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Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, offers thrilling excursions across its craters, lava fields and panoramic landscapes.
Mount Etna Tours & Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Ascend to 2,500m from the south base (1,900m) via a cable car in 12 minutes or less.
Difficulty level: Easy | Quick lift with minimal effort
- Everything you get: Get round-trip cable-car transfers from Rifugio Sapienza (South base) at 1,900m to the elevation at 2,500m. Upon reaching, take in the striking dark cones of the Monti Silvestri craters alongside the dramatic formations from the 2003 eruptions at your own pace.
- Why choose this: This is the quickest and easiest way to reach the volcano with no waiting and little commute time along with the flexibility of self-paced exploration and freedom to return whenever you're ready.
- Upgrade: There are hour-long queues at the cable car station. With these tickets you bypass them, making it the quickest and easiest way to see the craters while enjoying the freedom of self-exploration.
Ascend to 2,500m from the south base (1,900m) via a cable car in 12 minutes or less.
Difficulty level: Easy | Quick lift with minimal effort
- Everything you get: Get round-trip cable-car transfers from Rifugio Sapienza (South base) at 1,900m to the elevation at 2,500m. Upon reaching, take in the striking dark cones of the Monti Silvestri craters alongside the dramatic formations from the 2003 eruptions at your own pace.
- Why choose this: This is the quickest and easiest way to reach the volcano with no waiting and little commute time along with the flexibility of self-paced exploration and freedom to return whenever you're ready.
- Upgrade: There are hour-long queues at the cable car station. With these tickets you bypass them, making it the quickest and easiest way to see the craters while enjoying the freedom of self-exploration.
Inclusions
- Round-trip cable car tickets with skip-the-line access
- Round-trip 4x4 jeep (as per option selected)
- An expert multilingual guide fluent in English, French, Italian (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Large luggage not allowed
- Drones not allowed
What to bring
- Wear a windbreaker jacket and hiking shoes.
- Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
What’s not allowed
- Large luggage, suitcases, and oversized bags are not allowed on the cable car or tour vehicles.
- Drones are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
- The experience is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions, high blood pressure, or for pregnant women.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- The service operates daily from 8:30am to 4pm (last descent at 3:50pm), subject to weather or technical conditions.
- Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and with a muzzle at all times.
- You can rent windbreakers, boots, and poles at the 2,500m station if you do not have suitable clothing.
- These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 5 days.
- These tickets are valid for 5 days from the date of purchase.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION5 hours
FIRST DEPARTUREMount Etna
LAST DEPARTUREMount Etna
Start point
Bar Très Joli
50 min25 km
1. Mount Etna
Things to do
Guided hike
End point
Bar Très Joli
Your ending point would be same as your start point
See the technicolored volcanic landscape at sunset, get guided hikes around crater rims with city transfers included.
Difficulty level: Easy | No hiking stress
- Day out to Mt. Etna at 2,000m from Catania in a 4x4 vehicle with round trip transfers.
- You’ll get an expert volcanologist (available in English, French, German, or Italian) leading you through the 2,000m landscape in a small group of up to 12 guests.
See the technicolored volcanic landscape at sunset, get guided hikes around crater rims with city transfers included.
Difficulty level: Easy | No hiking stress
- Day out to Mt. Etna at 2,000m from Catania in a 4x4 vehicle with round trip transfers.
- You’ll get an expert volcanologist (available in English, French, German, or Italian) leading you through the 2,000m landscape in a small group of up to 12 guests.
Inclusions
- A 4x4 round-trip ride from Catania to Mt. Etna at 2,000m
- Guided tour of the craters available in English, Italian, German, and French (as per option selected)
- A group of 12 guests (max)
Exclusions
- Trekking shoes
- Food & beverages
What to bring
- Carry a valid ID matching your name at the time of booking.
What’s not allowed
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour vehicles.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; children under 12 receive a discount and children under 5 join for free.
- Child safety seats or booster seats are available on request at no extra cost.
- The route may be adjusted by guides in case of bad weather or volcanic activity.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION5 hours
FIRST DEPARTUREPizzi Dineri (2,800m)
LAST DEPARTUREPizzi Dineri (2,800m)
Start point
North base (Piano Provenzana)
40 min
1. Pizzi Dineri (2,800m)
2. Bocca Nuova (3,300m)
End point
North base (Piano Provenzana)
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Reach Etna the bold way: jeep to 2,800m from the North base, then trek with a guide to 3,300m for a raw volcanic adventure.
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult | Rugged terrain and high-altitude trek
- Day out to Etna from its north base at 1,800m with a 4x4 ride plus hike to the 3,300m summit zone; round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get a volcanological guide (fluent in English & Italian) leading a hike from 2,800m to 3,300m in a group of 8 guests (max) across the wide craters of Valle del Bove and the rims of Bocca Nuova (Etna's largest active crater).
Reach Etna the bold way: jeep to 2,800m from the North base, then trek with a guide to 3,300m for a raw volcanic adventure.
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult | Rugged terrain and high-altitude trek
- Day out to Etna from its north base at 1,800m with a 4x4 ride plus hike to the 3,300m summit zone; round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get a volcanological guide (fluent in English & Italian) leading a hike from 2,800m to 3,300m in a group of 8 guests (max) across the wide craters of Valle del Bove and the rims of Bocca Nuova (Etna's largest active crater).
Inclusions
- 4x4 ride from 1,800m to 2,800m
- A certified multilingual guide fluent in English and Italian
- A group of 8 participants (max)
- Trekking pole, shoes, & helmets
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking.
What’s not allowed
- The excursion is forbidden to children under 10 years old.
- This experience is not advisable for people with heart diseases, asthma, high blood pressure, or pregnant women.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the excursion.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Additional information
- The excursion is subject to weather conditions and volcanic activity and may be canceled or modified for safety reasons.
- A minimum of 8 participants is required for the tour to operate.
- Helmets, trekking poles, and trekking shoes are included in your booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
4.4(108)
From Catania: Mount Etna Summit Craters Hiking Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION6 hours 30 minutes
FIRST DEPARTURENorth base (Piano Provenzana)
LAST DEPARTURENorth base (Piano Provenzana)
Start point
Central Catania
60 min35 km
1. North base (Piano Provenzana)
2. Pizzi Dineri (2,800m)
3. Bocca Nuova (3,300m)
End point
Central Catania
Your ending point would be same as your start point
FIRST DEPARTURESouth base (Rifugio Sapienza)
LAST DEPARTURESouth base (Rifugio Sapienza)
Start point
Central Catania
1. South base (Rifugio Sapienza)
2. Torre del Filosofo (2,900m)
Things to do
Hike (3,000m)
Set your route to the summit, choose cable car and/or 4x4, with hassle-free Catania transfers.
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult | Terrain varies with route
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Catania with round-trip transfers. Get picked up at Chiesa San Biagio in Sant'Agata alla Fornace or a nearby meeting point in Catania.
- You’ll get round-trip transfers from Catania to your chosen Mount Etna base, with options to ascend by cable car + 4x4 + hike or 4x4 + hike (South or North base), led by a certified English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide.
- Options: Pick North or South Etna base based on whether you prefer 4x4 rides, cable cars, or a mix.
- North base (Difficult): Jeep to 2,800m + trek to 3,300m with guide. Views: Bocca Nuova and Voragine
- South base (Moderate): Cable car to 2,500m + jeep to 2,900m + 100m hike to summit craters. Views: Valle del Leone
Set your route to the summit, choose cable car and/or 4x4, with hassle-free Catania transfers.
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult | Terrain varies with route
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Catania with round-trip transfers. Get picked up at Chiesa San Biagio in Sant'Agata alla Fornace or a nearby meeting point in Catania.
- You’ll get round-trip transfers from Catania to your chosen Mount Etna base, with options to ascend by cable car + 4x4 + hike or 4x4 + hike (South or North base), led by a certified English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide.
- Options: Pick North or South Etna base based on whether you prefer 4x4 rides, cable cars, or a mix.
- North base (Difficult): Jeep to 2,800m + trek to 3,300m with guide. Views: Bocca Nuova and Voragine
- South base (Moderate): Cable car to 2,500m + jeep to 2,900m + 100m hike to summit craters. Views: Valle del Leone
Inclusions
- 4x4 round-trip ride from Catania to Mt. Etna’s base
- Waterproof jacket/poncho
- Guided hike to the craters
- A certified multilingual guide fluent in English, Italian, & German (as per option selected)
- 4x4 round-trip ride from North Etna (as per option selected)
- Round trip cable car and 4x4 from South Etna (as per option selected)
What to bring
- A valid ID proof matching the name on your booking.
- Closed shoes (like sports or hiking shoes) and clothing suitable for the season are recommended.
- Guests are advised to pack a windbreaker or jacket, a backpack, and water for the hike.
What’s not allowed
- The tour is forbidden for those with heart and/or lung diseases and for pregnant women.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- Weather conditions may affect access to the summit craters; confirm availability before booking.
- Participation is subject to the guide’s assessment of health, preparation, equipment, and abilities.
- Pick-up is at a meeting point agreed upon at booking or at your accommodation.
- The itinerary may vary in the event of adverse weather conditions or at the guide’s discretion.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Mountain Excursions
4.4(769)
From Catania: Mount Etna Morning Excursion with Round-Trip Transfers
Itinerary
Start point
Piazza dei Martiri
40 min by A/C Minivan33 km
1. Mt. Etna (2,000m)
Things to do
Local tastings
End point
Piazza dei Martiri
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Enjoy a guided hike and local tastings at 2,000m, with seamless 4x4 transfers from Catania.
Difficulty level: Moderate | Steep trails and crater hike
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Catania in a 4x4 with round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get round-trip transfers from Catania (30kms away), a volcanological guide (available in English, French, German, & Portuguese) leading a trek around 2,000m, and tastings of local products such as honey and craft beverages.
Enjoy a guided hike and local tastings at 2,000m, with seamless 4x4 transfers from Catania.
Difficulty level: Moderate | Steep trails and crater hike
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Catania in a 4x4 with round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get round-trip transfers from Catania (30kms away), a volcanological guide (available in English, French, German, & Portuguese) leading a trek around 2,000m, and tastings of local products such as honey and craft beverages.
Inclusions
- A 4x4 ride to Mt. Etna at 2,000m from Catania
- A guided morning hike around the craters at 2,000m available in English, German, Portuguese, and Italian (as per option selected)
- Local tastings after the trek
What to bring
- Carry a valid ID matching your name on the booking.
- Wear trekking shoes and a windbreaker jacket.
What’s not allowed
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour vehicles.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts.
- The vehicle used may be a jeep or a mini van depending on group size and availability.
- This experience may include alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry a valid ID and drink responsibly.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Fly 3,500 m over Etna’s craters, the closest to the summit, effortlessly, in just 30 minutes.
Difficulty level: Easy | Aerial views
- Everything you get: Board an intimate 5-passenger helicopter at the Fiumefreddo Helipad and soar over Etna’s forests and dramatic ‘La Bottoniera’ lava flows. Fly over 3,500m for 360° views of Silvestri Craters. Enjoy this 30-minute flight, with welcome drinks before landing safely at the Sapienza ski resort.
- Why choose this: This experience lets you enjoy the closest views of Etna’s summit craters at 3,500 m, possible only from the air, without any hiking or trekking stress involved.
Fly 3,500 m over Etna’s craters, the closest to the summit, effortlessly, in just 30 minutes.
Difficulty level: Easy | Aerial views
- Everything you get: Board an intimate 5-passenger helicopter at the Fiumefreddo Helipad and soar over Etna’s forests and dramatic ‘La Bottoniera’ lava flows. Fly over 3,500m for 360° views of Silvestri Craters. Enjoy this 30-minute flight, with welcome drinks before landing safely at the Sapienza ski resort.
- Why choose this: This experience lets you enjoy the closest views of Etna’s summit craters at 3,500 m, possible only from the air, without any hiking or trekking stress involved.
Inclusions
- 30-minute shared helicopter flight
- Maximum 5 participants
- Aerial views from 3,500 meters
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
What’s not allowed
- Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the helicopter.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- The maximum weight per passenger is 105 kg (232 lbs).
- A minimum of 4 paying customers is required for the flight to be confirmed. If the minimum is not met, your flight may be canceled or rescheduled, and you will be offered an alternative time slot or a full refund.
- The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date, an alternative tour, or a full refund. All passengers must accept the same alternative option if the original flight is canceled.
- Seats are assigned based on passenger weight and height to maintain helicopter balance.
- The activity is limited to small groups, with a maximum of 5 participants per flight.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Mountain Excursions
3.9(18)
From Taormina: Mount Etna Morning Excursion with Round-Trip Transfers
Itinerary
TimelineMap
Start point
Taormina
70 min by A/C Bus60 km
1. Mount Etna
Highlights
Silvestri Craters
Valle del Bove
Zafferana Etnea
70 min by A/C Bus60 km
End point
Taormina
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Start from the region’s second most popular base and reach the craters at 1,900m with a driver-guide; then enjoy an independent trek around the slopes.
Difficulty level: Moderate | Well-marked trails with gradual inclines
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Taormina (56km away), in an AC bus, with round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get an English-speaking driver guide on your journey from Taormina to Etna and 2 hours of independent trekking from 1,900m to around 2,750m at your own pace.
- Upgrades: Add a delicious Sicilian lunch to round off your mountain excursion after trek.
Start from the region’s second most popular base and reach the craters at 1,900m with a driver-guide; then enjoy an independent trek around the slopes.
Difficulty level: Moderate | Well-marked trails with gradual inclines
- Day out to Mt. Etna from Taormina (56km away), in an AC bus, with round-trip transfers included.
- You’ll get an English-speaking driver guide on your journey from Taormina to Etna and 2 hours of independent trekking from 1,900m to around 2,750m at your own pace.
- Upgrades: Add a delicious Sicilian lunch to round off your mountain excursion after trek.
Inclusions
- Round-trip transfers from Taormina to Mt. Etna at 1,900m in an AC bus
- An English-speaking driver guide
- Sicilian lunch (as per option selected)
What to bring
- Carry a valid ID matching your name on the booking.
- Wear trekking shoes and a windbreaker jacket.
What’s not allowed
- Pregnant women and individuals with asthma, cardio-respiratory issues, or other health conditions, are not allowed on this experience.
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour vehicles.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts.
- Itinerary may change due to weather or unforeseen events, as deemed necessary by the guide.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
From happy customers
Robert
United Kingdomjuil., 2025
What an experience! Interesting and unmistakable.
Just the ability to roam and enjoy crater walks, experiencing the raw nature of Etna!
Mount Etna Cable Car Tickets
Chiara
juin, 2025
We did the tour with Fabrizio, who explained everything very well and was really very good. It was an unforgettable experience, with interesting stops and wonderful views!
View original review in Italian
From Catania: Mount Etna Morning Excursion with Round-Trip Transfers
Nuria
août, 2022
Fantastic tour. Our guide made the tour very amaizing with interesting stories of Etna. Very kind and fun. We will try again in our next visit.
From North Etna: Mount Etna Summit Craters Hiking Tour
Paul
United Kingdomjuin, 2024
The whole experience from when we arrived was faultless. The staff where amazing and the pilot gave us a lot of information...the flight and the views were amazing .
Mount Etna Helicopter Tour
Oskar
mars, 2025
Did the morning Etna tour with friends. The guide was super enthusiastic and explained everything in detail. The cave was colder than expected—bring a jacket! Loved the view from the top.
From Catania: Mount Etna Summit Craters Hiking Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
Fatima
févr., 2025
Etna is amazing! Our guide was so friendly and patient. The walk was easy and the views were stunning. Highly recommend for families.
From Catania: Mount Etna Summit Craters Hiking Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
What to expect on your Mount Etna tour
Overview
Mount Etna routes & difficulty levels
Mount Etna tour types explained
Cable car ride
Most budget-friendly and easiest way to experience Mt. Etna.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Includes:
✅ Skip ~40 minutes of queues
✅ 12-minute ride to 2,500m
✅ Free time to explore craters/lava fields
✅ Optional jeep + guided hike to 3,000m
Recommended tours
- Mount Etna Cable Car Tickets
- Mount Etna Cable Car Tickets & 4x4 Summit Tour
4x4 tours
Adventure packed tour where you step into crater rims.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Includes:
✅ Jeep ascent to 2,800m
✅ Visit eruption sites like the 2002 craters
✅ Guided hike to ~3,300m
✅ Round-trip transfers by jeep
Recommended tours
- Mount Etna Cable Car Tickets
- Mount Etna Summit Crater Hiking Tour From North Etna
Day-trips
Best for hassle-free transfers with flexible options to ascend.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Includes:
✅ Round-trip transfers from Catania or Taormina
✅ Jeep/bus ride to the base (1,900–2,000m)
✅ Crater and lava tube visits
✅ Optional lunch (from Taormina route)
Recommended tours
- From Catania: Mount Etna Summit Crater Hiking Tour
- From Taormina: Mount Etna Excursion
Morning or sunset tours
Ideal for immersive experience with seamless transfers from the city
Duration: 3-4 hours
Includes:
✅ Morning or sunset jeep rides (based on tour selected)
✅ Guided exploration of hidden lava caves
✅ Local product tastings (based on tour selected)
Recommended tours
- Mount Etna Morning Excursion from Catania
- Mount Etna Sunset Excursion from Catania
Helicopter tours
Short, adventure filled tour for aerial views
Duration: 30-minute flight
Includes:
✅ 5 seats with window views
✅ Aerial view of craters & Sicilian coast
✅ Takeoff/landing near South Base (Sapienza ski resort)
✅ Unforgettable, hassle-free experience
Recommended tour
- Mount Etna Helicopter Tour
North Etna
Access point: Piano Provenzana (1,810m)
Monti Sartorius trail (1,660–1,770m)
Walk a scenic 4 km trail through birch forests and 1865 eruption craters. A gentle introduction to Etna’s volcanic past.
Access: ✅4x4 route
Button craters (~1,800m)
See dramatic craters from the 2002 eruption that reshaped Etna’s north. Guided tours reveal the eruption’s scale and impact.
Access: ✅4x4 route
Valle del Bove (~2,000–2,200m)
Take in sweeping views of a vast horseshoe-shaped depression filled with lava flows, showcasing Etna’s geological evolution.
Access: ✅4x4 route
South Etna
Access point: Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m)
Silvestri craters (~1,900m)
Twin craters from the 1892 eruption, easy to access and offering a safe entry point into Etna’s volcanic landscape.
Access: ✅cable car route
Laghetto crater (~2,580m)
Formed during the 2001 eruption, these small craters sit above the cable car station and are often included on guided walks.
Access: ✅cable car route
Montagnola crater (~2,600m)
Formed during the powerful 1763 eruption, this towering cone rises over the southern slope, as one of its striking landmarks.
Access: ✅cable car route
Top highlights of Mount Etna
See all photos
Plan your visit to Mount Etna
Timings
Location
Facilities
Accessibility
Safety
Rules
Tips
Cable cars run daily: 8:30am – 4pm (seasonal variations apply)
4x4 operational hours: ~9am – 3:30/4pm (daytime only, varies by season and conditions).
Best time to visit
- Best time of day: Morning for clearer skies; sunset tours for dramatic views
- Best months: May–October for good weather; winter offers snow-covered volcano hikes
Address: Parco dell’Etna, 95030 Catania, Sicily, Italy Find on maps
Mount Etna (3,357m) rises on the eastern coast of Sicily, near the cities of Catania and Taormina.
Getting there
- By car: Taormina → Catania via A18 (~45 min). From Catania: ~1–1.5 hrs to Rifugio Sapienza (35 km) or Piano Provenzana (40 km).
- By bus: Taormina → Catania with Interbus (~1 hr, ~€5). From Catania: AST buses to Rifugio Sapienza (~1.5 hrs, €6–8 one way).
- Parking: Rifugio Sapienza offers paid lots (€5–7/day) beside the cable car; Piano Provenzana has limited free/low-cost spaces near the ski area.
- Restrooms are available at the bases (Rifugio Sapienza and Piano Provenzana) and at the 2,500 m cable car station.
- First aid stations are available at the base camps for emergencies.
- Hiking gear and winter equipment, such as jackets and boots, can be rented at the base.
- Cafés and restaurants serve local Sicilian dishes and light refreshments.
- Souvenir shops sell volcanic rock artifacts, postcards, and other mementos.
- Mt. Etna is not wheelchair-accessible, as paths are rugged, steep, and covered in loose volcanic rock.
- Facilities for visitors with limited mobility are minimal, with no adapted transport or accessible restrooms on higher trails.
- Hiking requires a good level of physical fitness, as routes involve uneven terrain, altitude changes, and exposure to shifting weather.
- Pregnant women and those with respiratory, heart, or mobility issues should avoid high-altitude hikes.
- The cable car service may be temporarily suspended in adverse weather conditions or volcanic activity to mitigate risks.
- Families with children can safely enjoy cable car rides and short guided walks near the craters. Summit hikes are not recommended for children below the age of 10.
- Visitors must stay on well-marked trails near the base stations or around craters under 2,500 m.
- Mount Etna is an active volcano. Stay updated on activity alerts issued by local authorities.
- You can reach local emergency services on Mt. Etna by dialing 112.
- For those planning to ascend beyond 2,500 meters, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a certified guide.
- Drones, tripods, flash photography, and large bags are not allowed without prior approval.
- Smoking and alcohol are prohibited to prevent fire risks and accidents.
- Pets are prohibited except for service animals.
- The cable car alone doesn’t take you all the way to the summit, pair it with a 4x4 and guided hike to reach the top safely, discover hidden spots, and enjoy a complete, stress-free experience.
- If you're staying in Catania, catch the AST bus from Catania Centrale to the South base. Departing at 8:15 am, it gets you there in 2 hours for just €6.60 round-trip, an economical alternative to taxis.
- For seasoned hikers, the lower trails offer freedom but only if you’re prepared for steep, demanding terrain.
- Bring cash with you. With no functioning ATMs at the volcano and cards not accepted, carrying cash ensures your adventure isn’t interrupted.
Frequently asked questions about Mount Etna tours
Can I visit Mt. Etna for free?
Yes! Mt. Etna is an open, non-gated attraction. However, hiking on your own can be unsafe due to unpredictable conditions. Most visitors opt for the cable car or a 4x4 ride for a safe and scenic experience.
How far in advance should I book?
A week in advance is usually enough, but during peak season or for specialty summit tours, it’s best to book 2–3 weeks ahead.
Can I bring children on a jeep tour of Mount Etna?
Yes, children over 10 can join jeep tours. These tours are generally family-friendly and include stops with short walks to enjoy panoramic views.
Is it safe to book tickets to an active volcano?
Yes. Tours operate only when conditions are safe, and local authorities constantly monitor volcanic activity. If the summit is closed, tours are adapted or rescheduled.
Is skip-the-line included in all Etna tickets?
Yes, for cable car tickets skip-the-line entry is included. Other experiences, like 4x4 tours, are already guided and don’t require separate line access.
Do I need a guide to visit?
Guides are required above 2,500m for safety. All hiking tours include them, while the cable car is self-guided but can be upgraded with a guided hike. Below 2,500m, you can explore on your own.
Are summit tours always available?
No. Access above 3,000m depends on weather and volcanic activity. If conditions are unsafe, tours will be rerouted to lower craters or rescheduled.
What is the difference between starting a trek at the North or South side of Mount Etna?
The South side (Rifugio Sapienza) is the busiest, with cable cars, jeeps, easier trails, cafés, and parking making it great for families. The North side (Piano Provenzana) is quieter and wilder, with tougher forest and lava trails for experienced hikers.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Count on a half day if you’re doing just the cable car and 4x4. For summit hikes or day trips from Catania or Taormina, set aside a full day.
Are tickets refundable?
Most tickets allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Always double-check the cancellation policy on your ticket.
Can children go on Etna tours?
Yes, but children under 6 cannot join summit hikes due to altitude and safety rules. Family-friendly tours are available at lower elevations.
