The Mount Etna Summit Craters hiking tour (3000 meters) is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and breathtaking trekking experiences in Sicily. Witnessing the majesty of Mount Etna up close is an emotion that will stay with you for a lifetime.

This guided excursion to the Secondary Craters starts from the Rifugio Sapienza (Nicolosi) square, located on the Etna South slope.

During the activity, you will be accompanied exclusively by certified experts: ALPINE GUIDES and VOLCANOLOGICAL GUIDES. These are the only professionals authorized by law to lead groups on active volcanoes.

Tour Description:

The meeting point is at our authorized office:

(Click here for the Meeting Point on Google Maps)

The Etna 3000 excursion begins at Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South - Nicolosi). We will take the Etna Cableway (Funivia), which departs from 1900 meters and quickly reaches 2500 meters.
Once at the top station, our guided trek begins heading Northeast. In just a few minutes, we will reach the Escrivà Crater, formed during the famous 2001 eruption.

Continuing the ascent northward, we will arrive at the base of the Barbagallo Craters. Here, we will explore the effusive vents and their “Hot Point”, before walking through an impressive lava flow channel.

After a short break, we will continue climbing towards the two eruptive cones formed in the autumn of 2002. Upon reaching the top of the Barbagallo Craters, we will walk along the volcanic rim and then descend into them.

After visiting the craters at an altitude of 2920 meters (the highest point of the itinerary), we will begin the descent towards the Valle del Bove Belvedere. This breathtaking viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the vast volcanic depression.

The tour then continues towards the Cisternazza crater, eventually returning to the Etna Cableway arrival station at 2500 meters.

Note for hikers: For those who are more fit, it is possible to arrange a full descent on foot down to Rifugio Sapienza (1900 m).