Mount Etna North Craters: Off-Road and Trekking Experience
Hop in a 4x4 and witness the spectacular power of this volcano
Trying to navigate the chaotic, ever-changing slopes of an active volcano without an expert guide is dangerous! Join our Mount Etna Tour that provides a volcanological guide and a sturdy 4x4 to take you off-road to the restricted northern slopes where the real adventure begins. You'll trek across ancient craters, hear fiery myths, and conquer the raw, lunar landscape in the company of a small group, guaranteeing the most authentic (and safe!) Mount Etna experience.
What you get with this tour
-
Licensed volcanological guide
-
4x4 transfer on Mount Etna
-
Trekking around the northern craters
-
Safety equipment if required
-
Hotel pick up/drop-off
-
Personal expenses
-
Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meet & Mount Up
Kick off your adventure 1,800 meters up on Etna’s northern side and hop into your 4×4 for an off-road ride like no other. -
2
Le Betulle Hotel Ruins
Stop at the haunting remains of the Le Betulle Hotel, the lone survivor of the 2002 lava flow. -
3
Umberto & Margherita Craters
Marvel at these enormous craters and embark on a short trek at 2,380 meters to feel the volcanic power beneath your feet. -
4
Pizzi Deneri Promontory
Ascend to the volcanological observatory at 2,818 meters, then take a 15-minute trek to the top for sweeping views of Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and Sicily’s sparkling coastlines. -
5
Summit Crater Views & Valle del Bove
Gaze upon the summit craters and the majestic Valle del Bove, a landscape that’s both dramatic and unforgettable. -
6
2002 Eruption Zone & Lava Flows
Drive through the area of the 2002 eruption, explore the curious buttonhole craters, and marvel at the raw beauty of hardened lava flows. -
7
Sandy Slope Descent & Return
Finish your volcanic adventure with a short descent down a sandy slope and a ride back to Piano Provenzana, memories (and photos) in tow.
Additional Information
Mount Etna 4x4 & Trekking Adventure Full Description
Your 2.5-hours adventure includes:
Expert volcanological guide
4x4 ride to Etna’s northern slopes
Guided trek across ancient craters and lava fields
Stories of eruptions, myths, and local legends
Small-group experience
Off-Road Ascent
Climb aboard a sturdy 4x4 and journey up Mount Etna’s northern flanks. Along the way, admire lunar landscapes, sprawling lava flows, and the wild beauty of Sicily’s most iconic volcano. Your volcanological guide will share insider knowledge about Etna’s fiery past and its restless activity.
Crater Trekking
Leave the vehicle behind and lace up your boots for a guided hike around Etna’s northern craters. Feel the crunch of volcanic rock beneath your feet, peer into dormant craters, and see firsthand the raw force of nature that has shaped this land for thousands of years.
Lava Legends & Local Secrets
As you explore, discover myths of gods and giants tied to Etna, and hear tales of epic eruptions that transformed Sicily’s landscape. Your guide will point out hidden details, from unique rock formations to hardy plants that survive on volcanic soil.
Panoramic Finale
Wrap up your adventure with breathtaking views over the Valle del Bove and beyond. Snap photos, soak in the dramatic landscapes, and savor the thrill of standing on Europe’s tallest active volcano before returning by 4x4.





