On the way up to Etna from the north side

Prices, Info & Booking

Variant 5: Etna's summit craters & full mounatin traverse (ETN_C05)
ca. 10-12 hrs total / challenging

Program:

For serious trekkers, there are several options to cross the volcano from North to South or vice versa,- each is very strenous (climb up and down about 1400-1500 m) but equally rewarding. A very good way is to start at the north side of Etna at around 1700 m elevation, climb to and follow the east rim of the Valle del Bove to the base of the NE crater at around 2900 m, then climb the summit crater area (from which side will depend on the weather), and descend as in tour variant 2, arriving at La Sapienza on the S side late in the afternoon or in the evening. From there, we arrange transfer back to the point of departure. It is also possible to do the tour in the opposite way and there are several alternative routes on parts of the tour as well. The decision on which route should be made based on the weather and other conditions at the time.

Included:

• Certified VolcanoDiscovery mountain guide
• Transfer from La Sapienza, Nicolosi or nearby places to the trailhead on the north side of Etna
• - alternatively, transfer back to your point of departure on the north side of etna (near Linguaglossa)

Physical requirements:

• Excellent overall fitness
• Hiking experience in mountains
• Climbing and descending of up 1500 m (ca. 5000 ft)
• Walking up and long walks downhill on partially steep, loose sandy surfaces
• No fear of heights
• No breathing or serious respiratory problems

Equipment:

• Sturdy walking or mountain boots
• Sufficiently warm functional clothes (especially during winter)
• Daypack
• Flashlight
• Sun-, wind- and rain-protection
• Snacks and water
• Recommended: extra shirt to change, walking poles (recommended!), gaiters

Optional add-ons (on request):

• Transfers from Catania, Taormina, or other locations on Sicily: price on request based on distance and nr. of pax
• Accommodation at La Sapienza: dep. on season, ca. 80-120 EUR p. double room