Mount Etna Adventurous Hiking Tour with Equipment

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Sicily, Italy

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.6

· Aleksandra_B ·

Mar 2026

This was a great experience. The trip was in mid-March, mostly in the snow, with good weather and quite clear skies. Ernesto and Zelia did a great job of keeping the group moving, we walked about 3 hours and very much enjoyed this fabulous landscape.

· Laurel_L ·

Sep 2025

This was a great way to explore Etna. Great hike to see the diversity of the mountain. We took many breaks along the way to learn a bit from our guide and also to catch our breadth from the cardio. Walking through the sandy rocks was so cool

Overview

Explore Mount Etna, the world's most active stratovolcano, on this small-group hiking tour from Catania. Ride up the mountain on a 4WD vehicle and take a moderate hike through Mount Etna's moon-like landscape in the Valley del Bove depression. Explore Etna's largest caldera, aka a large crater, and take in spectacular views of the Sicilian landscape and the Ionian Sea.

Hike through Mount Etna's Valle del Bove depression
Reach areas inaccessible to larger vehicles
Small group ensures an intimate atmosphere
Round-trip transportation from the meeting point in Catania

What's Included

Local volcanological guide
Pick-up/Drop off in Catania
Insurance
Equipment (shoes, trekking poles, helmets, wind stoppers)

Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:30 am

Itinerary

Mount Etna

5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The program of the excursion may be subject to changes. (Adverse weather conditions, as well as restrictions on access to the volcano by the competent authorities)
Not suitable for elderly people not used to walking in the mountains
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

John_N

This excursion was fantastic and I highly recommend it. The views during the hike were amazing, the food at the lunch was unbelievably delicious, and the lava tubes were really cool to experience. Ernesto was a great guide and took care of everything while we were out with him and made sure everyone's needs were met. About the hike. You will be on a hiking trail that is sometimes narrow with inclines and declines. In some sections there are step-ups/downs, uneven surfaces, exposed rocks and tree roots, and loose gravel. If you do this hike you should dress accordingly, bring a backpack to hold some additional clothing and water. During the tour through the lava tubes, you are provided hard hats with headlamps, you will definitely need the light to see in the tube. The lunch, which is not included in the price, was spectacular. It was on a beautiful farm located off the hiking trail. it was a wonderful experience and a great way to refuel after the hike.

Reviews

4.6

based on 448 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Fun Etna Adventure!

Anela_C, Mar 2026

The best part of my trip was my guide Dario who seemed to have like a masters degree worth of knowledge. Learned a lot about Etna and vulcanology as well as Sicily in general! Conditions: they customize the exact route based on the day’s weather. They provide jackets, backpacks, gloves and hiking boots if you need, so I was dry and warm despite hiking in falling snow. Our hike involved ~20 min moderate climb and then some scrambling on scoria. So not too difficult, but also not for the faint of heart. Overall: recommend if you want to avoid the huge tour buses on the south side but still get some Etna experience!

This was a great...

Aleksandra_B, Mar 2026

Cancelled 1 minute before the start of the trip

Michal_M, Feb 2026

The booking was cancelled 1 minute before starting the trip when I was obviously at the meeting point. When I asked the operator for the reason I was just ignored. If you don't want to risk losing the trip I would suggest using another operator.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

We’re sorry to hear about your experience — that’s certainly not the level of service we aim to provide. A last-minute cancellation, especially when you were already at the meeting point, is understandably frustrating. We also regret that you did not receive a clear explanation when you reached out, however when you visit an active volcano the state of alert can change very quickly especially when the increase of volcanic tremors are going on. Your feedback is important to us, and we are committed to improving our service to prevent situations like this in the future.

Absolutely worth it!

Yelena_S, Dec 2025

This was a difficult hike in December. Come prepared. Warm jacket. Warm gloves. Warm hat. The guide - Alessio - was incredibly helpful - he provided us with hiking boots and polls and even an additional jacket for my daughter. But it was hard. The wind on the top is very strong, the incline is steep, the views however - are all worth it!

Loved it!

Sandra_H, Dec 2025

A trip where you actually trek! We did about 6-7km and got up to 2500ft... it was a gorgeous day and a lot of fun. Very doable with decent fitness.. the group goes at a reasonable pace with lots of check ins to make sure everyones ok. For reference I am 38, exercise regularly and found the difficulty 4/10. With few challenging bits and I could have slowed without issue at any point. The terrain was like another planet.. really cool to see. Ernesto as a guide was fantastic. Very much enjoyed his stories and company.

Great hike on Etna

Amy_E, Oct 2025

Brilliant tour. We hiked approximately 6km (think we may have gone further if there wasn’t cloud). Need a good head for heights as one section is a little exposed but the views into the crater are so worth it! We are in our 30s and pretty fit and found it 3/10 challenging.

Stunning Hike up Etna

Alex_C, Oct 2025

Off the beaten track way to see Etna. Not for the faint of heart in terms of strenuous walking & altitude but ultimately so much more rewarding. Our guide Ernesto was extremely knowledgeable about the localised fauna & landscape & set a pace which included several (much needed!) stops. Would definitely recommend.

This was a great way to...

Laurel_L, Sep 2025

Exceptional experience!

Elizabeth_M, Aug 2025

Ernesto was an awesome guide!! He shared so much interesting information about mount etna and Sicily. His cadence on the hike was perfect allowing for breaks at just the right moments. And he got us down safely during a thunderstorm. We had so much fun!

Awesome hike, well beyond...

Joshua_L, Aug 2025

Awesome hike, well beyond a "cappuccino tour" still in view of the parking lot. Running down in the volcanic ash was a blast!

Fun day hike!

Florence_C, Jul 2025

The views were amazing and our guide kept a good slow pace. We were provided with all the necessary gear (hiking shoes, backpacks, windbreakers and trekking poles). We also stopped to buy snacks/water/lunch before starting the hike, but you can also pack your own if you’re more organized! The hike was quite independent, with the guide walking either ahead or behind the group. You’re able to stop when you’d like to take photos/breaks. Expect to get very dirty!!

A Sicily/Catania must!!

Blaise_B, Jun 2025

Mt Etna is a must see/do. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and was very safety conscious. I liked this tour (vs the other options) as it allowed us to really experience this active volcano as we hiked up to nearly 2600KM. I highly recommend.

Informative and adventurous Etna hike

Jennifer_L, May 2025

Really fun group hike on Mt Etna with Juliano as our guide. Great views, great workout, great chat, and learned a lot about volcanos, Etnas effect on the area.

Memorable day - we did it!

judith_m, Apr 2025

It was a great day. Had 3 guides who were all fun, professional and helpful. And also met some really interesting people on the tour. We are a couple in our 70's and one of us found it more challenging than the other, but the guides were always there to encourage and support. Highly recommend.

Beautiful hike on Etna

Tanvee_K, Apr 2025

This was a fantastic experience! We were able to hike to 2750m on the Etna in the hands of responsible, knowledgeable, and very able volcano guides who showed us the beautiful Etna. Would 100% recommend this tour, which was the highlight of our Catania travels.

Brilliant hike

Nicola_J, Apr 2025

A brilliant hike with a knowledgeable guide. A great way to see Etna! This is a hike and it doesn’t involve the 4x4 or cable car as some trips have and this was most definitely a better way to see the different elements of the landscape. Thanks Alessandro for a great day!

Etna tour with a real guide

Thomas_B, Mar 2025

Great guide, many stories/experiences Great view on Etna summit and "cow valley" Provides clothes and stuff if needed

Great hike with severe drop-offs

Rob_L, Feb 2025

Great guide, a positive experience hiking, however there were areas that appeared dangerous. Remember to bring your good hiking/trekking waterproof boots.

Thank you to our expert...

Pauline_M, Feb 2025

Thank you to our expert guide Alessandro! 😊 Hike was challenging for me but our guide always makes sure that we're safe. Went as solo traveler and made new friends. Overall, fun and would recommend.

Amazing!!!!!

Judi_N, Jan 2025

Was such an amazing experience with Ernesto:) he kept us motivated and shared loads of information and stories about Etna. Definitely one of the best trips I have ever been on and I would 100% do it again. THANK YOU ERNESTO !!!

Adventure on Mt Etna

Lawrence_C, Dec 2024

We had high winds and snow, and that helped make the trip! There was a stop at the cafe before and after, and the whole experience was excellent. Bring gloves, a hat, and good boots!

HIGHLY DISAPPOINTING, SCAMMY!!! AVOID

Michelle_L, Oct 2024

My tour was supposed to be on a Saturday. On Thursday, I received a message from the guide Ernesto if I could switch the tour to Friday instead. However, I was unable to do so. He replied that the weather conditions were going to be bad that weekend. I asked if he would recommend continuing with the tour which I did not receive a response to. I phoned the company on Friday and he only then informed me that the tour was going to be cancelled and he would refund the FULL AMOUNT which I agreed to. However, I received a message from him that evening confirming the tour again. 25 MINUTES before the meeting time, he texted to cancel the tour. I was refunded HALF the total amount which was not agreed on. I have texted and messaged him on this platform and tried to call him numerous times but to no avail. I have not been contacted by him ever since. Highly disappointing!!! Waste of time and money.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Refund Processed - Viator Booking BR-1189701657 Dear Michelle, Outdoor activity like a visit on an active volcano can be cancelled especially when isn’t safe for our guests. Viator customers service has processed for a full refund so what you said isn’t not correctly the truthful. A total of GBP 119.40 has been refunded to the original form of payment. Please note; depending on your form of payment, some refunds may take 3-7 business days Best wishes EM

Challenging but great Mt Etna hike

Joe_R, Oct 2024

Great hiking thru Valley del Bove. I am 61 year old male and fairly fit and this 3-4 hour hike kicked my butt. But that’s just me. Younger people seemed less phased. Bring water, snacks. Would recommend.

Wonderful hike of Etna where no other tourist go

Laura_L, Oct 2024

Despite rainy day we still managed to get some amazing views and had great experience! You get to go to the paths and places where no other tourist goes - this is what makes it really special and unique

Excellent adventure and guides!

Lisa_N, Oct 2024

Fantastic tour! The guides, Alessandro and Ernesto were excellent. It was a bit of a challenging climb but well worth it! We learned a lot and the views on Etna were amazing!

Fantastic experience

Izabela_J, Oct 2024

We had an amazing time! This is quite a hike so be prepared. It's not very steep but constantly uphill on sandy/gravel track. Our guide was very informative and shared his love to Etna with us. Definitely worth booking and better experience than cable car if you are fit enough.

We would definitely do it again!

Joshua_M, Sep 2024

We had a great hike with our guide Alessandro. He made the trip very interesting and also fun! It was a good mixture of hiking and breaks, so also for beginners.

Fantastic trip

Georgia_F, Sep 2024

Fantastic trip! Giuliano was an excellent and very knowledgeable tour guide and we really enjoyed our time trekking on Mt Etna. Perfect that shoes and jackets were included in price as we had not brought with us!

Amazing experience

June_T, Sep 2024

The trip take us to 2400m and give us a good experience of climbing Etna. The guides are knowledgeable and very friendly. They also provide us with all the equipments including boots, windbreaker, jacket etc.

Hiking tour

Marija_S, Aug 2024

The most wonderful experience my husband and I have ever had in our lives! It's a unique opportunity and you should surely book it. The guides Ernesto and Alessandro are the best, they shared their knowledge about volcano's activities through years and you can see how they are passionate for what they do, and they are very, very polite and friendly. I would highly recommend it! Thank you for this great experience :))

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