Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
The Piano Provenzana excursion takes adventurers up Mount Etna’s majestic north side, from 1,800 meters to the Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters.
Highlights include ancient craters, recent lava flows, the ruins of “Le Betulle” hotel, and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands, Ionian Coast, and Calabrian shores. The journey concludes with a trek around the 2002 eruption’s button craters, showcasing Etna’s volcanic power.
| Option | Hotel pickupdeparture → return | Meeting pointdeparture → return |
|---|---|---|
| Etna Nord Top Crater Tour | 07:00–07:45 return ca 15:30 | 08:50 or 12:00 return 11:30 or 14:30 |
You will receive the exact pick-up time via SMS and email the evening before the tour. The meeting point is at Piano Provenzana (Etna North): see the map.
Experience an adventurous and awe-inspiring journey from Piano Provenzana on the north side of Mount Etna, utilizing 4×4 off-road vehicles, authorized by the Etna Park Authority. Expert mountain guides will accompany you on this excursion, ensuring both safety and an educational experience.
The journey begins at an altitude of 1,800 meters at Piano Provenzana. From here, travel along a breathtaking panoramic road that winds through ancient craters and recent lava flows, leading you to the Volcanological Observatory at an elevation of 3000 meters.
Your first stop is the historic site of “Le Betulle” hotel, a remnant of the buildings engulfed by the lava flow on 27 October 2002, offering you a striking view of nature’s relentless power.
Next, proceed towards the Umberto and Margherita craters, positioned approximately at 2380 meters. Here, embark on a brief trek around the rims of these dormant craters, fully immersing in the raw, elemental forces of creation and destruction.
Continuing, venture in the direction of the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory. Upon arrival, disembark for a short 15-minute trek, ascending to the pinnacle of the Pizzi Deneri promontory. Weather permitting, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian coastline stretching from Syracuse to Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, and the rugged Calabrian shores.
While you’re here, gaze across the distance at the formidable summit craters of Mount Etna, securely viewing them as they loom over the majestic Valle del Bove.
As the excursion continues, board the vehicles for a descent towards the legendary button craters of the 2002 eruption. Standing at an altitude of around 1900 meters, begin a fascinating trek across the lava flows and explosive deposits. This circular path offers a unique opportunity to wander along the crater rims and witness the distinct “bottoniera” formation, characteristic of Etna’s lateral eruptions.
Upon reaching the summit at roughly 2050 meters above sea level, take in the dramatic panorama of the eruptive landscape and observe the path of the lava flow that decimated the Piano Provenzana resort. Conclude the trek with a brief descent down a sandy slope before rejoining the off-road vehicles for a return journey to Piano Provenzana.
On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina. Other pickup examples: Syracuse, Noto, Messina and more.
This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version. Mount Etna Private Tours
Exclusive setup
Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.
Mount Etna Tours and Etna Nord Excursions
Etna Nord Tours
Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
4.9 out of 5 stars
Reviews in all languages: 204
The trip was fantastic!
Just a tip: the Google maps pub we received by email was for the wrong location, a car park slightly further down hill, from which we couldn’t see the main meeting point. It was all sorted out with a phone call, but correcting the shared location would avoid the problem.
Very organised the guides are full of knowledge and friendly would highly recommend
Start at 9, return 11:30. You see everything what you need on Etna. The guide should use a microphone in this loud bus
This was one of the highlights of our trip around Sicily. We booked last minute due to storms the previous night and not knowing if things would clear up- thankfully they did, and although our first choice of tour wasn't available, we were still given info and options (they were very helpful) for a half day tour of the summit and lava caves. Pickup and drop off from our Airbnb, friendly and informative guides, stunning views and a completely unique experience. Can't recommend enough. Shout out to Alesandro, Alessio and the team for their excellence.
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