Climbing Mount Etna

Conquer the most active volcano in Europe

Climbing Mount Etna is one of the coolest excursions in Italy. Here you can experience how Mother Nature can get angry. But above all you have to see and climb Etna. Only then do you get the real appreciation for this remarkably active volcano on the island of Sicily. Mount Etna has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage.

Mount Etna, a 3.329-metre high volcano, is on the island of Sicily in Italy. Climbing it is intense and always a little dangerous, because it is a very active volcano. The views are phenomenal, both during your ascent and from the top.

Many believe this is the most rugged part of Europe. You can really experience Mother Earth’s fury here. You should have seen Mount Etna once, and moreover, you should climb it. It’s the best way to really appreciate this incredibly active volcano.

Etna was formed when two tectonic plates crashed into each other: this is where the African plate and the Eurasian plate meet. The African plate slips under the Eurasian one here, and this happens with lots of violence.

The climb of Mount Etna

You can climb both the north and (the more popular) south side of the mountain. Keep an eye out for the (often ancient) vineyards around you as you climb, and don’t forget to raise a glass to your efforts when you’ve made it back.

One of the best tips is to take the time to visit. This volcano and its surroundings are very impressive. And too many people want to climb the volcano just as quickly. It is a wonderful day trip, where you can fully enjoy along the way.

Mount Etna Cable Car

The Mount Etna Cable Car in the southern part of the mountain.

You can hike to the highest crater with the beautiful name Cratere Nuova, but you can also take the cable car up to 2,500 meters first. This is located on the south side of Mount Etna. The Funivia dell'Etna cable car starts at Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of 1,923 meters.

It takes about four hours to get there and back from the cable car's exit point. But there are also special off-road buses. These will take you to an altitude of 3,000 meters.

Guided Tour to the summit of the Etna

You are only allowed to walk to the top of Mount Etna with a guide. This is done for security reasons. You must book this excursion in advance. Although it is often possible on the spot, provided it is not too busy. But if you book it in advance, you can be sure of your trip.

Silvestri Crater

The Silvestri Crater on Mount Etna.

Several craters on the mountain are evidence of Mt Etna’s many eruptions. Most of them are dormant, but a few on the very top are still active. According to scientists, one of the largest eruptions of the last 20 years took place in late 2015, with ash clouds that reached as high as 7 kilometres. UNESCO decided to put this natural icon on its World Heritage List.

Be aware

You can walk around unsupervised around the lower parts of the mountain, but you must have a guide with you to reach the crater. Not just because of the weather conditions (there can still be snow here in spring), but because the volcano could suddenly come to life.

An eruption of Mount Etna.

A guide will be able to recognise the early signs, and will only go up if it’s relatively safe. We say relatively, because it’s still an active volcano!

How do I get there?

Thanks to its enormous size, Mt Etna dominates the local landscape. You can see and reach it from the large city of Catania (south-east of the volcano) as well as Taormina (to the north-east of Mt Etna).

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