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.
Duration
3–4 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Tour type
4x4 & Trekking
Pickup
At your hotel or at Piano Provenzana
Catania or Taormina area
Availability
March to November
Highlights
01
Panoramic Ascent to Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters, close to the the active craters.
02
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.
03
Short trek at Umberto and Margherita Craters, along the edges of these extinct craters at 2,380 meters.
04Stunning Views from Pizzi Deneri and, from a safe distance, marvel at the summit craters towering over the majestic Valle del Bove.
Tour details
Tour timesPickup 07:00–07:45 · back ca 15:30
Tour times
Departure and return times by option
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.
Full descriptionThe programme, step by step
Full description
Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
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.
Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
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.
Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
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.
What is included3 items
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.
Useful informationChildren under 12 years · Trekking shoes · Give this tour as a gift
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 yearsPay 18 euro less.
Trekking shoesCan be rented on site
Give this tour as a giftPlace your order by phone or email ([email protected]) to get a gift voucher.
AvailabilityWe are open all year round, except: 25.12 and 01.01
Pickup and private tour
Other pickup locations
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.
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
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
Everything was perfect
Verified
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.
