Etna Summit Tour from Giardini Naxos

Etna Summit Tour takes you up to roughly 2,900 metres on Mount Etna's quieter north side, well away from the cable car crowds. Instead of the standard lift, a 4x4 does the climbing - the off-road ride up is very much part of the day.

The day unfolds in a few distinct moments:

First stop

After pick-up, the group heads to the north side base at around 1,800 metres, where the 4x4 vehicles take over for the climb toward the summit area.

Second stop

Near the top, an easy 40-minute walk brings you close to the North-East crater, across lava flows and extinct craters, with views stretching down to Taormina and the Strait of Messina on a clear day.

Third stop

The descent includes a stop at a lava tube. Helmets and head torches are provided on site before heading underground.

A certified naturalist guide accompanies the group throughout. The route isn't available in winter due to snow and ice, and the itinerary can be adjusted depending on weather or volcanic activity.

• Organized by: Sicily Stay & Tours
• Duration: 6 to 7 hours, departing at around 8am
• Tour Language: English, Italian (French, Spanish, Polish and German available on request, let us know when booking)
• Days: Every day, seasonal availability (not run in winter)
• Difficulty: Light - the climb is by 4x4, with roughly a 40-minute walk on easy ground near the summit
• Altitude: Around 2,900 metres
• Pick up: Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Castelmola and Letojanni
• Group: Minimum 4 participants. If the minimum isn't reached, we'll get in touch to agree an alternative date
• Not suitable for: pregnant women, children under 2, or anyone with cardio-respiratory conditions
• Recommended Equipment: Comfortable, season-appropriate clothing, a jacket (it gets considerably colder at 2,900 metres than in Taormina, even in summer), closed shoes such as trainers or hiking shoes (no sandals), water and sunscreen