• Etna summit craters (1)
• Etna summit craters (2)
• Etna summit craters (3)
• Etna summit craters (4)
• Etna summit craters (5)

At the summit crater of Etna volcano

Variant 1: Etna's summit craters - short circuit (ETN_C01)
5 hrs total / moderate

Program:

Start at La Sapienza mountain station (1900 m elevation), take cable car and/ or jeeps to bring you quickly to ca. 2900 m elevation. From there, climb to the summit crater(s) (ca. 1-1.5 hrs climbing, 200-400 m difference). The exact route of ascend and which of the summit craters can be visited will depend on weather, fitness, activity etc. Spend ca. 1-2 hrs in the summit region, descend to the point of departure and descend (optional break in the 2900 m elevation area to observe the impressive newly formed craters of the eruption in 2002-2003). Jeep/cable-car descend back to parking area at La Sapienza.

Included:

• Certified VolcanoDiscovery mountain guide
• Jeep and/or cable car transfers from La Sapienza to ca. 2900 m and back

Physical requirements:

• At least some experience with hiking on unpaved trails necessary
• Climbing up and down 300 m (ca. 1000 ft) at ca. 3000 m altitude
• Walking up and down on steep, loose sandy surfaces
• No fear of heights
• No breathing or serious respiratory problems

Equipment:

• Sturdy walking or mountain boots
• Sufficiently warm clothes (especially during winter)
• Sun-, wind- and rain-protection
• Snacks and water
• Optional: 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