Summit Craters
Trek

A moderately challenging trek: the cable car takes you to 2,500 m, then you walk up to 3,300 metres, taking in Etna's summit area with commentary from the volcanological guide.

The route combines a mechanised ascent with walking: the cable car saves your energy for the part that matters, the 800 metres of climb up to the summit area. Above 2,500 metres you can only go up with authorised guides: it is an environment that changes quickly and needs to be read by people who know it.

Up there Etna shows its truest face: the ground steams, the wind carries the smell of sulphur and the silence is broken only by the volcano's puffs. On clear days the view embraces half of Sicily, with the sea as the horizon.

It is the most demanding trek we offer: what you need is a steady pace and a bit of fitness rather than technique. Anyone used to mountain walking will manage it comfortably; if you have doubts about your preparation, write to us and we'll talk it through before you book.

At 3,300 metres it is cold even in summer: bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, sunglasses and water; trekking boots are strongly recommended. The maximum altitude that can be reached may vary with the volcano's activity and the authorities' instructions: safety always decides the day's route.

It is the highest and most spectacular experience on the volcano, among active craters, gas plumes and views reaching the sea. Total duration around 6 hours.