ETNA NORTH altitude 3,000m + Craters
Daily departures from Piano Provenzana, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, with modern 4×4 Euro 5 and Euro 6 off-road vehicles approved by the Etna Park Authority. The excursion to the summit, guided by expert alpine or volcanological guides, starts from 1,800 meters (Piano Provenzana) and follows a scenic road through ancient craters and recent lava flows up to the Volcanological Observatory at 2,850 meters.
During the ascent, there is a stop to admire the ruins of the “Le Betulle” hotel, the only visible structure after the lava flow of October 27, 2002. Continuing towards the “Umberto and Margherita” craters at approximately 2,380 meters, it is possible to take a short trek along the edge of these imposing extinct craters, witnesses to the force of nature.
After the visit, the journey resumes towards the volcanological observatory at Pizzi Deneri, at an altitude of 2,818 meters. After parking the off-road vehicles, a short trek of about 15 minutes accompanied by guides leads to the summit of Pizzi Deneri at 2,850 meters, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy a wide view of the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian Coast from Syracuse to Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, and the Calabrian coasts.
From a safe distance, you can observe the summit craters that dominate the majestic Valle del Bove, which often protected the underlying towns during lava flows.
Back on the off-road vehicles, the journey proceeds towards the eruptive theater of the eruption of October 27, 2002, with its characteristic buttonhole craters. Arriving at about 1,900 meters, the trekking on the lava flows and explosive products begins. The circular route allows you to walk along the edges of the craters and admire their typical “buttonhole” morphology. After reaching the summit at about 2,050 meters, you can enjoy an impressive view of the eruptive theater and the lava flow that destroyed the tourist station of Piano Provenzana. A brief descent follows on a sandy slope to the available off-road vehicles for the return to Piano Provenzana.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Hiking boots, windproof jacket or down jacket.
For those who do not have them, the possibility of renting boots/jackets on site.
NOTES Languages spoken: English – French – Italian.
The maximum altitude reached is 3,000 meters.
The maximum duration of the excursion is 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Touristic, therefore the excursion is also possible for children above 3 years old.
This itinerary is not recommended for people with specific conditions (cardiovascular, respiratory, or hypertension).
The excursion may undergo variations at the discretion of the guides, should environmental, atmospheric, or volcanic conditions change.
Included in the price: round trip with 4×4 bus and Alpine or Vulcanological Guide.
How to Reach Us We are located at: Piano Provenzana, Etna Nord. Ticket office area “Etna Escursioni”.
Prices:
€69.00 | per person €50.00
Child ≤ 12 years
Child ≤ 4 years FREE
Possibility of sunset excursion:
From the volcanological observatory, you can enjoy the sunset while sipping local wine and tasting the typical hazelnut pastries of the region, making the experience even more suggestive and spectacular.
Subsequently, return to Piano Provenzana will be made with the alpine or volcanological guide on board our vehicles.
Prices:
€78.00 | per person €60.00
Child ≤ 12 years
Child ≤ 4 years FREE
