Home Mount Etna Tours Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

4.9/587 Reviews

Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking

5/5 (2853)

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.

Tour times

Pickup/drop off at your accommodation:

08:30-08:50 ca 15:30

Pickup/drop off at meeting point:

10:15 or 12:00 13:15 or 15:00

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 every age.

The excursion into the summit crater area is dangerous and prohibited for people with heart conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, and pregnant women.
You should be well-equipped and have no physical ailments, joint problems, or suffer from dizziness.

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

Etna Nord Top Crater Tour: Reviews 34

Score 4.9/5

Total reviews: 87
Reviews in all languages: 34

Snow and Lava VERIFIED

14 April 2026

Winding up the foggy road to the meeting point the portents didn't look good however the professionalism, enthusiasm and cheerfulness of the guide and driver were a great start. The bumpy ride in the 4x4 bus and then the transfer to the snowcat took us up to 2850 metres for breathtaking panorama of lava and snow. We then descended and hiked a short way to view the 2002 eruption. With great explanations and genuine interest in our enjoyment the guides gave us a great value day out.

Go-Etna guest VERIFIED

30 October 2025

Exciting Adventure! VERIFIED

26 October 2025

We really enjoyed our 4x4 vehicle trip up the mountain, and the time spent outside walking around the craters. We would have liked a bit more hiking but I guess that would have been a different tour! We lucked out with a beautiful clear day so the conditions were ideal for viewing the summit and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and sea. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided interesting information. All in all it was a wonderful adventure!
*Just a note… our itinerary mentioned eating a boxed lunch after, so we assumed one would be provided… but it wasn’t. I think it may have meant if you brought a lunch there were places you could eat it.

Confusing meeting point at Etna - great tour VERIFIED

15 October 2025

The Google maps link we received to meet our guide was about 200 m away from the real meeting point. Luckily the toilet was in the same building as the guide's office ...

Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained many details about the volcano and the outbreaks of the past. He had a founded answer for every question and was very friendly. The bus brought us safely up to about 2800 meters where we could stroll around in a moon-like landscape. Very impressive.

Go-Etna guest VERIFIED

12 October 2025

Everything was perfect VERIFIED

12 October 2025

We took the tour starting from Catania. It was a marvelous and smooth ride. Then the guide tour for etna was fantastic. It couldn’t have been better. I would highly recommend this tour.

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

Private Etna Nord Top Crater Tour

LIKELY TO SELL OUT

More information?

Werner

+39 366 35 92 490

Giulia

+39 351 34 86 611

We speak English, German, French, Spanish and Italian
(Monday - Sunday / 08:00 - 19:00)

Booking Office

+39 0958100009

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday
09:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 18:00

Email: [email protected]