VOLCANOLOGICAL EXCURSION ON ETNA
3000 Meters Altitude Trekking – from Etna South – Nicolosi

Snowshoe rental at a cost of €15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide you with the equipment).

The eventual decision to use the return with 4×4 vehicles from Torre del Filosofo (2750 m) to the Etna Cableway (2500 m) has an additional cost of €18 per person. 👉🏻 [This option is not available at the moment].

Authorized Volcanological Guide

Accident insurance

€50 to be paid at the ticket office for transport: Cable car (return) from 1900m to 2500m.

Hiking equipment needed

Trekking poles

Protective helmets

Extra backpack

Jacket 

Windbreaker

Trekking shoes

Meeting at the parking lot of the Sapienza Refuge – Nicolosi Etna Sud

The trek begins at the arrival of the Etna cable car at an altitude of 2500 meters. and develops first, on a dirt road and then on a path. After walking the first kilometer, we will meet the Crater of the Lake (Cratere del Laghetto) relating to the eruption of 2001. Subsequently, visitors will be led in the vicinity of the crater called Cisternazza, formed during the eruptive activity of 1792 that threatened the town of Zafferana etnea.

Then you will reach the Belvedere della Valle del Bove (depending on the visibility), a place that allows you to admire the majestic beauty of the great depression that occupies the eastern side of the volcanic building. The next steps will be: the effusive mouth of 2002 with the possibility of touching the gas of fumaroles still hot, the lava flow channel, the Barbagallo Craters (eruption of 2002) and the lava flows of the recent activities produced by the South East Crater . The descent from an altitude of 3000 meters – MAXIMUM HEIGHT REACHABLE AT THE MOMENT DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF VOLCANIC RISK –  is planned on foot to the arrival station of the Etna cableway (2500 meters).

Departure scheduled upon reaching a minimum of 6 participants

Trekking is not recommended for those who do little physical activity.

Trekking is not recommended for those who do not regularly perform sports activities.

The excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, but  caution is required  as it is on volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.

 The excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted if environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, which could compromise the  safety  of the entire group.

The total duration of the trek will depend on your pace.

The excursion will take place within the limits set by the  ordinances  in force.

Also suitable for children aged  7 and over .

The route includes climbing and passing along the crater rims, which could cause  vertigo problems  for sensitive individuals.

This itinerary, in relation to the type and altitude , is suitable for people in good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies ( cardiovascular ,  respiratory  or  hypertension ). 

We do not recommend  the use of  contact lenses  because of the gases released by the volcano and the ash which, if blown, could easily cause problems.

Pregnant women who are beyond the third month of  pregnancy are not permitted to engage in any type of hiking activity.

To ensure the success of the excursion and the correct performance of the activity, it is good practice to know your  health conditions perfectly  and to inform the Guide if necessary, all this to reduce the onset of any problems and avoid running  risks .

When preparing for a hike, it is essential to have the right equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential tips, with special attention to the first seven items on the list.

Layered Clothing

Wearing layers is essential to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. A short-sleeved shirt combined with a thermal or long-sleeved shirt allows you to regulate your body heat based on the weather conditions.

Long Pants

Long trousers offer protection from external elements, such as the cold and insects, and are ideal for tackling rough terrain.

Trekking Shoes

Investing in a good pair of hiking shoes is essential. These shoes provide support and grip, reducing the risk of injury.

Windbreaker or Down Jacket

In the second season, a windbreaker or down jacket will protect you from the elements, keeping you warm and dry during the hike.

Gloves and Hat

Especially during the colder seasons, gloves and hat are to maintain body heat and protect you from the cold.

Packed Lunch

Bringing a nutritious lunch will give you the energy you need to get through the day. Choose light, nutrient-dense foods.

Water – Minimum 1.5 L

Staying hydrated is essential. Make sure to bring at least 1.5 liters of water to avoid dehydration during exercise.

Other Useful Elements

In addition to the above items, consider bringing trekking poles, a waterproof k-way, a 25/30 liter backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen or lip balm, spare socks, a waterproof jacket, a spare t-shirt, and a snack to keep your energy up.

Prepare yourself properly and enjoy your adventure

If you have any other doubts contact us

In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will advise you in order to communicate the cancellation or postponement of your excursion, at the earliest possible date.

There is no advance payment for the reservation (except for agencies, groups or private guide services), after communicating your reservation to our number: +39 345 5741330 you will pay directly the guide who will be with you on the day of the excursion.

There is no advance payment for transportation. The guide will take you inside the office of the Funivia dell’Etna for the payment of the return tickets, just before the departure.

In case of many requests, the participants will be divided into smaller groups with different guides, according to the languages in order to avoid the formation of large groups of people.