Summit the south side of Mount Etna on a trek from Philosopher’s Tower

Explore the stunning volcanic craters of Mount Etna during a 1-day trek up its south side from Philosopher’s Tower with fully-certified mountain guide Alfio.

Group

1 Day

Mar - Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Summit the roof of Sicily and one of the world's most active volcano.

* Take in the breathtaking scenery of the rugged and powerful volcano.

* Benefit from having a fully-qualified guide accompanying you on the hike.

Description

The menacing Mount Etna abruptly rises 3,326 meters from the east coast of the island of Sicily.

The active stratovolcano towers on top of the meeting point between the Eurasian Plate and African Plate. Outside of the Caucasus, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe.

It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, so hiking to the summit and peering down offers a unique experience of witnessing one of the most powerful forces of nature.

Its size and strength has cultivated many myths that surround the imposing peak. In Greek mythology, Zeus trapped the deadly monster, Typhon, beneath the mountain.

First we’ll take the cable car to reach 2,500 meters above sea level, and then hitch a ride on a 4×4 to reach 2,900 meters.

Then we’ll discover a path that leads from the Philosopher’s Tower, an iconic tower that is in memory of Empedocles, an ancient Greek philosopher who ascended the volcano to study. It is said that he met his death by falling into the bubbling crater of Mount Etna.

The path reaches the summit after approximately 2 kilometers, through beautiful lava fields originating from the south side of the carter.

Reaching the peak, which is also the roof of Sicily, we’ll take note of our unique surroundings and tour around the depressions of the crater.

Picturesque panoramic views puncture the skyline where you’ll capture unforgettable memories.

Endemic plants spring from the fertile volcanic soil, which also ferments agriculture and vineyards.

Get in touch now to reserve your place on a thrilling hike to the summit of Mount Etna via the south side.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Details

More info

It's compulsory to bring: layered clothing, trekking shoes, windbreaker, and packed lunch.

Meeting point

The Silvestri Craters Restaurant at 9:30am.

About the guide

Alfio

Mountain Guide

Languages

Italian | French | English

Request more information

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.