
Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 324 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike worth booking?
Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike is a 6-hour experience in Catania, Italy, from $74 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 324 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (324)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $74 per person
Each excursion is carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk. After the meeting and departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna Sud), with the cable car and 4x4 jeep you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and environments looking lunar, you reach the Etna Summit Craters at 3340mt. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the dizzying Northeast Crater and we will see at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs and the sparkling colors of the ground thanks to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit the craters of Barbagallo and cross a lava channel. Once again at 2500 m with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point.
What you get
About this experience
Each excursion is carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk. After the meeting and departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna Sud), with the cable car and 4x4 jeep you reach an altitude of 2,800 meters and from here in about 2 hours of walking through lava flows and environments looking lunar, you reach the Etna Summit Craters at 3340mt. Here we will walk on the spectacular rim of the Central Crater, we will face the dizzying Northeast Crater and we will see at our side the famous Southeast Crater, author of the most recent and impressive eruptions. In addition to the vastness of the summit craters, you will admire a unique volcanic environment, with gas emissions, volcanic bombs and the sparkling colors of the ground thanks to the sublimation of various elements, including sulfur in particular. During the descent we will visit the craters of Barbagallo and cross a lava channel. Once again at 2500 m with the Etna cable car we will return to the starting point.
What's included
Included
- Trekking boots
- Trekking sticks
- Helmet
- Insurance and Volcanological Guides
Not included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Cable car and 4x4 jeep tickets (65€ per person) to be paid locally
- Pick up transfer service from Catania or around
- Wind jacket
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catania
Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna Restaurant
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna Restaurant
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ashàra Etna & Stromboli Guides
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 324 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
324 verified traveler reviews for Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wow, what an unforgettable life experience!
Wow, what an unforgettable life experience! Pepe was a fantastic guide, happy to share his ever changing knowledge of the region. The hike was challenging but comfortable. Reaching the rim was an unforgettable experience, breathtakingly beautiful, adrenaline was pumping as it was very windy but at all times I felt safe. Thankyou for such a rewarding day!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing North side Etna summit hike
An annoying start that ended very well. Booked with Viator in January to do a south summit hike on 21 June and booked accommodation nearby. The day before the hike we received an message from the tour operator to say the south summit tour was not possible and we should get to meeting point at 8am on the North side for 8 am which was an hour and 15 mins away. We got up very early to be there on time. However on speaking to the guide on arrival and although we were the first to arrive the group already had 10 people so we had to join another group with a different company which wasn’t leaving until later! However this turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Not only was the North side less touristy and pristine, but we also got to ride in a very cool 4x4 bus accompanied by a great guide Vincenzo from AITNE who took us on the hike up to two craters. He was very knowledgeable and we felt very safe. We are used to hiking in mountains so this was not hugely challenging for us but it’s soft underfoot, like walking up a sand dune in places and some parts were quite steep and the air is thinner. It was great they provided good quality comfortable hiking boots and poles. Be warned, you need a reasonable level of fitness to do the hike. An inexperienced couple half our age were struggling and were encouraged thankfully to turn back, which they eventually did, with another guide. so the rest of us could do the full tour at a comfortable pace.
via Viator
Fantastic Etna summit craters hike
Our guide Giacomo did a fantastic job to get us to the summit craters and back.
via Tripadvisor
Etna summit crater trek
Amazing experience, really well organised and the guides were really knowledgeable and passionate about the volcano and the underlying geology, highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Guide, Not a Summit Hike
The guide, Simone, was very well informed and in fact passionate about volcanoes. It was very interesting to listen to him and he handled questions well. He was also very attentive to the needs of the group. It was a very positive experience. The group size and logistics were all well-organized. We were pleasantly surprised that hiking boots were provided; that was super helpful. Knowing that in advance would be great. The tiny complaint I have is that the trip is advertised and sold as a summit trip, but they did not at any point consider taking us to the summit, due to snow bridge conditions. If this was communicated from the outset, it would eliminate any feeling that we did not get what we signed up and paid for. We understood that the weather conditions made summit hikes unsafe, but this was not a situation that was changing day to day. It should just be sold as is. All that said. I would do it again and recommend it, especially if you want the really interesting information from a professional. Simone was an expert, and we were fortunate to get to experience Etna with his guidance.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 113
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catania.
How much does Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike cost?
+
Prices start at $74 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catania is not rushed.
Is Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 324 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Catania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Around 113 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catania and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Catania?
+
On Outty we rank every Catania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better, Etna Tour - HalfDay Small Group & licensed Tour Guide, Tour Etna and Wine Tasting. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Catania?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Catania?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Included: Trekking boots; Trekking sticks; Helmet; and Insurance and Volcanological Guides. Not included: Bottled water; Snacks; Cable car and 4x4 jeep tickets (65€ per person) to be paid locally; and Pick up transfer service from Catania or around. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna Restaurant Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike offered in?
+
It is offered in English, Italian and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike?
+
Across 324 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike.
Pick your date




