Home Mount Etna Tours Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Name: Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
Brand: Go-Etna
SKU: ENTOP
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

5/533 reviews

Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking

GO-ETNA

5/5 (2053)

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.

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour : Highlights

Panoramic Ascent to Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters, close to the the active craters.
Visit to the Ruins of Hotel "Le Betulle": witness the remnants of the only structure visible among those engulfed by the massive lava flow on October 27, 2002.
Short trek at Umberto and Margherita Craters, along the edges of these extinct craters at 2,380 meters.
Stunning Views from Pizzi Deneri and, from a safe distance, marvel at the summit craters towering over the majestic Valle del Bove.

Full description

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.

Information / Included

Including competent English speaking alpine / vulcanological guide
Including Unimog 4×4 ticket
Including Pickup service: We offer the pickup and drop off service in the area around Taormina and Catania from the locations listed below. Alternatively, if you have your own car, you can reach Piano Provenzana.

Other information

The tour is easy and suitable for everyone.
Available for children aged 3 and over
Children under 12 years pay 18 euro less.
Trekking shoes can be rented on site
Give this tour as a gift: Place your order by phone or email ([email protected]) to get a gift voucher.
Availability: we are open all year round, except: 25.12 and 01.01

TAORMINA AREA PICK UPS

Letojanni (Hotel Antares)
Pick up time: 08:30
Location: Hotel Antares, Via Germano, Via Chincherini, 98037 Letojanni ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit TAORMINA. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Via Chincherini in Letojanni . Turn right and take Via Chincherini. Your destination is on the left.

Parking: Free on the street.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Saa4eYFLyafmahhA6

Taormina Cable Car – Down
Pick up time: 08:40
Location: Taormina Cable Car – Down, 98039 Mazzarò ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit TAORMINA. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Mazzarò, continue for 1.6 kms, turn left after “Blue Sea Diving Center”.
Parking:
-Covered parking – (.ca) €18,00 within 10h
-Open-air parking – (.ca) €3,00 for the first hour + €2,00 per each extra hour.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHMUmbkNnfNKsB7GA

Taormina Railway Station
Pick up time: 08:50
Location: Taormina-Giardini, via 98039, Via Nazionale, 43, Villagonia ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit GIARDINI NAXOS. Take the SS 114 Orientale Sicula, after about 3.3 kms you will find your destination on the right.
Parking: (.ca) €10,00 per day at Carpark Taormina

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BvALo4yUmNyVKG6s9

Giardini Naxos Terminal Bus
Pick up time: 09:00
Location: Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME
Motorway Catania-Messina – motorway exit GIARDINI NAXOS. Take the SS185 and SS 114 Orientale Sicula towards Viale Dionisio, after about 2.1 kms you will find the terminal bus.

Parking: Paid parking on the street

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wxA1SfpZwVHWPfkD6

CATANIA AREA PICK UPS

PIAZZA PAOLO BORSELLINO
Pick up time: 08:30
Location: Piazza Paolo Borsellino, 95100 Catania CT

Parking: Borsellino AMTS PARKING – ca. €1,00 per hour

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dicfjhq2GWuoqp1N6

CATANIA MAIN TRAIN STATION
Pick up time: 08:40
Location: Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 2, 95129 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road) or free on the street.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dm5mpRmMSKwG5uXk7

VILLA BELLINI (Catania city center)
Pick up time: 08:50
Location: Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini, Via Etnea, 292, 95131 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RyfJSbAauQMGbz756

PIAZZA CAVOUR (Piazza Borgo)
Pick up time: 09:00
Location: Piazza Cavour, 95100 Catania CT

Parking: paid parking (indicated by blue lines on the road).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rQkmAZMY9iTYac9N7

Tour times

Pickup/drop off at your accommodation:

08:30-08:50 ca. 15:30

Pickup/drop off at meeting point:

10:15 13:15

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour: Reviews 8

Score 5/5

Total reviews: 33
Reviews in English: 8

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour VERIFIED
07 May 2025

The volcano tour was impressive, a real adventure. The knowledgeable and attractive group leader should be highlighted as well. At beginning there were a slight misunderstanding with the meeting place, because when arriving at the parking place, the receieved GPS coordinates showed a different meeting place, and when asking at the kiosks, they could not indicate the meeting place. But in the end, everything became clear, and the event was very interesting and impressive.

It was a good choice!!!!👍 VERIFIED
14 April 2025

It was a professional tour organisation, with nice peoples, with a lot of information. The guide was extra friendly and informative. Thanx for the adventure!

Go-Etna User VERIFIED
06 April 2025

Absolutely amazing VERIFIED
10 November 2024

The Top Crater Tour was absolutely amazing. From the warm welcome by the Go-Etna team to the breathtaking summit views, the experience was top-notch. Our guide's knowledge and passion added a special touch. Highly recommended!

A wonderful experience VERIFIED
09 November 2024

A wonderful experience, very well organized. The guides were very attentive and helpful, they provided a lot of information and let us enjoy the beauty of Etna.

Highly recommended to anyone visiting Sicily VERIFIED
08 November 2024

This tour is something we highly recommend to anyone visiting Sicily. The organization was great, from start to finish. The highlight was undoubtedly reaching the summit, with its awe-inspiring views and so close to the active craters. Good job to the team.

Mount Etna Tours and Etna Nord Excursions
Etna Nord Tours

Prices & Booking

No hidden fees - All inclusive

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

Available from March to November

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Duration: 3/4 hours Difficulty: Easy
€ 89 per person

Meeting point Piano Provenzana

€ 114 per person

Pick up in Taormina area

€ 124 per person

Pick up in Catania area

English-speaking guide

The price includes 4x4 Unimog ticket

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Payment options

Credit Card online

Wire transfer

Other pickup locations

On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina, for example: Syracuse, Noto, Messina, etc. Contact us for more information

Private Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version. Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.

- Mount Etna Private Tours
- Contact us for all other Tours

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