Silvestri Craters

Ascend to the summit of the craters of Mount Etna, one of the most coveted excursions a hiker can make. Hike with guide, and marvel at the beauty and wonder of the highest active volcano in Europe, up to about 3,000 meters. Depart from Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi, and ascend 2,504 meters by cable car and begin your hike. You’ll hike 1.5 hours uphill, passing many craters, in particular towards the crater of the 2001 eruption and the moon-like landscape that marks out the area. During the hike you will take long pauses to take pictures and rest. You will then carry on exploring on your hike towards the Cisternazza and the Belvedere on the Valle del Bove, considered the best panoramic spot on Mount Etna on a dazzling volcanic depression dating back to 64,000 years ago! Here you will take a break to cherish the surroundings, take a few pictures and simply admire the landscape as from up there you are able to see the coast from Taormina until Syracuse. From here you will reach the Barbagallo craters, up to almost 3,000 meters, the highest point allowed, and enjoy a privileged view on the summit craters and their constant emission of gases and water vapours. Then you will march back to 2,500 mt and take the cable car back to the Rifugio Sapienza. Experience the incredible feeling of being on top of the world in this rocky, beautiful landscape with the giant sky above you.

A valid alternative to the summit craters is the 3,000m Etna excursion. You go up by cable car up to 2,500 meters, then by 4x4 up to 2800 meters. From here begins the path on foot up to 3000 meters. It will be possible to observe the summit craters, then we will stop on a lateral crater (barbagallo at about 3000 meters). You will admire the recent lava flows (1-December-2023) until you reach the inside of a lava channel. We will visit an effusive vent (2002 eruption) and from here we will descend by foot to reach the Cable Car sation along the sandbanks to the mound from where we will observe the Bove Valley, admiring, on fine days, a view that sweeps from the Ionian Riviera to the interior of Sicily. Duration: 3 hours walking / 5 hours total tour. Departures at 9,30 and 10,30, the meeting point is inside our lodge 45 minutes before the departure (we can wait for those arriving by bus AST from Catania, just let us know!!). Meeting Point Shelter Alpine Guides Etna Sud, next to the hotel Rifugio Giovanni Sapienza

Trek to the summit of Mount Etna on a once-in-a-lifetime hike led by certified mountain guides. Ride a cable car, take advantage of breathtaking photo stops of the summit craters, and soak up the striking volcanic landscapes that stretch out before you. Meet your guide and set off on your hiking adventure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South). Ride a cable car and Jeep 4x4 2,800 meters up and begin a roughly 2-hour hike through lava flows and lunar-like volcanic landscapes to Etna's summit craters. Take a stroll on the rim of the Central Crater with spectacular views of the vertiginous Northeast Crater and the infamous Southeast Crater, responsible for the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, be amazed at the otherworldly volcanic environment with gas emissions, volcanic bombs, and the sparkling colors of the ground due to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent, visit the Barbagallo craters and cross a lava flow channel. Once again, at 2500 m, climb aboard the Etna cable car and return to the starting point. Remember that we are always talking about an active volcano, so there may be variations in the itinerary if necessary.

Stroll on ancient craters at 2,000 meters above sea level on this tour of Mount Etna from Catania. Walk through ancient lava flows and find out about the volcano’s history from your guide. Afterward, enjoy small tastings of typical local products. Begin the tour with pickup in Catania, then drive toward Mount Etna and hear about the highest volcano in Europe from your guide. Upon arrival, marvel at the lunar landscapes of the volcano and take a walk on the Silvestri Craters at 2000 mt, is a soft trekking suitable for everyone. Admire the varied colors, immerse yourself in the aroma of Etna’s vegetation typical of wonderful park of Etna, and explore volcanic caves where the lava used to flow. Visit the famous Bove Valley, where lava flows down during volcanic eruptions and the famous 1991 lava stream that almost reached a village. Then, enjoy the small tastes of different local products such as honey, olive oil, and wine, at a local company. At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off in Catania.

This tour is suitable for children and adults because of easy level. You will admire the lunar landscapes created by “Mamma Etna” having the chance to carry out a soft hiking on ancient craters, walk among ancient lava streams characterized by different shades of colors, feel the smell of Etna’s vegetation and explore volcanic caves where the lava used to flow. In addition you'll taste small tastings of typical local products such us etna honey, local wines and olive oils. During the tour a naturalistic guide will explain you all the secrets about the highest volcano in Europe. Pick up at meeting point in Catania. Tasting of typical products in a local farm in Zafferana Etnea town Visit of “Bove Valley” and the famous 1991/93 lava stream that reached the town of Zafferana Etnea Visit of Volcanic cave (helmets and torches provided) Visit of Silvestri Craters at 2000 meters. Drop off at meeting point in Catania.

Embark on a trek of iconic Mount Etna with a naturalist guide. Take in outstanding views, learn local history from your guide, visit a lava cave, and see the southeastern crater, Etna's most active area. Enjoy included trekking poles, shoes, and warm clothing. Following your pickup, you will head in the direction of Etna. Passing off-road through Trazzere where you can see the lava flows of 1792, your guide will explain the fauna and flora of the volcano of Etna. Learn Mount Etna's history as you travel in the direction of the Bove Valley, which is an ancient caldera formed about 64,000 years ago due to the collapse of 2 major eruptive centers. You'll soon arrive at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, where your hike starts. Follow quiet trails away from the tourist paths. Pass recent lava flows and soak up views of the coastline. Throughout the trek, you can stop to taste sandwiches and local products, at your own expense, and visit a lava cave. Fast stop in tourist area to refresh. At the conclusion of your experience, you will be returned back to your point of origin.

Take a beautiful sunset tour of the famed Etna volcano. Explore a lava cave (if applicable) , walk around craters and watch the sunset on the spectacular landscape Begin with a stop at a local producer for a sampling of local delicacies such as honey and oil. Continue your tour of a lava cave (if applicable) created during the 1792 eruption and enter the stunning site to learn about lava flows and the forces that create them. Then, stroll along the mountain trails to Mount Etna's Sapienza Refuge, and enjoy a pleasant walk around the lava flows created from the latest eruptions and the ancient Silvestri craters dating back to the 1892 eruption. From this supreme peak, watch the sunset over the breathtaking landscape before returning to the departure place in the evening.

The itinerary that we propose will allow you, in a scenario that has no equal, to visit the most evocative places that have seen the South-East Crater, the youngest but the most active of the four summit craters of Etna, protagonist in the recent months. Rally at 9:15 a.m. at the meeting point situated next "La Baita 3L ski lab" at 1.900 meters a.s.l., where it will be our guide. Processing of formalities. Departure at 10:15 a.m. The excursion includes the ascent by cable car as far as 2.500 meters a.s.l. and by 4X4 minibus up to 2750 meters a.s.l., where, accompanied with our guide, you will reach about 3.000 meters a.s.l. From this altitude you can admire a view of the impressive summit craters of Etna in all their grandeur (Central Crater divided in Bocca Nuova and Voragine - South-East Crater - North-East Crater) and the craters of the most recent eruptions of the volcano, and also cross a lava flow tunnel of about 200 meters. After the visit at the summit area and in particular at the places of the recent eruption of the South-East Crater, you will continue the descent on foot, over which you will cross the places of the other recent eruptions and also Valle del Bove in which you'll admire a panoramic view of the Ionian coast (eolian islands and Calabria). Return to the starting point by 4X4 minibus and cable car. This excursion takes about 4 hours round-trip

After pickup from the designated meeting point, drive to Mount Etna to begin your tour. As you ascend to a height of 2,000 meters, your professional guide will tell you about the history of the volcano and explain its unique nature to you. Walk on paths away from the tourist areas to take in the flora and fauna away from the crowds.  Different aspects of the volcano will be highlighted, such as its nature and resources, its amazing landscapes, and the huge lava flows that have destroyed buildings and roads. You will be taken to a viewpoint to see the panoramic view of the Valle del Bove, the most important valley on the east slope of the volcano. Visit an area of ancient explosive activities, Hornitos, a semi-cave and a state refuge. Learn about its origin and the features inside from your guide. You’ll also have the chance to sample the wines, liqueurs, and honeys from this area. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation in Catania.

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular (ticket not included) with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.