mt etna guided tour

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Etna guided tours, lonely planet and tripadvisor certified guide.

An unforgetable journey

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the fascinating landscapes of Mount Etna , Europe’s highest active volcano . Witness the power of nature with our experienced guides , while maintaining the utmost safety and enjoyment .

The only guide authorized and certified by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor.

Your guide Ernesto

Ernesto, beyond being a Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet certified hiking guide , is a passionate enthusiast of Mount Etna and hiking, with a degree in agronomy.

He is a magnetic yet private individual , a sensitive observer and attentive listener , making him a reliable choice for mountain adventures.

His extensive knowledge of Mount Etna , his readiness to manage weather conditions, and his contagious enthusiasm for the mountains make him unique.

Ernesto invites you to disconnect from daily hustles , fully immersing yourself in the wonders of nature .

With him, you will experience a unique journey, breathing fresh air and discovering a new perspective .

Are you ready for the adventure of your life?

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Find out more, choose your tour.

Adventurous: Etna Guided Tour

Based on 350+ reviews

Easy: Etna Morning Tour

Easy: Etna Sunset Tour

Pricing and inclusions.

At only €65 €59 per person , our tour package includes all necessary equipment such as trekking shoes, poles, helmets, and anoraks , ensuring your safety and comfort during the excursion. Additionally, our offer includes insurance coverage and guidance from certified and knowledgeable guides .

Price and Inclusions

The cost of the tour is €65 €59 per person, which includes all necessary equipment to ensure your safety and comfort during the excursion.

Food & Drinks

We will make a special stop at a charming village, where you can purchase some local delicacies to enjoy during the rest of the adventure.

What to Wear

During the cold season, it is recommended to dress in layers to stay warm. We advise to add a windbreaker for protection, and carry extra socks for unforeseen situations.

Meeting Points

We have three convenient meeting points: Piazza Stesicoro, 31 - Piazza Sant'Alfio, Trecastagni - Bar Crateri Silvestri, Nicolosi.

Mount Etna Sunset Tour

Explore Etna at sunset, the most evocative moment to admire the wonders of the volcano. In this half-day tour the guide will share characteristics, curiosities and secrets of this fascinating place. E...

Experiences

Ebike tour of mt etna.

An e-bike tour on Mount Etna among large lava fields, craters and caves for a unique volcanic experience.

Family vacation

Etna play tour.

Discover the magnificent Mount Etna with our exclusive family-friendly guided tour. The panoramic itinerary offers breathtaking views, while the kids' kit makes the experience educational and fun.

Etna Jeep Tour

Explore Mount Etna with our half-day 4x4 jeep tour. Venture onto dirt roads with our expert guide to discover scenic areas. Begin with a 3km walk to admire a lateral crater. Then, visit the lava flow ...

Etna Helicopter Tour

Imagine taking in all the sights of Mount Etna, then heading up the peak of the volcano. This is an incredible 30 minute flight that includes the summit active craters and the majestic caldera Valle d...

Top Mount Etna Adventures

Discover the Wonders of Europe's Most Active Volcano with Our Varied Selection of Tours. Whether it's a Family-Friendly Jeep Adventure , a Cable Car Expedition to the Main Craters, or a Challenging Summit Hike

Etna Summit Hike

from April to October

difficulty: medium

Etna Cable Car Tour

from March to November

difficulty: easy

Hiking Etna tour

Conquer the volcano, discover your adventure, etna unlimited, authentic sicily, unforgettable adventures await.

Explore Etna tours , sports experiences, city tours, and family holidays for a dream vacation.

A sensational jeep tour and an easy walk, or a more intense hike between extinct craters and lava caves or even an excursion to the top of the volcano Etna between sulfur and smoking craters. All the secrets of Mount Etna will be revealed; unforgettable panoramas and stories will mark your holiday in Sicily

From mountains to the sea, crossing the Etna volcano and natural reserves, Sicily offers a diverse range of sports activities for everyone. Choose whether to experience the adventure on land, in the air, or in the water. Explore a unique experience in an environment rich in natural and cultural beauties.

Enhance your holiday experience with expertly guided city tours by licensed professionals. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive and intimate exploration of Sicily's cities, gaining insights into their rich culture and history. Our tours offer a unique perspective on the most iconic cities in Sicily.

Play Tours: Tailored for families, our guided tours blend expert guidance with fun city exploration. Designed to captivate children, an interactive "kit" distributed at the tour's start ensures an engaging experience, fostering a love for the city's beauty in an educational and enjoyable way.

The 5 Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania [2024 Reviews]

Mount Etna, Italy is the tallest active volcano in Europe and a fantastic destination for anyone interested in geology, history, or hiking across surreal volcanic landscapes. Its frequent eruptions have shaped the east of Sicily and provided fertile volcanic soil for grapes used in local wine production.

This volcano is the most popular natural attraction in Sicily, and no vacation on this island is complete without visiting Mount Etna. There are many Etna tours available from Catania. Some simply visit the craters while other Etna excursions also take in volcanic caves and local farms or historic towns.

I’ve selected 5 of the top-rated Mount Etna Trips to review. If you’re planning to go Etna touring, I believe one of these Mount Etna tours will be perfect for you.

Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania

Quick answer: the 5 best mount etna tours from catania.

• From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour
• Etna in the Morning: Half Day Excursion from Catania
• Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek
• From Catania: Etna Nature and Flavors Half-Day Tour
• Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania Reviewed

#1 from catania: full-day mount etna and taormina tour.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up from Catania
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna & Taormina, trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

On this Etna tour, an expert guide will lead you across the lunar landscape of an active volcano so you can see the craters and explore a lava cave formed during an eruption. You’ll also visit an organic farm that makes use of the fertile volcanic soil beneath the volcano to grow grapes for wine and flowers for honey production. Sample the local produce and taste the difference.

In the wildlife reserve of Isola Bella, you’ll visit a spectacular sea cave famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and abundant marine life. Then, following a lunch break, you’ll be taken on a guided tour around the historic town of Taormina.

The Ancient Greek amphitheater in Taormina is still used for performances today. And you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Nexus as well as the stunning architecture in the Palazzo Corvaja. This is the most comprehensive Etna visit you’ll find from Catania.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:

#2 etna in the morning: half day excursion from catania.

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Duration : 5 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, trekking tour, visit to a cave, and helmet with flashlight

Enjoy a guided trek across a surreal landscape of recent lava flows and ancient craters.

Your knowledgeable guide will explain all the volcanic features you experience and answer any queries you may have regarding local geology and history as you tour Etna.

Your guide will also lead you into an amazing lava flow tunnel formed during one of the eruptions. Learn all about how it was formed and the fascinating features inside. Outside of the cave, you’ll stop at a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Valley of the Ox. This valley is an important barrier between flowing rivers of lava and the thriving city of Catania below.

This is one of the most informative Mt Etna tours you’ll find. Make sure you take along your camera for the stunning photographs you can take while you’re creating memories.

#3 Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek

• Departure Point : Information Desk, Crateri Silvestri Restaurant, Nicolosi
• Departure Time: 9:30 AM
• Duration : 6 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, a cable car ride to Mount Etna, and trekking tour

After a safety briefing, you’ll ascend 8,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna in a cable car before transferring into a 4×4 bus. You’ll cover the final 2-hour trek to the summit on foot with regular breaks to admire the stunning scenery from the heights.

Atop the volcano, you’ll walk across the lava fields created by the 2017 eruption and follow the nature trails across a lunar landscape. Your knowledgeable guide will explain about the surrounding geological features and answer any questions you wish to raise about the volcano. If an active volcano crater is what you want to see, this is a perfect excursion to Etna for you.

#4 From Catania: Etna Nature and Flavors Half-Day Tour

• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, nature trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

Your professional guide will take you on a trek through the Sapienza Refuge 6,500 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna. There you can see the craters created during the 1892 eruption and evidence of the latest eruptions. You’ll also see a stunning vista of the Valley of the Ox.

One of the highlights of the tour is exploring a lava tunnel created by flowing lava. Equipped with a headlamp and helmet, your guide will take you into this volcanic cave and teach you how lava flows are formed.

Your excursion includes a visit to the town of Zafferana on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. In an organic farm there, you’ll discover how much better the local agricultural products grow in the fertile volcanic soil found on the slopes of this volcano.

#5 Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, 6-hour nature trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

From a viewing point, you can admire panoramic views of the Valle del Bove. Your guide will also lead you into a lava tunnel—a cave created by a lave flow. Using the provided safety equipment, you’ll be perfectly safe. And your guide will help you to understand all the unique features of the cave.

Your Etna excursion will conclude with an opportunity to sample some of the wonderful local agricultural products that have benefited from the fertile volcanic soil around the slopes of Mt Etna Sicily, including honey, wines, and liqueurs.

Catania, Sicily Travel Guide

Sicily will shock you. While your first choice for a vacation in Italy might be Rome and the Coliseum or Venice and it’s gondola rides , Sicily actually offers more. Successive waves of invaders have built some of their finest architectural masterpieces on the island, but somehow later generations left them alone.

You’ll find better medieval Norman buildings than anywhere in Normandy, the best-preserved Roman villa in the world, and Ancient Greek temples larger and in better condition than anything found in the Acropolis in Athens.

What’s more, Sicily boasts some amazing scenery, including one of the world’s most active volcanoes. And there are plenty of great beaches to take your family to for fun in the sun. Read this brief guide to find out more.

Airports & Entry

Sicily has two international airports: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and Palermo Falcone-Borsellino International Airport . Palermo handles around 7 million passengers a year but most flights arrive at Catania, which handles 10 million passengers a year and is one of the busiest airports in Italy. Visitors can also reach the island by sea.

Catania has a small terminal with a good selection of food outlets and shops, including a post office and duty-free. The shops and food outlets all close by midnight. It’s difficult to find power outlets to charge mobile devices and Wi-Fi is only available inside the two airport lounges, which you must pay to enter.

There’s an Information Desk in the Arrivals area and a Tourist Office nearby. Both offices open at 8 am, the tourist office closing at 10 pm and the information office at midnight. You can also find a currency exchange desk and ATMs in the Arrivals area.

The easiest way to get into the city center of Catania is to take the AMT Alibus or a public bus. The AMT Alibus runs services every 25 minutes from 5 am to midnight and takes around 20 minutes to the center and railway station. You purchase €4 tickets from the Bus Ticket Office in the Arrivals area before boarding the bus. Local Bus No. 457 runs the same route every 40 minutes but only costs €1! However, you must buy your ticket from the Newspaper Stand (Tabacchi) in Arrivals.

If you prefer, you can take a taxi into town. These should take around 15 minutes and cost between €25 and €40. The difference in price relates to the number of passengers carried and the time of day. Taxis are more expensive at night. They can be identified by an illuminated TAXI sign atop a yellow or white vehicle.

For greater freedom, you can rent a car at the airport. There are 8 car rental companies at the airport, including Hertz Italiana and Sixt.

The airport near Palermo is a little better. It also has a small terminal, and the shops and eating outlets are on the expensive side. But it does offer free WiFi in the Departure lounge, and there are plenty of mobile device charging outlets.

You’ll find the Information Desk in Arrivals, and it’s open from 6 am to midnight. In a medical emergency, there’s a First Aid Station in the Check-In area and a Pharmacy in Departures. The foreign exchange desk is also in the Check-In area.

The easiest way to get into town is on the train service that links the airport to central Palermo from 5 am to 8 pm. The train takes about an hour and costs €5.50. However, the airport bus is quicker. It takes around 50 minutes and costs €6.50. Bus services run from 4 am to 10:30 pm and you can buy your ticket on the bus.

Taking a taxi from the rank outside the Arrivals area is a little quicker. They generally take 40 minutes to the city center and cost around €45. Or you can rent a car for greater freedom. Car rentals are provided by 12 different agencies including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Since Sicily is less than 2 miles away from mainland Italy, it’s also easy to get there by taking a short ferry crossing which costs around €13. You can cross from Reggio di Calabria or Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina on the northeastern point of Sicily.

Long-distance ferries also link Sicily to more distant places, including Malta and Tunisia as well as major Italian seaports like Genoa and Naples. You’ll need your passport ready if you’re traveling from Tunisia or Malta. Technically, you shouldn’t need your passport traveling from other Italian ports, but you may be asked to show a photo ID to land in Sicily.

Planning Tips

There are a lot of great things to see and do in Sicily. You’ll really enjoy your visit. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your stay.

Tip #1: Decide what you want to do before planning your visit to Sicily

There’s a lot to do around the island, but when you go and where you stay depends upon what you want to do when you get there. If you want to hike up and down mountains or to the many wonderful ruins, avoid the midsummer heat and go in spring or the fall. If you want to ski, go in winter. If you want to snorkel and enjoy the water, summer is great. It takes time to move around the island, so research where you want to spend your time and base yourself nearby or in a central location.

Tip #2: Buy unique art and crafts

Sicily boasts many unique products that make excellent gifts for your friends back home or souvenirs for you. For example, you can buy jewelry made from the local coral, ornaments made from volcanic rock from Mount Etna, and traditional marionette puppets as used in the traditional Opera dei Pupi (Sicilian puppet theater). The puppets from Catania and Palermo are the best known.

Tip #3: Be prepared for arduous hikes

Many of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks are best viewed by ascending steep slopes to a lofty height in hot weather with bright sunshine. So, be prepared. Before your visit, do a few practice hikes up and down hills near home to prepare your muscles. When packing, take a hat for shade, plenty of sunscreen, and well broken-in shoes. On actual hikes, carry plenty of bottled water and stay hydrated.

Tip #4: Book in advance, especially during summer

Sicily is the place Italians come to enjoy the beach in summer, so be ready for huge crowds. Popular activities and the best hotels can be fully booked months in advance. To ensure you don’t miss out, book in advance. Reputable tour companies will agree to refunds for tours tickets canceled with reasonable notice.

Tip #5: Be prepared for the challenge of Sicily

Sicily offers some of the most amazing cultural sites you’ve ever seen. However, it’s not like the rest of Italy. When you get there, you’ll find it’s more like Mexico than Rome…more roadside garbage and graffiti that you’re expecting, run-down structures and infrastructure, and some wild locals. This is all changing very rapidly, with new roads being built and tourism going through the roof as more and more people realize what a prime cultural site the island is. Get there before the tourist crowds and global corporations ruin it and turn it into Rome Mark #2.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Sicilian cuisine is distinctly Italian and Mediterranean but of a distinct local variety shaped by the island’s rich history and the locally available food ingredients. So, you’ll see plenty of pasta, seafood, all cooked with lashings of olive oil. But you’ll also see elements of cooking influenced by the Moors and the Greeks who occupied the island in the past.

Perhaps the most famous dish in Sicily is pasta alla Norma. It’s made using aubergine, locally grown tomatoes, salted ricotta, and garlic served with short pasta. If you’re wondering “who” Norma was, it’s actually the name of an opera written by Bellini. Pasta con le sarde is the equivalent seafood dish, with sardines, anchovy fillets, raisin, pine nuts, and saffron made into a sauce and poured onto a kind of spaghetti called bucantini. You can find tasty Sicilian pasta dishes in Ristorante Bellotero in Palermo.

Like elsewhere in Italy, pizza is a popular dish on the streets. However, Sicilian sfincione pizza has an unusually thick base. You’ll typically find it with a thick topping of cheese, onions, and anchovies. Sarde a beccafico is one of the signature dishes of the island. Sardines are one of the most common fish in the sea around Sicily, and a popular way of cooking them is stuffed with breadcrumbs, raisins, and pine nuts.

A popular vegetarian dish originating in Sicily is caponata. This antipasto is made using fried aubergine mixed with tomatoes, onion, and celery and turned into a stew. The exact recipe changes from restaurant to restaurant, but caponata is seen on menus throughout Italy.

Wandering around the island, you’ll see arancini balls sold in many food stalls and cafés. These are balls of creamy risotto rice breaded and deep-fried. They make a great snack while you’re walking around the picturesque streets of Palermo or Catania.

Granita con brioche is an interesting traditional breakfast. Granita is a frozen sorbet made from ice and sugar with fruit or coffee, and at breakfast, it is typically served with a warm brioche roll. This dish has a long history, and before refrigeration was invented was made using ice brought down from the high mountains on the island. Now it’s a popular morning meal on hot summer days. Every morning, you can see people sitting outside cafés like The Bam Bar in Taormina enjoying granita con brioche.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’ll love the vast variety of desserts found around Sicily. A great place to sample traditional Sicilian sweets is Pasticceria Cappello in Palermo.

Torta Setteveli is a delicious, seven-layered chocolate and hazelnut cake. Cassata is a sponge cake flavored with citrus fruits, chocolate, marzipan, and sweet ricotta cream. Cannoli is made from deep-fried pastry tubes filled with creamy ricotta. And Semifreddo alle mandorle is a molded frozen almond parfait that is soft and similar in texture to ice cream.

Nightlife & Entertainment

You’ll find a broad variety of nightlife in Sicily from quiet bars with soft piano music to wild beach bars and nightclubs. Most of the nightlife is found in the two largest cities of Catania and Palermo. Taormina is another popular tourist resort where you’ll find a lively nightlife, though it’s tiny compared to the two cities. In the town center of Taormina, you’ll find some great bars with outside seating areas, like Caffe Wunderbar .

Catania is a student city and a focal point for Sicily’s nightlife. The bars and dance clubs are clustered together making it a great place to tumble from bar to bar. If you want to begin the evening with a snack, the Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a drink with stunning views of Mount Etna and a delicious evening buffet. But if you prefer a livelier venue, Afrobar is a bar with a dance floor on the beach. Here you’ll often see bonfires and fire dancers.

The most well-known club in Catania is located in the Contrada Jungetto area south of the city. Mercanti Generali is spread over three rooms and a palm-shaded courtyard and terrace area. The music is eclectic, from hip hop and R&B to house, dubstep, and drum and bass.

Palermo is much more spread out than Catania, so you’d be better staying in one nightclub otherwise you’ll need transport. The nightclubs tend to draw a younger crowd, many of them students. There are 4 main areas for nightlife in Palermo: Old Town, La Cala Marina, Downtown and the beaches.

The historic center is where you’ll find the less formal bars and clubs. While the bars and clubs in other parts of the city are closed by 3 am, some of the venues around Vucciria in Old Town stay open until dawn. Check out the Cantavespri Art Café where you’ll often find live bands on Wednesdays and Fridays. The horseshoe-shaped La Cala Marina is found close to the Old Town, and you can find a selection of trendy bars overlooking the water.

The Politeama and Liberta Downtown area are where you’ll find the quieter crowd of more mature drinkers and the more sophisticated cocktail bars. Along the coastline and beaches, the Addaura, Mondello, and Sferracavallo coasts are where you’ll find the locals drinking and dancing. In summer, it’s cooler on the beaches and a great place for dancing.

Getting Around

Sicily has a well-developed public transport system, so it’s easy to get around by train or bus. In the past four decades, the roads have been upgraded so getting around by rental car is also a good option.

The trains are a fast option and provide great views of Sicily’s landscape. The Inter City Express trains are the fastest and most comfortable, but they’re more expensive than the local trains that stop at every station. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to hear that kids between 4 and 11 get half-price tickets.

The services are operated by Trenitalia . Before boarding your train, you must stamp your ticket in one of the orange ticket machines in the station to validate it.

When planning connections or booking events at your destination, be aware that Sicilian trains are notorious for running late. Allow extra time between arrival at the railway station and the start of your activity or connecting service.

Buses are usually cheaper but slower than trains, but there are exceptions like the connection between Palermo Airport and the city center where the buses are both quicker and more expensive than the local train connection. Research the particular journey you want to take to compare time and cost.

Orange-colored buses run services around a specific town or city, and you can use them to reach attractions around that city. Blue-colored buses provide connections between cities. Tickets can be purchased in advance from newsagents and other small stores. Note that Sunday services are very diminished.

Renting your own vehicle is a great option if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially on a Sunday. However, the cities do experience the usual problems of traffic jams, one-way systems, and a lack of parking places near the major attractions. Also, note that you may find the pace of traffic much slower than you’re used to. Even on the freeway, people sometimes drive quite slowly.

On the smaller, rural roads, watch out for potholes and landslides. Mount Etna is an active volcano, so the ground around the island isn’t as stable as most other places.

The new freeways are wonderful but note that the A18 from Messina to Catania and the A20 from Messina to Palermo are toll roads. Because most vehicles enter Sicily on ferries from the mainland at Messina and Catania and Palermo are the two main cities, these are the two most important routes. Using the A18 costs €3.70 and the A20 €10.10.

Taxis are generally fast and safe, but they are also expensive. If a bus journey costs €1, expect to pay around €25 for a taxi ride to the same destination. You may find it difficult to hail a taxi in the street or find one at a taxi rank, but hotels can arrange one in advance if you ask at reception.

Accommodations

There are lots of fascinating attractions spread around Sicily, and if you want to visit them all then you might want to consider staying in several locations during your visit rather than settling in just one. Otherwise, where you stay depends upon whether your main interest is soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean or visiting some of the many cultural and historic sites.

If you want to explore the Ancient Greek temples, consider staying near Syracuse in the southeast or Agrigento in the southwest. For beautiful Baroque architecture, base yourself in the southeast near Val di Noto. To explore the Norman historic sites of Monreale and Palermo, find a hotel in the northwest. If you intend to take a lot of boat tours and visit other islands, you’ll find Messina the most convenient location. And if Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes appeal to you, then stay somewhere around Catania.

Palermo is the largest city and where you’ll find the most hotels. The city is divided into 25 districts, but only 3 areas are really tourist-friendly: the Old Town, the Politeama and Liberta districts, and Mondello. Generally, the Downtown area of Liberta and Politeama is the best place to base yourself as it’s considered the safest area, and it is still convenient for the tourist sites around the Old Town. The Old Town is also great, but it’s the main party and nightlife area…so it can be wild and the streets full of drunk people in the wee hours of the night.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the Bio Hotel in the Politeama area. They aim to leave a minimal carbon footprint. But if you want to enjoy sumptuous luxury, consider the Grand Hotel Wagner .

Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and offers a wide range of options for tourists. If you like roof terrace gardens and classic rooms, check out the Hotel Villa Roma . But if you’re traveling with your family, you can get great value family rooms in the Hotel Etnea 316 , which is centrally located close to St Agatha’s Cathedral and within sight of Mount Etna.

But if you want to live out in the beautiful countryside of Sicily, consider renting a villa for the duration of your stay. There are a wide range of modern and historic buildings to choose from in lots of different locations around the island.

Sicily has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Because of African currents reaching the southern coast and high-altitude areas inland, different areas of the island can experience very different weather conditions.

The winter temperatures are coldest in January, with an average daily high of 59 0 F and a low of 50 0 F. Areas above 3,000 feet see enough regular snow for skiing. By April, the fields are green, though the snow yet lingers atop Mount Etna. The temperatures range from a high of 64 0 F to a low of 55 0 F.

In the summer, Sicily occasionally sees scorching sirocco wind from the Sahara and rainfall is rare. Water shortages are common on the island. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 86 0 F and low of 75 0 F. The local harvests begin in August, with crops such as figs and watermelons providing wonderful treats and the wine grape harvest begins.

The main harvests are during September and October, when the pistachios, almonds, and olives are ready to reap. November sees rapid cooling. You can see snow atop Mount Etna again, but the fields remain green. The average daily high drops to 66 0 F and the low 57 0 F.

Attractions

Sicily is a treasure house of world-class cultural and natural attractions. You’d need years to explore them all completely. Here’s a selection of some of the best.

Ragusa and Modica

With an active volcano and its position on the edge of a tectonic plate, Sicily sees a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An earthquake in 1693 destroyed most of the buildings around the southern tip of the island.

This provided a blank canvas for rebuilding on a grand scale in a fashionable style we now call the Baroque. Because of this, the towns of Ragusa and Modica are one of the best places in the world to view fine Baroque buildings.

Monreale Cathedral

Almost a thousand years ago, the Normans spread out across Europe and occupied many areas of coastland or islands, including Sicily. During this time, they built a grand cathedral in Monreale.

The most remarkable thing about this structure today is that, unlike many other cathedrals across Europe, it has remained largely unaltered since its first construction making it the best-preserved Norman building in Europe. Monreale Cathedral features 12 th -century mosaics in vibrant colors and rows of grand double columns around a courtyard fountain.

Villa Romana del Casale in Enna

Sicily is home to one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Europe. 50 rooms have been excavated by archaeologists to reveal over 38,000 square feet of mosaic floors and lots of fine features, such as a thermal bathhouse with a colonnaded courtyard and fountain. The detailed mosaics paint a picture of everyday life in the Roman Empire along with scenes from history and mythology.

Ancient Greek temples

In Selinunte, you can see 8 Ancient Greek temples, the oldest dating back to the 5 th century BCE. Nearby is a large Acropolis with surrounding walls from the 7 th century BCE. One of these temples, known as Temple G, was one of the largest Greek temples ever built.

But it is the large complex of tombs and temples in Agrigento that most visitors want to see, including the famous Tempio di Concordia—one of the best-preserved Doric temples in existence. The group also includes the circular Tempio di Heracles, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, and the Tempio di Juno Lacinia.

The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna dominates the eastern end of Sicily and fascinates millions of visitors every year. It stands 10,912 feet tall as I am writing but may be shorter or taller when you read this because frequent eruptions change its height. In winter, snow tops its peak providing fun for skiers and a beautiful skyline.

Visitors are often treated to views of a smoking cone, bubbling hot springs, volcanic vents, and occasional lava flows. But be careful and only go on organized tours run by experienced locals. The volcano is very active!

Aeolian Islands

Sicily also makes a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding Mediterranean islands. The Aeolian Islands are 7 islands of volcanic origin off the north coast of Sicily. Stromboli boasts the most active volcano, and its pyrotechnics frequently light the night sky. Visitors love to engage in water sports around the islands and admire their unique volcanic landscape.

Tour Guides

The Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour is our Editors Choice for the Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania

Richard Moore

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• Etna Family Tour
• Etna Summit Area – 3000 mt
• Etna Wine Tour
• Etna & Alcantara Gorges
• Etna Excursion North
• Etna Excursion South
• Etna Morning
• Etna Sunset
• Etna Tour Winter
• Etna Helicopter Tour
• Etna for students

Mount Etna Tours

We organize mount etna tours from taormina and surroundings, but also from any other sicilian location on demand..

Get ready for some exciting adventures, with Mount Etna Tours you will discover the highest active volcano of Europe and it’s breathless natural sights! With Continente Sicilia, you will be guided exclusively by official private guides.

This tour is available exclusively during summer seasons, when temperatures are particularly hot during the day

This Etna morning tour is available all year, a classic excursion on Mount Etna. You will be guided into a short walk...

During Winter, Etna covers up it self with a white dress and excursions on Etna are a totally new experience

Etna south excursion is, among all excursions, the most traditional and popular.

Thanks to it's long exposure to sun, Etna north  is the greenest and most blooming slope of Etna

Visit the most suggestive sights of the volcano and the amazing Alcantara Valley.

The Etna Wine Tour, offers you the opportunity to discover all about Etna's Wine

Etna Hiking 3000 mt

Etna 3000 meters is one of the most exciting experience to be done on Etna.  Look, hear, feel, breathe Etna

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Start exploring mount etna with our tours.

Mount Etna has been our specialty since 1999. The volcano area can be packed with tourists, we can help you avoid those areas because we really know the whole Mt. Etna area.

In 1999 I arrived from Palermo on the East Coast of Sicily and saw my first eruption. It was Aug 26th. UNFORGETTABLE! All experiences since that day have been the same. To see one of these most exciting natural events always stirs the emotions. It is AWESOME!!!

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanos worldwide, but she is not always erupting. Therefore if you’d like to see an eruption, keep your fingers crossed. If that dosen’t work, she will be unforgettable even without molten lava!

Remember that we are glad to guide you during your visit in Sicily, not only on Mount Etna. Feel free to ask about any other Sicilian destinations as well.

Continente Sicilia provides exclusively official private guides, in order to provide always the best Etna experience you could ever imagine!

What you say about us

Our Etna day with Davide

We are glad to be hosted by the Ziggy's famous blog Eating With Ziggy .

The food expert and lover wrote an interesting article about the wonderful day we spent together on Mount Etna. Enjoy reading about our Etna experience on his blog post " Our day with Davide "

La guida perfetta per il posto perfetto

Davide e l'Etna

We take care of our land, of our Nature. Every activity we organise, we donate a part to MAN: Mediterranean Association for Nature.

Contact Info

Via Nazionale, 48, 98039 Taormina ME

Available exclusively on appointment

[email protected]

Important notices for attendants

• Etna Volcano

Our Etna excursions

Mt. Etna Sunset Tour

An half day excursion to discover the volcano when less crowded and hot, during the…

From 2:30 / 3:00 pm to 8:30/9:30 pm

Mt. Etna Morning Tour

Our Mt Etna Morning tour is the perfect way to visit the Volcano during an…

from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30/3.00 p.m.

Etna Sailing Tour

With our professional skippers, on the same routes of Ulysses, you will discover the wonders…

From 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Mt. Etna, Wine and Alcantara Gorges Tour

Live an unforgettable experience full of emotions and all the colours of the Volcano, in…

from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00/ 6.30 p.m

Mt. Etna Hiking Full Day Tour

With the Mt Etna Full Day Tour You will have 5/6 hours of trekking, fully…

From 8.30 am to 5.30 / 6.00 pm

Mt. Etna, Wine and Taormina Tour

An amazing full day tour to see two of the most famous and beloved wonders…

from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00/6.30 p.m.

Etna from Syracuse Hiking lunch and Wine

With this tour you will enjoy Etna and its wonders with a guaranteed pick up…

From 8.00 am to 5.30 pm

Food and wineries: Etna tasting tour

Live one day under the badge of Etna DOC and its best wines, having lunch…

from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Mt. Etna Summit Easy Tour

A full day tour to reach the base of the summit area, at 2950 meters,…

from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30/6:00 p.m

Mt. Etna Summit Strong Tour

A full day excursion that will safely lead you to the top of Europe's highest…

from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

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Alcantara Gorge

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Mount Etna Tours & Tickets

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Top things to do in Catania

Mount Etna | Sicily’s majestic inferno

Fearsome and fire-breathing, Mount Etna in Sicily is a sight to behold. Its caved-in appearance is owed to the numerous eruptions it has witnessed over millennia. This renowned (and notorious) mammoth is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the highest in the Mediterranean region. Its ever-changing landscape of smoldering craters, flowing black lava, and ancient forests offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all travelers. 

If you’re travelling to Sicily, your trip isn’t complete without visiting Mount Etna. This guide explains all the different Etna tours on offer and helps find the perfect experience for you.  

Things to know before booking Mount Etna tickets

• Looking for ways to avoid paying the fees charged for visiting Mount Etna? Take a public bus to Rifugio Sapienza, and hike all the way to the Mountain Hut, which doubles as the Cable Car station and coffee shop.
• Are you a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush? Then an ascent to the summit craters might be the adventure you are looking for. Book tickets that include a cable car ride, hike or trek.
• If prefer a more leisurely pace with stunning views, opt for a scenic hike through the Valle del Bove, a vast volcanic caldera.
• If you are traveling with family or friends, choose a jeep tour that will allow you to explore lava caves and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Sicilian vineyards without much exertion.
• There’s a lot more to Mount Etna than just being an active volcano. Book a guided tour to learn about its facts, myths and legends from an expert.
• If you’re coming from neighboring cities like Catania or Taormina, book trips that include transfers to and from these destinations.
• A walk through this awe-inspiring is sure to leave you hungry for action, adventure and of course, food. Grab tickets that include lunch and wine tastings. Mount Etna is a feast for all senses, pun intended!
• As Mount Etna is an active volcano, stay updated on any safety warnings or restrictions, as eruptions or safety concerns may lead to tour cancellations.
• If you’re travelling with kids, opt for jeep tours or guided treks as they can get a hands-on experience and appreciate the landmass better.
• As certain parts of Mount Etna require walking at an incline or down a slope, accessibility may be hampered for wheelchair users. In this case, booking a jeep tour is an ideal way to see around Mount Etna.

Why visit Mount Etna?

Soaring above Sicily, this colossal titan of fire and earth offers a kaleidoscope of experiences beckoning the adventurous, and the curious, alike. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why Mount Etna deserves a coveted spot on your travel bucket list:

• Geological marvel: Having existed for over 500,000 years, Mount Etna has lived (and continues to live) a rich life. It’s only over the last 2,700 years that volcanic activity has been recorded. So merely stepping foot on this ancient landscape is enough to give you goosebumps.
• Old caves, new uses: Did you know that some of Etna’s lava-formed caves have now been repurposed to store meat and wine? Caves are conducive storage spaces as they are cool yet humid, preserving flavors and preventing spoilage, and you’re sure to see a few of them on your visit.
• Trek through time, not just terrain: Weave past ancient Greek and Roman ruins nestled amidst the volcanic landscapes. Imagine Greek philosophers contemplating Etna's fury and Roman soldiers guarding its slopes as you lace up your boots and embark on a historical trek. 
• Beep beep on a jeep: On a 4x4 jeep, travel to Mount Etna and traverse undulating landscapes. Stop at ancient craters and peer into their smoldering depths, marvel at towering lava fountains frozen in time.
• Volcanic vistas: Take in barren lunar-like vistas near the summit to lush forests and vineyards at its base. Overall, Mount Etna promises terrific panoramic views of the Sicilian landscape.
• Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts: All roads lead to Etna, whether you’re hitching a ride on a jeep or hiking up top. Embrace the outdoors and Etna’s beauty by appreciating the summit through different means and perspectives.
• Entrenched in Sicilian folklore: Etna is identified as the workshop of Hephaestus (Vulcan to the Romans), the god of fire and metalworking. It is also known as the residence of the nymph Aetna. It is even referred to as the home of the Cyclops Polyphemus in Homer's Odyssey .

All your Mount Etna tours explained

Ideal for: Outdoorsy adventure enthusiasts Duration: 2-8 hours Guide: Available 

• If you want to feel fire and fury beneath your feet, choose a trekking or hiking tour. Climb to the summit and linger at caves as you wind your way through Mount Etna’s awe-inspiring terrain.
• See the craters left behind by the 2002 eruption and learn about them in detail. View snow caves, gain insights from a knowledgeable guide and more.

Recommended tickets

• Guided Trek to Mount Etna’s Summit
• Mount Etna Guided Tour with Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
• Mount Etna and Snow Caves Guided Tour

Ideal for: Motor and adventure enthusiasts Duration: 5-8 hours Guide: Available 

• Off-roading on volcanic terrain is a far cry from off-roading in forests or hills. On your trip, see canyons and gorges formed from lava.
• Seat yourself comfortably as you learn about Etna’s geographical and historic past. Try local wines and delicacies en route.
• Guided Tour of Mount Etna by Jeep
• From Taormina: Guided Tour of Mount Etna by Jeep

Ideal for: Travelers seeking convenience Duration: 6-8 hours Guide: Available 

• Travelling from Taormina or Catania? Guided tours from these destinations ensure you can go to and from Mount Etna in comfort and luxury.
• Sample delectable local fare, including wine, at almost 2000 m above sea level.
• From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna with Lunch

Wine and food tours

Ideal for: Foodies and wine connoisseurs Duration: 6-8 hours Guide: Available

• Sample wine that’s grown from the grapes of volcanic soil.
• Besides wine, also savor local cuisines and delicacies, liqueurs and more.
• Guided Tour of Mount Etna with Wine and Olive Tasting

Explore Mount Etna

Valle del Bove is a vast, moon-like caldron carved by ancient eruptions. Amidst  a desolate landscape are fields of black ash, volcanic bombs, and bizarre lava formations. Forget the moon – feel like the first explorer on a newly discovered alien world.

These twin craters, dating back to 1892, offer close-up views of volcanic vents and fumaroles (steam vents). Hike to the rim for breathtaking panoramas and a glimpse into the volcano's fiery heart.

Descend into Etna's labyrinthine lava caves, natural wonders formed by flowing molten rock. Witness the intricate formations and feel the coolness of the volcanic earth. Meats and wines are often stored in these caves.

Things to do on Mount Etna

Climb it, of course

The vast majority of climbers utilize Rifugio Sapienza (1910 meters) as their starting point for guided hiking and trekking tours. This mountain hut on the south side of the volcano offers easy access to transportation, various tour options, and basic amenities ensuring you have a smooth climb.

Ride the cable car

When heading towards the summit, a portion of your Mount Etna tour will be spent in a cable car. The quickest way to traverse the long and sloped part of Mount Etna, your cable car ride will take you to the starting point of the trek to the summit.

Go skiing in the winter

Experience the unique thrill of skiing down Etna's snow-capped slopes in winter. Carve tracks through volcanic ash and powder, with breathtaking views of the smoldering peak as your backdrop.

Take a jeep tour

If you’re the type to admire and enjoy beauty from a distance, then the Etna jeep tours are for you. See volcanic formations, pass by craters and stop to savor local delicacies from the comfort of a 4x4 jeep.

Enjoy food and drink

Try honey produced by bees foraging on Etna's wild flowers, or indulge in "Salame di Sant'Angelo," a local salami aged in lava caves. Refuel at Rifugio Sapienza or other mountain huts serving hearty pasta dishes, grilled meats, and warm soups. Look for wines made with local grape varietals like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

Plan your visit to Mount Etna

While there is no fixed schedule, tours to the summit typically begin at 8:30 AM and last for 5-8 hours. You can opt for a Mount Etna tour or visit certain parts of the mountain on your own.

Best time to visit:   The best time to visit Mount Etna includes the months of May and late September and October. Even during these shoulder months, you can expect a decent number of tourists at the location given the popularity of the attraction.

Address: 95031 Adrano, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy

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Getting there

By bus: 2-5, 431N, 439, 530, 534 Nearest stop: VI Aprile Sangiuliano (1 minute away from the meeting point)

By car: You can drive down to Rifugio Sapienza. Park here and then get a ticket to a 20-seater off-road vehicle that takes you up to 8,500 feet. From here, a qualified guide can take you higher or if you choose, you can even use their services to ascend to the summit.

• Try and reach Rifugio Sapienza (the starting point and located on Etna’s southern side) by around 8:30 in the morning. While the cable car officially starts at 9 AM, the first lift sometimes begins 15 minutes earlier. If you get here on time, you’ll be able to avoid the massive crowds that generally start arriving around or after 10 AM.
• That said, maximize your exploration by taking advantage of the cable car and off-road vehicles available for ascending Mount Etna. The cable car offers a smooth ascent, and the off-road vehicles navigate the challenging terrain.
• Take the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of Mount Etna. Indulge in local delicacies, such as honey, wine, and pistachios, known for their distinct volcanic tang.
• Don’t let the fiery breath of Mount Etna fool you into thinking it’s summer year round–once you ascend the peaks, it gets quite chilly. Carrying a jacket and a hat is advisable to beat the sudden cold.
• Always stick to the paths defined by the tour guides, especially when you’re walking up or hiking. This is because the landscape is constantly changing, so going off on a detour can be dangerous.

• Goes without saying, but wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots are a must while visiting Etna. Save those flip flops for the beach!

Due to uneven terrain and undulating lava fields, Mount Etna is not the most accessible destination on the planet. That said, there are limited provisions for wheelchair users to enjoy the volcano either on a 4x4 drive or by taking the Ferrovio Circumetnea train which circles the volcano. The Circumetnea departs from Catania and ends at Riposto.

Is it safe to visit Mount Etna? On most occasions, yes. The meteorological department is actively tracking Etna's state and will issue warnings if an eruption is about to occur. Moreover, Etna's eruptions tend to be relatively predictable, often occurring from its summit craters or new vents that open on its flanks. This means that most areas around the volcano are considered safe zones. Areas that are deemed too dangerous due to recent eruptions or volcanic activity are typically closed off to the public. However, before you visit, it is best to check whether it is advisable to visit Mount Etna during that period.

• Dolceria Salemi: Enjoy cakes, coffee, and lovely Italian food at Dolceria Salemi, about 18.4 km from Mount Etna.
• Etna Quota Mille: This rustic restaurants offers Souther Italian, Sicilian, and Mediterranean cuisine and is about 56.6 km away.
• Trattoria N'Da Calata: Whether you are looking for traditional Sicilian food, vegan or vegetarian dishes, or even a health meal, Trattoria N'Da Calata is for you and is 21 km away .

• Budget: Hotel Trieste ( 34 km away ), 5 Balconi ( 35.9 km away )
• Midrange: Sciaraviva Farm Holiday ( 20.9 km away ), Palace Catania ( 34.2 km away )
• Luxury: Palazzo Marletta ( 35.8 km away ), Quattro Canti Suites ( 34.3 km away )

Beyond Mount Etna

The Alcantara Gorges , also known as Gole dell'Alcantara, are a stunning natural wonder in eastern Sicily, formed by the Alcantara River cutting through ancient lava flows from Mount Etna. The most striking feature is the towering vertical columns of black basalt rock, resembling a giant's organ pipes.

Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi in Italian, is an extensive archaeological site in Agrigento, Sicily, boasting some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece itself. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of Sicily's most significant cultural treasures.

Palermo Botanical Garden

The Palermo Botanical Garden is a stunning and educational oasis in the heart of the vibrant city of Palermo, Sicily. It's not just a collection of beautiful plants; it's a historical landmark, a research institution, and a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and knowledge.

All Your Questions About Mount Etna Tours Answered

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is the highest in Europe. It’s known for its unique geological formations, craters, lava caves and more.

You can purchase Mount Etna tours online. You can choose from a variety of tickets like guided tours, intercity transfers, jeep tours and more.

Buying Mount Etna tours online affords you the following advantages: 1. Guarantee: You can rest easy as your experience is assured – whether you’re choosing to go on a hike, jeep tour or wine tasting tour. 2. Variety of options: From trekking to offroading to riding a cable car, purchasing tickets online gives you a plethora of options to choose from. 3. Discounts: Grab the best deals and offers on Mount Etna tours when you book them online.

You can choose to climb the summit, explore its craters, sit inside a comfortable jeep as you take in the terrain, go wine tasting and savor local delicacies… there’s something for everyone on Mount Etna.

Yes, you can get a full refund on canceling your Mount Etna tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled time.

Children aged 2 and below can avail free tours. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 get discounted tickets.

Yes, you can visit the Mount Etna summit but only via a guided tour.

• Traveling from Taormina or Catania are popular ways to arrive at Mount Etna. From these cities, you can either drive to Rifugio Sapienza, the southern starting point or take public transportation. 

The last eruption of Mount Etna happened In November 2023.

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Takes you off the beaten path

Visiting Mount Etna

This guide aims to explain how to visit Mount Etna in Sicily. We will share suggestions on self-guided tours both on foot and with a Mountain Bike. We will advise how to get to Mount Etna by bus, by car, and the price range for guided tours on Mt. Etna departing from Taormina or Catania. We are going to explain the differences between the south side of Mount Etna and the north side. If you wish to know more about how to visit Mount Etna, keep on reading this 2023 ultimate guide.

mount etna sicily

Etna is a stratovolcano located in Sicily, the southernmost region of Italy. The geological history of Etna begins with underwater activities 500,000 thousand years ago. Around 300,000 years ago, Mount Etna's activity became sub-aerial, and the volcanic building began to form. Only 170,000 years ago, it moved to the current eruptive center. Around 35,000 years ago and for about 20,000 years, Etna goes through a more explosive phase, which produces large pyroclastic flows, the ashes of which reach as far as Rome. Around 9,000 years ago, the volcano's east flank collapsed, sliding into the Mediterranean sea, forming a gigantic depression called the Valle del Bove. The collapse of the east side of Etna generated a tsunami that reached and destroyed most of the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The last major lateral eruption that destroyed the ski lifts, two hotels, and a series of shops dates back to October 2002. From 2002 to March 2022, Etna produced at least another 35 summit eruptions from the southeast crater, the most active of the four craters that form the summit apparatus. The height of Etna is 3328 meters (10,912 ft). The fertile soils along the sides of Etna have always supported flourishing agriculture. In the last thirty years, a young and innovative generation of oenologists and entrepreneurs has given birth to a  wine district visited every year by tourists worldwide. Hiking up to the summit craters is also an important income source for tourist agencies that organize day trips. During the winter, two ski lifts are in operation.

How to Visit Mount Etna

Mount Etna is undoubtedly a Sicilian icon that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists to the summit area and along his flanks every year. But, How can we visit Mount Etna? We can cycle from the woodlands to the edge of the lava desert at 3000 meters; we can hike for days and days or just for a couple of hours. We can explore Mount Etna riding a horse or in the company of a lama. We can decide to drive to the cableway, at 1900 meters and then go for a self-guided walking tour, or choose an Etna Guided tour from Taormina or Catania. Let us find out how to visit Mount Etna and how to get to Mount Etna from Catania and Taormina.

Shall I Go to The South or North Side of Mt. Etna?

Before you decide how to visit Mount Etna, you should know the differences between the south and north sides of the volcano. The Northside of Mt. Etna has a vast forest, many cycling trails, a series of fantastic hikes, and is not crowded. The main tourist cities close to the north side are Taormina and Giardini Naxos , even Castelmola and Letojianni are located north of Mt. Etna. From 2023 it's possible to hike all the way to the summit of the volcano from the north side, this means that if you are staying in Taormina you do not need to drive all the way to the cable car at "Rifugio sapienza". The south side is more barren, but thanks to the Etna's cable car is the ideal side if you decide to climb to the summit area starting from Catania. The south side at Rifugio Sapienza is crowded, but still, the landscape is stunning and worth a visit. Remember! Catania is closer to the south side, while Taormina and Giardini Naxos are closer to the north side.

When to visit Mount Etna

The best time of the year to cycle or hike on mount Etna is between April and the beginning of November. While between December and March, Mount Etna offers the chance to enjoy some skiing thanks to the two ski lifts on the north and south side and, a Nordic ski trail located at Piano Provenzana on the north side.

Mount Etna clothing

The recommended clothing to visit Mt. Etna varies according to the season. When visiting Mount Etna between November and March heavy clothing is Paramount. We recommend wearing winter trousers, waterproof shoes, a good sweater, a jacket, gloves, and a hat. Bring always a pair of extra wool socks in the rucksack just in case you will get your shoes wet, you do not want to freeze your feet. From April until October you can opt for lighter clothing, but carry always a jacket and a pair of trekking boots. Lava rocks are sharp as razors.

Mount Etna temperature

The average temperature on Mount Etna between 1000 meters and 2000 meters is 12degrees Celsius. August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 22-24 degrees Celsius. Between December and February above 1400 meters, temperatures can drop below zero even during the day.

Visiting Mount Etna with a guided walking tour

Out there, the offer for tours on Mount Etna is broad. Still, at the end of the day, there are three or four essential excursions worth buying to explore this Italian volcano.  When buying a tour ask always if the price includes, pick up to your hotel, walking boots, and walking poles.

Mount Etna summit tour price range €119 - €189

When buying the Etna Summit Tour , make sure it goes to the summit active craters at 3320 and not just to the Barbagallo Craters at 2900 meters on the south side, or it stops at the observatory of vulvanology on the north side, be careful!  Ask if the price for the summit tour includes cable car, Unimog, alpine guide, walking poles, and trekking boots. Some tour operator advertises the tour to the summit at a very low cost, but soon you will realize the price was just for transport. We recommend Sicily Active is a reliable tour operator based in Taormina that sells without hidden fees.

Mount Etna Long Hike Bove Valley price range €79 - €99

This Etna hike is almost unknown to the mainstream, but if you love walking and, want to get off the beaten path, this is the excursion you should buy. This full-day excursion departs from the Rifugio Citelli (A Mountain shelter)  on the north side of Mount Etna. This excursion lasts 8 hours; it covers 14 kilometers and delivers one of the most beautiful views of the volcano; the lunar Bove Valley. Along the trail, there is the suggestive Serracozzo cave.

Etna and Alcantara tour price range €69 - €89

This is an evergreen among Etna's tours. Who choose to buy this  Alcantara Etna excursion will get to see in a single day two of the most iconic landscapes of Sicily’s east coast; Mount Etna and the picturesque Gorges of the Alcantara . This full-day tour lasts 8 hours. It includes a 2 hours walk, the descent into a cave, and finally, after lunch, a visit with a swim into the river that plows the fantastic Canyon of the Alcantara.

Mount Etna Wine tour price range €99 - €139

Yes, the flanks of Mount Etna host a large and picturesque wine district. The Tour of Mount Etna and the wine district is the ideal solution for those travelers who wish to visit the volcano and taste some Etna wines paired with local food. A wine tour includes; some off-road through the Etna woodland, a brief walk (45-60 minutes) the tasting of wines, a full lunch, and in the afternoon a drive through the Alcantara Valley, and a walking tour of the town of Castiglione di Sicilia. When buying this tour, ask if the company uses Jeeps.

Can you climb Mount Etna without a guide?

Well,  yes, you can climb Etna alone, as long as you do not go over 2800 meters (9500 Ft.)   Is it worth hiking far from the summit of Mt. Etna? Yes, between 1500 and 2800 meters ( 5000 and 9500 ft.), there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails, and the landscape is fantastic. To find out more about Etna's self-guided tours, you can read our dedicated article about Hike in Sicily . Please keep in mind that even though Etna is not a very explosive volcano, it is one of the most active on the planet. The closer you get to the summit, the higher the risk of accidents becomes. Therefore, please be always cautious and evaluate if it’s the case to stop your climb to the summit.

Where to eat on Mount Etna?

There are just a few places where to eat on Etna's north side. The Mountain Chalet Clan Dei Ragazzi is an excellent choice. They serve a wide range of first and main courses, sandwiches and salads. This lovely Chalet built in a pine forest has rooms and a Mountain bike rental. The Rifugio Citelli instead is a mountain shelter; they serve some pasta and some meat-based dishes. The Rifugio Citelli has a dormitory where hikers sleep. At Piano Provenzana always on Etna nord there is “Chiosco Mare Neve”. This place is a bar, but last year they extended the site. From 2021 they have started to serve some main courses, sandwiches, and the typical “Panino with the sausage”. A couple of hundred yards from the Chiosco Mare Neve, there is Monte Conca Restaurant. This is an authentic restaurant; they have a wide range of food, even though we found that clan Dei Ragazzi food is much better. On Etna south side, at Rifugio Sapienza by the Etna Cable car, you will see many places where to eat and do some souvenirs shopping

How to get to Mount Etna north side from Taormina

The distance from Taormina to Etna's north side is around 40 kilometers. By car, It takes 45 minutes to get to Piano Provenzana, where the road ends at an altitude of 1800 meters. From Taormina, drive along the A18 motorway towards Catania, exit at Fiumefreddo junction, and then follow the road sign to Lingualossa di Sicilia. 

How to get to Mount Etna South Side from Taormina

To get from Taormina to Etna's south side, drive along the A 18 Motorway, exit at Giarre junction, then follow the road sign to Zafferana Etnea. The Distance from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza is 55 kilometers, and by car, it takes 1 hour and twenty minutes. The south side is where the Etna cable car is located.

How to get to Mount Etna Northside from Catania

From Catania, drive along the A18 towards Messina, exit at Fiumefreddo, and then follow the road sign to Linguaglossa di Sicilia. The distance is 54 kilometers, and it takes 1h and 20 minutes to reach Etna North Side.

How to get from Catania to Etna southside

From Catania to reach Etna south side at Rifugio Sapienza, the distance is 35 kilometers, and it takes 50 minutes. Drive towards Gravina, then follow the road sign towards Nicolosi and then drive toward Rifugio Sapienza, where the Etna cable car is located.

• Alcantara Gorges

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How to Hike Mt. Etna, an Active Volcano in Italy

M ount Etna loomed large over everything as we arrived in eastern Sicily that early January. From miles away, I could see the steam plumes rising from the snow-topped behemoth, like blown-out candles on a hastily iced birthday cake. Appropriately, I was on a milestone birthday road trip around Sicily, from Palermo to Catania. The second-to-last stop: Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and also its tallest, at 10,900 feet. Scientists believe Etna has been active for more than 500,000 years, presiding over Sicily long before humans arrived.

I'm no stranger to volcano hikes. I've summited several active stratovolcanoes (composite volcanoes) in my lifetime, from New Zealand's Tongariro to Nicaragua's Concepción. Italy is the only country on mainland Europe with active volcanoes, thanks largely to its location near two tectonic plates. Vesuvius, the most notorious among them, engulfed and preserved the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum after a violent eruption in 79 A.D. Stromboli has had regular minor eruptions for thousands of years. While Mount Etna hasn't had a catastrophic eruption since an infamous incident in 1669, its many eruptions in 2023 filled the news with jaw-dropping photos of lava vaulting into the atmosphere. When I thought of Sicily, I thought of turquoise-colored waters, stunning cathedrals, small villages, ancient ruins and, of course, the wine and food (pasta alla Norma in particular). I hadn't pictured an almost-constantly gurgling volcano that locals ski down in winter.

Now, one might ask, why voluntarily climb something that could blow at any minute? It's a perfectly reasonable question, and it sits at the smoldering heart of volcano tourism, which has exploded (no pun intended) in recent years as eruptions have captured the world-Kīlauea in Hawai'i and Fagradalsfjall in Iceland, for example-even as the volcano blowouts damage or disrupt local economies.

Volcano tourism brings thousands of visitors to Sicily each year. Ten municipalities surround Mount Etna, with several villages of 5,000 residents or fewer who depend heavily on tourism from volcano visitors. Since its 2013 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Etna has been one of Sicily's top-growing attractions. The Parco dell'Etna has taken steps to keep the crowds in check to maintain the volcano's integrity: specifically, limited parking, steep access fees, and the strong recommendation to take guided visits. The cable car to the start of the trails (8,202 feet) is 50 euros per person. Navigating Etna's unmarked paths and frequently shifting landscape requires the expertise of volcano guides. Visitors are permitted to hike up to about 9,000 feet alone, after which a guide is necessary, for both safety and environmental reasons.

A mountain of many moods

On the morning of our hike, my rental car begrudgingly changed gears on the snake-like winding drive from the town of Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza (6,266 feet above sea level) in Parco dell'Etna. As we approached the southern slope of the volcano along a twisting road, we spotted the glistening sea, villas with citrus trees poking over the gates, and small family vineyards making use of the area's fertile volcanic soil.

After acquiring gourmet deli sandwiches for our future lunch break at the meeting point (it's Italy, after all), we took the cable car up to meet our volcano guide, Vincenzo Greco . Vincenzo is a local volcanologist and second-generation Etna guide. He studied geology at the University of Catania and became the youngest person ever to achieve certification as a volcanology guide in Italy.

We started our ascent-excited to work off days of Sicilian cannoli-and trekked through the Valle del Bove. Winter-tanned Vincenzo introduced us to the volcano. He explained which eruption created which new landscape, noting how old this new rock ledge was or how this patch of ground has changed in the past decade. Six weeks before my arrival, in November, a new vent opened on the southeast crater at nearly 9,200 feet. A second vent opened three days later, effusing the new lava . In December, the lava flows reached Valle del Leone and the greater Valle del Bove, depressions on the eastern slope, creating a lava flow field and burping up occasional ash amid the steam and gasses. The lava flows would stop in February, once again reworking the landscape of Etna.

Everything here changes. I recalled the homes we passed on the way in, squarely in the line of Etna's fire if she ever got angry enough. With the windy road and altitude, there could be no escape if something happened. You really have to love the volcano, Vincenzo said, or at least love living by it or perhaps just be a bit stubborn.

Vincenzo and Etna have a passionate Italian relationship. He loves Etna, but their quarrels are, well . . . volcanic. He studies her moods and knows her mannerisms. He flew a drone over an eruption once and her heat melted his camera. It was an expensive mistake, but the few photos he got were spectacular.

About half an hour into the hike, Vincenzo ducked toward a large crevasse between two rocks. "Feel this!" he exclaimed excitedly. "But be careful." I inched forward, waving my hand around in the air aimlessly until a burst of boiling heat hit my skin. It was a small steam vent-Etna saying hello. The power of the invisible heat surprised me. It was a reminder of how easy it is to fall into a false sense of security up here. This isn't your average molehill. Thanks to unmarked paths and a disorienting amount of regular landscape shifts, Vincenzo and his fellow guides have had to rescue tourists when Etna gets moody.

Our hiking group turned a corner and came face-to-face with a lava tunnel formed by a previous eruption. We smushed into the narrowing pathway one at a time. The rock walls towered overhead on both sides, blocking out the sun above. Following the same path as a recent river of molten red lava was a stark reminder of Etna's power.

A crunchy layer of snow covered the black lava rocks throughout the journey, turning the scene into a black-and-white photo anytime the clouds rolled in and covered the bluebird sky. Typically, this time of year, hikers might need snowshoes or cross-country skis in addition to hiking boots. Instead, it was unseasonably warm across Sicily. We sat down for lunch as a crater pumped out billowing white puffs in the distance, our jackets off, the sun blazing. Up next, the final stop: one of Etna's four main craters, at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

In some parts, the crater rim narrowed to the width of two footsteps side by side, on loose lava pebbles. The winds whipped the smell of sulfur away. I could see the clouds off in the distance, a white blanket over the valley. Above me, the sun beat down from a bright blue sky. The black lava rocks absorbed the light, but the white snow was blinding. For a brief moment, I grew disoriented. I felt like I could walk out onto the blanket of clouds, thousands of feet above sea level. Maybe it was the combination of altitude, sulfur, and adrenaline, but I felt briefly euphoric in this otherworldly atmosphere. In that moment, I realized Etna's pull. I brought myself back to earth by looking down into the crater, the bottom of which was so deep it wasn't visible. Halfway around the crater, a dizzyingly steep drop appeared. With a flourish, Vincenzo appeared to hop off the ledge. Was my guide supposed to jump off? Would I be stuck in Etna's clutches forever?

The descent was arguably more challenging than the climb. Vincenzo took off, hopping down the steep drop of loose lava pebbles. Others followed suit. Unwilling to body surf down thousands of jagged little rocks, I attempted to switchback. My boots sank deep into the ground with each sideways step, as if I had attempted to walk across a ball pit. I felt my shoes fill with lava rocks. Time to throw caution to the wind. Hiking poles in hand, I "skied" down Mount Etna, sending mini avalanches of lava rocks flying with each skip. The lava rocks felt springy at that speed.

Once we arrived at the cable car, the world changed. We had come back down through the clouds, and everything was gray. The seaside views were gone, covered by fog. I tried to catch one last glimpse of Etna from below. She was gone, off in her own world.

Know before you go

Getting there.

Sicily has two major airports: Palermo Airport (Falcone Borsellino Airport) on the west side and Catania Airport (Vincenzo Bellini Airport) on the east. Catania is about an hour from Mount Etna and Palermo about three.

Where to stay

The town of Nicolosi is the gateway to the southern entrance of Mount Etna.

Hotel Alle Pendici is a nine-room B&B dotted with framed photos of Mount Etna throughout the seasons. The rooms are basic but cozy with a ski chalet ambience.

Blanc Maison Etna is a five-room B&B next to a beautifully manicured park. The rooms have views of the pool, the garden, or the volcano.

Tour operators we love

The Society of Guides Vulcanologiche Etna Nord offers a variety of tours with licensed volcano guides, including ours, Vincenzo.