Mount Etna
Mount Etna
4.5
About
Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain: Mount Etna, at 10,990 feet, is the most active volcano in Europe and the oldest recorded active volcano in the world.
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More than 3 hours
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12 within 10 kms
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4.5
12,159 reviews
Excellent
8,711
Very good
2,540
Average
622
Poor
184
Terrible
102
Ksenija
1 contribution
Jan 2023
New Year's morning was a clear sky, 10 degrees above 0, no crowds. The view was fantastic. Morning coffee next to the volcanic crater was pure pleasure.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,497 contributions
Dec 2022
The summit area of Etna at 3357m is restricted. You can get to the crater rim at 2900m reachable from Rifugio Sapienza at 1910m. Most people take the (30€) cable car from the rifugio to an elevation of 2500m from where it is possible to hike up.
From Catania there is a bus (4€) to Rifugio Sapienza (some 40 km from the city).
When I visited beginning of December there already were several centimeters of snow on part of the route. So take good shoes.
From Catania there is a bus (4€) to Rifugio Sapienza (some 40 km from the city).
When I visited beginning of December there already were several centimeters of snow on part of the route. So take good shoes.
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
andre N
3 contributions
Dec 2022
We never had the urgency to go and see a Vulcano coming from New Zealand BUT ETNA blew us away, had an amazing sunshien day. The views from the absolutly BREATH TAKING
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Salina M
Dumas, TX99 contributions
Nov 2022
The roads up were well maintained. The drive safe. The various walking trails were well marked. Remember you can visit only the crater at 6000 feet. The active craters above 9000 feet are not available to the public.
The ski facility look well maintained and busy but we did not ski.
The ski facility look well maintained and busy but we did not ski.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3,581 contributions
Sep 2022
The excursion begins at an altitude of 1,923 meters at thebase station of the Etna cableway, right next to Rifugio Sapienza. We received a discount card from Sapienza as their overnight guests.
We opted for the “Excursion Alta Quota” (ticket includes cost of cable car, 4*4 transport, and a licensed Alpine guide). The tour going to the summit needs 5-6 hours (starts ~ 9.30am, just when we arrived) and is physically strenuous, we gave that a pass.
The cable car whisks you away to the mountain station at 2,500 meters. From here you join a 4*4 vehicle that takes you to 2750metres. The first stop was the Belvedere on the Valle del Bove (an area that has witnessed recent activity) escorted by a guide.
After that we took another 4*4 with our assigned group to Crater Laghetto (or Escriv), where you can climb within and around the edges of the crater.
We were then transported back by another 4*4 to the Etna station which is equipped with a bar with a panoramic terrace and shops selling wine/liquers and local Sicilian products. We hung around (and picnicked) outside to enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf and the peaks, eventually, took the cable car back to base station.
The landscape feels extra-terrestrial, and views are priceless. An overnighter in Rifugio Sapienza is a good idea, we were able to relax after the hike, enjoy the Silvestri craters and La Capannina and also the wonderful grub at their restaurant for dinner.
We opted for the “Excursion Alta Quota” (ticket includes cost of cable car, 4*4 transport, and a licensed Alpine guide). The tour going to the summit needs 5-6 hours (starts ~ 9.30am, just when we arrived) and is physically strenuous, we gave that a pass.
The cable car whisks you away to the mountain station at 2,500 meters. From here you join a 4*4 vehicle that takes you to 2750metres. The first stop was the Belvedere on the Valle del Bove (an area that has witnessed recent activity) escorted by a guide.
After that we took another 4*4 with our assigned group to Crater Laghetto (or Escriv), where you can climb within and around the edges of the crater.
We were then transported back by another 4*4 to the Etna station which is equipped with a bar with a panoramic terrace and shops selling wine/liquers and local Sicilian products. We hung around (and picnicked) outside to enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf and the peaks, eventually, took the cable car back to base station.
The landscape feels extra-terrestrial, and views are priceless. An overnighter in Rifugio Sapienza is a good idea, we were able to relax after the hike, enjoy the Silvestri craters and La Capannina and also the wonderful grub at their restaurant for dinner.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen S
New Ash Green, UK1,904 contributions
Nov 2022
Certainly worth a look when visiting Sicily although we viewed it from a distance. Our hotel in Castelmola gave us a magnificent view of the volcano, its my opinion the best view of a mountain is from a distance not on top but not denying its a wonderful view from the top.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bent031
Jerusalem, Israel39 contributions
Nov 2022
We went with Davide from Mount Etna Tours. He picked us up from our apartment and took us up to Etna where we walked for two hours. He was extremely interesting and friendly and we learned a lot about the volcano and the nature.
An added plus was that he drove pleasantly and not aggressively as many (most) Italians.
An added plus was that he drove pleasantly and not aggressively as many (most) Italians.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sander_Yoho
Den Bosch, The Netherlands1,195 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
We thought, let’s go there and see what we can do. We walked around the crateri silvestri which was nice for some pics, but not really spectacular. Then we took the funicular for 30 eur pp. pretty high price, but let’s see. Arriving up we realized there is not much to see there, so we paid another 38 eur for the bus further up. That was good, because the guide could tell us a whole lot about the Etna which made it worthwhile.
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanaSeattle
Seattle, Washington22 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
SICILY INTO NATURE provides an expert guide for an unforgettable trip into the nature, into the history, into the colours and flavours of Sicily with the purpose to develop and promote eco-tourism on this territory.
We toured an ice cave and hiked to a peak on Mt Etna. Our Guide, Paola Pennisi was knowledgeable and a great leader.
Info@sicilyintonature.com
We toured an ice cave and hiked to a peak on Mt Etna. Our Guide, Paola Pennisi was knowledgeable and a great leader.
Info@sicilyintonature.com
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The_Travel_Family
Las Vegas, NV760 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Came here in a rental car, drove as far as the cable car. The cable car charges €30 per person return, we did not go on it as that price is ridiculous.
Parking was strange some paid some didn’t. It didn’t look like anyone was checking.
Look out for the men claiming they make animals out of the volcanic rock, they even have some tools with a little smashed rock claiming they make them, what a load of absolute Chinese made rubbish.
I just saw trash everywhere, it was awful. The best sites were along the road away from all the tour buses and touts trying to mug people off.
Recommend for drive to and from only to see different angles of Mt Etna, avoid the main area with restaurants and souvenir shops.
Parking was strange some paid some didn’t. It didn’t look like anyone was checking.
Look out for the men claiming they make animals out of the volcanic rock, they even have some tools with a little smashed rock claiming they make them, what a load of absolute Chinese made rubbish.
I just saw trash everywhere, it was awful. The best sites were along the road away from all the tour buses and touts trying to mug people off.
Recommend for drive to and from only to see different angles of Mt Etna, avoid the main area with restaurants and souvenir shops.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard R
Bramhope, UK107 contributions
Hi seen some trips offering a choice between 2000m and cable car/hike to 3000m. Currently thinking 2000m is sufficient in terms of getting some good views without the hassle of extra queues, travel etc. What have people’s experiences been?
Coopper29
Guildford, UK541 contributions
We hired a car and drove to the top of the base station of highest ski lift there were good views there, don’t do an organised trip, the road is very good, better than the town roads,
hello,
We are planning to go to Etna with the cable car. Can we take our dog with us in the cable car?
sp m
Toulouse, France60 contributions
If your shoes will deterliorate quickly on the sharp stones, I won't do your dog this unless he has special shoes /socks...
corrinaandrob
Padstow, UK27 contributions
Good evening, we went up by cable cart and did not have time for the jeep did we miss out by not doing so? If so do you recommend we go back to do the jeep? Kind regards rob and corrina
brian s
Dublin, Ireland152 contributions
We didn't do the jeep either so cannot really say but I think one trip up Etna is sufficient as there are so many other interesting places to visit. Make sure you get to Siracusa and Taormina also Agrigento if you have time. Palermo is well worth visiting also if you haven't been.
Rafael Oliveira
Sao Paulo, SP91 contributions
We will be arriving at the port of Messina on August 27th at 8 am, our ship departs at 20 pm. We really would like to visit Mount Etna, get as close as possible, visit the cave with lava. Is it worth waiting to book when I arrive there? (My budget is always short, so, if I can save anything, I'd appreciatte it), or is it safer to book it in advance?
Here in TripAdvisor I did not find an excursion that departs from port of Messina :-(. But I found one at "go-etna". Any more suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Fred G
Milton, Canada589 contributions
Always safer to book in advance-we were on a tour so we had pre-booked. We were there in May, so it was fairly busy.
egitrivi
Barberino Di Mugello, Italy15 contributions
Domani arrivero al rifugio speranza con la macchina, vorrei evitare guide visto il costo,consigli? Grazie a chi può rispondere
63roby63
Milan, Italy7,693 contributions
Ciao!
Esperienza fresca di 15 giorni fa...
Per motivi di tempo e di costi non volevamo prendere la funivia e nemmeno le jeep per arrivare al cratere principale, ma avevamo il dubbio che fermandoci al Sapienza non avremmo visto niente. Invece anche lì è una meraviglia. Lasciata l'auto nei tanti parcheggi si possono visitare in autonomia i crateri silvestri, ci sono diversi percorsi per nulla pericolosi e il panorama è splendido ovunque. Bisogna solo sperare nel bel tempo.
DeniseSR
Sicily, Italy
Salve giorno 20 Dicembre 2021 dovrei recarmi da Nicolosi al rifugio Sapienza, mi è possibile arrivarci con i pneumatici invernali o devo avere per forza le catene?
(Ho una Ford fiesta.)
pinoM67
Vasto, Italy130 contributions
Da quello che mi risulta non ancora vi è neve sull'Etna quindi con le invernali potrebbe andare tranquillamente, salvo cambio condizioni meteo.
Maurizio B
1 contribution
abbigliamento il mese di novembre
Dreamer
Italy801 contributions
Invernale tassativamente
MartaEnne
London, UK8 contributions
Salve, vorrei scalare il Monte Etna e raggiungere la vetta a 3300 metri, per la quale è necessario avere una guida se non ho capito male.
Qualcuno può gentilmente darmi qualche nome di guide alpine specializzate e che offrono questo servizio?
Grazie anticipatamente.
M
giovy746
Rome, Italy1,318 contributions
Le guide alpine le trovi appena sotto l’ingresso della seggiovia. È tutto segnalato
Ummy
Floridia, Italy4 contributions
Buonasera, domenica vorrei fare una passeggiata con la mi famiglia ( 8 anni e 4 anni). Una volta arrivati al rifugio Sapienza , da lì, é possibile fare una passeggiata verso i crateri? Sono molto distanti o é fattibile a piedi? Grazie
Alessandro M
Modena, Italy335 contributions
Arrivati al rifugio Sapienza meglio prendere la cabinovia. La strada verso i crateri è lunga e ripida. In ogni caso si tenga presente che la cabinovia porta a quota 2500metri circa, si passeggia lì attorno perché da quota 2700 in poi si può andare solo con le guide o con i pullman, che costano non poco. Oltre a questo, anche facendo il pacchetto che arriva più in alto possibile, non si può comunque avvicinarsi a nessun cratere, nemmeno da lontano, in quanto troppo pericolosi. Ci si scordi di vedere lava fumante o fumaioli. Si guardano antichi crateri spenti di eruzioni passate, sia da giù che da su
Hi! Where can I buy tickets for the cable car that takes you to the top of mount Etna? I'm also wondering what is the price of the cable car?
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Mount Etna | Catania | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Etna
- We recommend booking Mount Etna tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 221 Mount Etna tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Mount Etna:
- Etna Morning Trip (From €59.98)
- Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers (From €61.00)
- Etna Morning Jeep Tour (From €58.97)
- Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania (From €92.52)
- Etna Tour in 4x4 (From €81.23)
- Hotels near Mount Etna:
- (5.82 km) Corsaro Etna Hotel & SPA
- (9.13 km) Chalet Etna Milo Case per Vacanze
- (11.13 km) B&B Dimora dell’Etna
- (10.75 km) Etna GloB&B
- (10.73 km) Cartoline dall'Etna B&B
- Restaurants near Mount Etna:
- (10.81 km) Dolceria Salemi
- (14.92 km) Il Buongustaio
- (10.63 km) Villa Mirador
- (14.96 km) Gli Antichi Sapori
- (15.83 km) Ki Sushi - Restaurant
- Attractions near Mount Etna:
- (1.24 km) Euro Etna Tourism
- (5.69 km) Etna Donkey Trekking
- (5.62 km) Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud
- (10.31 km) Sicilia Adventure
- (11.44 km) Etna Passion