- 07:00 — Pickup from Catania hotel
- 07:50 — Arrival at Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m)
- 08:00 — Briefing and equipment fitting
- 08:15 — Cable car to 2,500m
- 08:45 — 4x4 Jeep to 2,850m
- 09:00 — Summit trek begins
- 11:30 — Active craters at 3,340m
- 12:00 — Descent begins — lunch break in lava desert
- 14:00 — Valle del Bove viewpoint — 2001 craters
- 15:00 — Cable car descent to Rifugio Sapienza
- 16:00 — Return to Catania
Mount Etna Summit Tour from Catania — Cable Car & Active Craters
4.9/5 Google (534)
- 🌋 Active craters at 3,340m
- 🚡 Cable car + 4x4 Jeep ascent
- 🕳️ Valle del Bove viewpoint
- 🚗 Direct pickup in Catania
Mount Etna Summit Tour from Catania — Cable Car, Jeep & Active Craters at 3,340m
The Mount Etna summit tour from Catania reaches the active craters at 3,340 metres on the south side of the volcano. Pickup at 07:00 from your hotel in Catania. Transfer to Rifugio Sapienza in 50 minutes, then cable car to 2,500 metres and 4x4 Jeep to 2,850 metres. From there, a guided trek to the summit craters — 14 kilometres total, 6 hours walking time, full day 9 hours.
The route crosses the lava desert of the south slope, reaches the active craters and descends along the north-east ridge overlooking the Valle del Bove — one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the volcano. Alpine guide and private guide included. Cable car ticket, transport, and trekking boots in the price.
€175 per person. No advance payment — you pay on the day of the tour.
Why Choose Sicily Active
- Direct pickup in CataniaDoor-to-door pickup from your hotel in Catania at 07:00 — no transfers needed.
- Active craters at 3,320mCable car and 4x4 Jeep take you to the summit — the highest point accessible on Etna.
- Volcanic flexibilityIf the south side is restricted, the tour continues on the north side — no cancellation.
- Alpine & private guideTwo guides on every departure — alpine certified and private English-speaking.
Excursion Details
Departure & Pickup
Pickup at 07:00 from your hotel or a convenient meeting point in Catania. Transfer to Rifugio Sapienza on Etna's south side — approximately 50 minutes.
Cable Car & Jeep Ascent
From Rifugio Sapienza, the group boards the cable car to 2,500 metres. From there, a 4x4 Jeep continues the ascent to 2,850 metres. During the drive, the guide introduces the geology and eruption history of the south slope.
Summit Trek
The guided trek begins at 2,850 metres. The route follows the ridge above the Valle del Bove — 14 kilometres total, reaching the active craters at 3,340 metres. The descent includes a stop at the Barbagallo craters born from the 2001 eruption and the viewpoint overlooking the Valle del Bove.
Lunch Break
Short 20-minute break in the open lava desert on the descent. Water included — bring your own food or a packed lunch.
Return
Cable car descent to Rifugio Sapienza. Return transfer to Catania — arrival approximately 16:00.
Season & Conditions
The tour runs from April to October. Summit access depends on volcanic activity and weather conditions. If the south side is restricted, the tour continues on the north side. If conditions are not suitable, the tour is cancelled — no charge.
Mount Etna summit access depends on volcanic activity. When the south side is restricted, the tour continues on the north side — same experience, no cancellation.
Typical Itinerary
Useful Information
Pickup: 07:00 from Catania hotel
Total duration: 9 hours
Trek distance: 14 km
Positive gain: 500 meters
Max altitude: 3,340m
Difficulty: Medium-High
Water included
Lunch not included — bring your own
⚠️Not suitable for people with asthma or cardiac conditions
⚠️ Contact lenses not permitted at summit altitude
What to Wear and What to Bring
- Layered thermal clothing
- Windproof outer jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sturdy closed shoes (trekking boots provided)
- Small backpack
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Water (provided)
⭐ Summit Access Guaranteed
If the south side is restricted, the tour continues on the north side — no cancellation, same experience.
● Active craters at 3,340m
● Cable car + 4x4 Jeep
● Direct Catania pickup
● Alpine guide included
Questions and Answers
Is pickup available from Catania?
Yes. Direct pickup from your hotel in Catania at 07:00. No transfer to Taormina required.
What happens if the south side is restricted due to volcanic activity?
The tour continues on the north side of Etna — same experience, no cancellation.
Is the cable car included?
Yes. Cable car ticket and 4x4 Jeep to 2,850 metres are included in the price.
Are there health restrictions?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for people with asthma or cardiac conditions. Contact lenses are not permitted at summit altitude.
What is included in the price?
Transport from Catania, cable car, 4x4 Jeep, trekking boots, water and alpine guide. Lunch not included — bring your own.
Transport, cable car, 4x4 Jeep, trekking boots and water included Lunch not included — bring your own packed lunch
Free cancellation, you pay on the day of the tour
€175,00Kids 10/12 €139You can pay with credit card
Booking
Ready for the summit?
● Catania pickup ● Cable car + Jeep
● Alpine guide ● Free cancellation
Customer service
Customer care 7/7 from 09:00 to 21:00, also on WhatsApp
You can book with WhatsApp click here!
- Ivano (+39) 334 263 2697
- Vera (+39) 379 104 5234
- E-mail info@sicilyactive.com
