Mount Etna: Special Hike on the Wild and Authentic Side

The Mount Etna: Special Hike on the Wild and Authentic Side offers an exceptional way to experience one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. This 4-hour guided trek takes you to the less visited northern slopes of Etna, where you’ll explore dramatic volcanic features such as craters, fractures, and lava flows. The tour is led by expert volcanological guides and includes transport by special 4×4 vehicles from 1800 meters up to 2800 meters altitude, making it ideal for those who want a more authentic, less crowded volcanic adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on wild, unspoiled landscapes and its safety in offering an alternative to summit crater visits, which may be restricted due to volcanic risk. It is well-suited for moderately trained hikers who are comfortable walking at high altitude, and it includes visits inside volcanic cones, offering a close-up view of volcanic activity. Although the trek requires proper footwear and physical readiness, it provides a rich, scientific perspective on Etna’s volcanic processes.

Key Points

• Guided tour lasting approximately 4 hours exploring the north side of Mount Etna away from tourist crowds.
• Transport by 4×4 vehicles raises the altitude from 1800 meters to 2800 meters, with the guide providing explanations during the journey.
• Visit inside volcanic cones and craters, including the eruption of February 24, 1947 and other notable craters formed by eruptions dating back to 1914.
• Hiking route of about 6 km, walking along crater edges, fractures, and slopes of volcanic ash, with stops at high panoramic points.
• Expert volcanological guides in French, Italian, or English lead the journey, sharing detailed scientific and historical insights.
• Suitable for moderately trained hikers and those with good health, with instructions on necessary gear and safety precautions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Mount Etna’s Less Visited North Side: An Authentic Volcano Experience

Unlike the more crowded southern summit tours, this trek emphasizes the wilder, less trodden northern slopes of Mount Etna. The route provides an intimate view of the volcano’s geological richness, including fractures, lava ducts, and crater remnants. The terrain is volcanic and rugged, offering an authentic volcanic environment where molten magma once boiled in volcanic supply ducts. The tour is designed to showcase Etna’s natural forces in a setting that remains largely free from heavy tourist traffic.

The guides are trained volcanologists who operate under the instructions of civil protection authorities, ensuring safety while still allowing close encounters with active volcanic features. The journey involves ascent on 4×4 vehicles to high-altitude points, followed by on-foot exploration along crater rims and fractures, making it a geological adventure with visual spectacles like recent lava flows and eruption craters.

Visiting Craters and Lava Flows of the 20th and 21st Century

The tour takes visitors inside some of Etna’s most significant craters. You will see the eruption craters of February 24, 1947, including entering inside the chimney of a volcanic cone with protective helmets. As you walk along the edges of round explosive craters, you traverse slopes of volcanic ash and lateral eruption sites from eruptions spanning over a century, like 1914, 1923, 1974/75, and recent activity from 2002.

The route covers approximately 6 km on foot, ending at Piano Provenzana, with spectacular views of recent lava flows and the summit craters if weather conditions permit. The experience provides a comprehensive look at the volcanic history and ongoing activity, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a scientific and scenic overview of Mount Etna’s evolution.

The Trek Itinerary and Key Stops on the North Side

Starting from the Chiosco Bar Mareneve, the tour begins with a short briefing before boarding 4×4 vehicles. The first stop is at 2800 meters, near the Volcanological Observatory, where a panoramic view of the summit craters, lava flows, and Sicily’s landscape appears (weather permitting). Here, guides share insights about the volcano’s recent activity.

Next, the main trek begins from about 2800 meters to roughly 2900 meters, going to a panoramic point overlooking the summit craters. Afterward, the group is transported to the north side of Etna’s large crater, where the longer walk unfolds. The route includes visits inside volcanic fractures and craters, such as the Rift of the north side, and the chimney of the eruption cone.

Along the walk, visitors observe craters from past eruptions like 1914, 1911, 1809, 1874, 1879, and more recent activity from 2002, traversing slopes of volcanic ash and lateral eruption craters. The route is designed to be diverse and visually striking, with plenty of opportunities to examine volcanic features up close.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Transport, and Group Size

The tour departs from the Chiosco Bar Mareneve, located near the ski chairlift in the parking lot. The exact coordinates are 37.7979, 15.0369. Arriving slightly in advance is recommended to ensure smooth check-in. The parking fee of 3 euros is paid after the tour, and transport to 2800 meters is included in the activity cost through special terrain vehicles.

Group sizes are managed carefully, with guides dividing participants according to language and group capacity to avoid large, unwieldy groups. The activity is suited to moderately trained hikers, capable of walking up to 6 km over uneven volcanic terrain. Proper footwear, especially hiking shoes, is essential for safety and comfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

Physical Requirements and Safety Considerations

This tour involves high-altitude walking on rugged volcanic slopes. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and be aware that the route might cause dizziness for those sensitive to altitude or high viewpoints. The excursion is designed with strict safety protocols overseen by volcanological guides in coordination with civil protection.

It is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, claustrophobia, heart or respiratory issues, vertigo, recent surgeries, or low fitness levels. The activity requires appropriate footwear, long pants, and protective gear like helmets. The guides provide explanations about volcanic activity and ensure safety throughout the trek.

Weather, Cancellations, and Flexibility

The tour is weather-dependent; in case of adverse weather conditions, the guides will notify participants early enough to cancel or postpone. Rain jackets and hiking boots are provided, but travelers should come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and appropriate clothing.

Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking allows reserve and pay later options, providing flexibility. The activity minimum is 8 participants, and the tour might be canceled if this number is not reached.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Mount Etna Adventures

This specialized hike emphasizes the northern side of Etna, offering a less crowded, more authentic volcanic environment. Unlike more commercial summit tours, this route allows closer inspection of volcanic fissures, craters, and lava ducts that formed over the last century.

The expert guides with volcanological backgrounds enhance the experience with scientific explanations and inside access to volcanic cones. The transportation to high altitude and the closer proximity to active features make this tour particularly appealing for geology enthusiasts and those seeking a more natural, less touristy Etna experience.

Mount Etna’s Wild Side: A Unique Volcanic Trek

This journey along Mount Etna’s north side provides an up-close look at its volcanic activity with accessible routes that avoid summit crater restrictions. The 4-hour itinerary combines vehicle transport and on-foot exploration, making it possible to witness eruptive craters, fractures, and lava flows from recent eruptions in a safe yet immersive manner.

The tour’s focus on raw volcanic landscapes and scientific insight makes it a standout choice for nature lovers and geology buffs. The small group size and dedicated expert guides ensure a personalized experience that emphasizes both safety and learning.

While physical fitness is necessary, the overall experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic power of Mount Etna that is quite different from more crowded, summit-focused excursions. This tour delivers an authentic, scenic, and educational volcanic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of this tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

• Where does the tour start?
  The meeting point is Chiosco Bar Mareneve, near the ski chairlift, at coordinates 37.7979, 15.0369.

• What is included in the activity?
  The price covers guide services and transport via 4×4 vehicles to high-altitude points.

• Is the activity suitable for children or unfit individuals?
  It is designed for moderately trained hikers and not suitable for people with low fitness, mobility issues, or certain health conditions.

• What should I bring?
  Essential items include hiking shoes, windbreaker, long pants, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What happens in case of bad weather?
  The tour may be canceled or postponed; guides will inform participants as early as possible.

• Are helmets provided?
  Yes, protective helmets are supplied, especially for entering volcanic cones.

• Is there an age limit?
  The activity is suitable for adults and up to 95 years old, as long as health conditions permit.

• Are there any restrictions during the tour?
  High-heeled shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed; alcohol consumption in the vehicle is prohibited.

This special hike on Mount Etna’s wild north side offers an unmatched view of volcanic activity in a less crowded environment, perfect for geology enthusiasts and adventurous hikers seeking a rich, scientific volcanic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby