY CAR
From Nicolosi: Once you arrive in Nicolosi, the tourist station of Nicolosi (Etna South) can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Take Via Etnea and continue on Provincial Road 92 until you reach Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza, located at an altitude of 1,900 m.From Catania: Follow the signs for Nicolosi and first cross Gravina di Catania and then Mascalucia. Once in Nicolosi, take Via Etnea (the main road of the town) and continue on the SP 92 bis you reach Piazzale Cantoniera at an altitude of 1,910 m. Thus you reach Etna
From Messina or Taormina: Take the ME-CT A18 motorway and exit at the Acireale toll booth. Follow the road to Lavinaio, Monterosso, Trecastagni, Pedara until you reach Nicolosi. From here we continue along the SP 92 up to an altitude of 1900 m. Alternatively, travel along the entire ME-CT A18 motorway and, after passing the toll booths, continue on the Catania ring road. Exit at the Gravina di Catania intersection and continue towards Mascalucia e then Nicolosi. From here you travel along the entire Via Etnea (the main street of the city) and continue on the SP 92 until you reach Piazzale Cantoniera at an altitude of 1,910 m.
From Palermo: Coming from the PA-CT A19 motorway, at the intersection with the Catania ring road, continue towards Messina and exit at the “Gravina di Catania” junction. From here follow the instructions Nicolosi (or Etna) first crosses Gravina di Catania and then Mascalucia.
Solo excursions on Etna
DIY Etna excursion
Before deciding to undertake an excursion alone and without a guide, it is necessary to take several factors into consideration.
- First of all, evaluate your training status and your resistance to climbing heights greater than 1000/1500 m. the desire to venture into an area that is not always easy.
- Consider the length, total elevation gain, route, necessary equipment and recommended time of year. In any case, we advise against venturing alone on very remote routes, and even worse where there is no telephone coverage.
- Don't forget to bring with you a map of the area, water (sufficient for the planned excursion), energy bars, headlamp, spare batteries, power bank, shoes and clothing suitable for the season and the altitude you want to reach. Sudden climate changes are frequent on Etna.
- Bring with you a trail map updated after the recent eruptions.
- We also remember that: above 2900 m. it is always mandatory to be accompanied by an ALPINE or Volcanological GUIDE.
- For those who want to visit some lava caves, we advise you to always check the feasibility, and bring a helmet and a flashlight with you.
Guided excursion
Guided excursion to Etna
Why choose a guided excursion to ETNA:
First of all it should be clarified that "ONLY" and " EXCLUSIVELY the ALPINE or VOLCANOLOGICAL GUIDES, are the ONLY FIGURES QUALIFIED to accompany active volcanoes.
The Etna Guides, in addition to having faced a tough selection and arduous training course, were "lucky" of being born and growing up on the slopes of Etna, developing in one's unconscious a deep love with "Mamma Etna". Love that they try to convey on a daily basis with passion and dedication, recounting the recent eruptions experienced and seen with their own eyes, making the excursion to Etna a unique and indelible experience.
ADVANTAGES with A GUIDED TOUR:
- Professional who deeply knows every corner of the Volcano.
- Take you to discover the most evocative places of the volcano.
- Enjoy the adventure without worrying about possible inconveniences.
- Possibility to organize a transfer service to and from your hotel.
- Usually the guide will be able to provide helmets and other necessary equipment free of charge.
- Enrich your experience with precious information to enjoy your trip to Etna even more.
Rely on an Alpine or Volcanological Guide from Etna!
Contact us now, it will be a spectacular experience!!!