After the last eruption, which occurred a few months ago, which covered part of the ascent route, although it has been restored, it is particularly tortuous and tiring to cross, therefore we prefer to make the ascent from the north side - of Piano Provenzana, where the route climbing is much easier.
Here is the link with the itinerary description:
SUMMIT CRATERS 3357 m. - ETNA NORTH
(Point of meeting)
Etna Nord: A18 CT-ME highway, exit for Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, continue towards Linguaglossa and follow the Mareneve road up to Piano Provenzana.
Travel times: From Catania 50 minutes.
From Taormina: 50 min.
Unfortunately there are no direct connections by public transport, so in order to arrive in time for the departure of the excursion to the summit craters at 3357 m., other solutions must be found...
It is possible to organize a pick-up service directly from your hotel: Minimum price: €150 return for 2 people. All participants share the costs up to a maximum of 4/5 participants.
From CATANIA or TAORMINA-GIARDINI NAXOS, arrive by train at FIUMEFREDDO DI SICILIA station within hours 7.15am about. Here you will find a transfer service (free) to reach Piano Provenzana. (return in the same way)
From TAORMINA-GIARDINI NAXOSOne of our guides may have available places available for a possible transfer. Ask about availability.
The excursion to Summit craters of Etna at 3357 m. undoubtedly the most beautiful excursion; fascinating, the most 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.
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)
Contact us, we will be happy to answer your questions.