Excursion to the 2002 Craters - North Etna

Overview

This hike takes you to the northern slope of Mount Etna to explore the 2002 craters, a privileged site that is less crowded than the standard tourist areas. Accompanied by a licensed volcanological guide, you will discover the authenticity of the Sicilian volcanic landscape. The route, approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles) round trip, passes through wooded areas and lunar landscapes. You will see the remains of tourist infrastructure destroyed by lava flows during the great eruption of 2002, before reaching the edges of explosive craters. Departure is at 10:00 am from Piano Provenzana, at an altitude of 1800 m. The ascent reaches 2100 m to visit the eruptive fractures before trekking back down to the starting point. The walk lasts approximately 3 hours and is classified as tourist-level.

Itinerary

1. Piano Provenzana

   Piano Provenzana, on Mount Etna’s north side, is easy to reach by private or rental car along fully paved public roads. Surrounded by pine forest and dramatic lava fields, the area was reshaped by the October 2002 eruption, which destroyed the original facilities and left a striking volcanic landscape of historic interest. You’ll find souvenir shops, cafés and bars for breakfast, lunch or coffee, plus spots to refill water bottles. In winter it serves as a Ski Resort; in summer it becomes the starting point for guided hikes and excursions. Blue-lined parking areas welcome cars and camper vans. If you’ve booked a tour, meet your volcanological guide directly on-site meeting points. Less crowded than other Etna stations, Piano Provenzana offers a quiet, authentic way to experience Europe’s highest active volcano.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

2. Mount Etna

   This guided hike explores the wild, less-touristic north side of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Walk across the vast 7.2 km lava flow of the 27 Oct 2002 eruption, where hotels, shops, restaurants and a large car park now lie buried—only the roof of one hotel remains visible. Continue through forest to the 1911 and 1923 flows and a chain of 1911 craters with shafts 7–40 m deep, then climb the crest of the huge 2002 eruptive fracture, a canyon strewn with volcanic bombs, reaching the vent that produced the destructive flow and other large explosive mouths up to 2,100 m. Descend via soft ash channels through beech forest and ski slopes back to the start. The hike is ≈5 km round trip, with ≈300 m ascent/descent, lasting about 2.5–3 hours.

   · 2 h· Admission included

3. Piano Provenzana

   Piano Provenzana, on Mount Etna’s north side, is easy to reach by private or rental car along fully paved public roads. Surrounded by pine forest and dramatic lava fields, the area was reshaped by the October 2002 eruption, which destroyed the original facilities and left a striking volcanic landscape of historic interest. You’ll find souvenir shops, cafés and bars for breakfast, lunch or coffee, plus spots to refill water bottles. In winter it serves as a Ski Resort; in summer it becomes the starting point for guided hikes and excursions. Blue-lined parking areas welcome cars and camper vans. If you’ve booked a tour, meet your volcanological guide directly on-site meeting points. Less crowded than other Etna stations, Piano Provenzana offers a quiet, authentic way to experience Europe’s highest active volcano.

   · 30 min· Admission included

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Assistance animals are welcome.
• Not recommended for travellers with spinal problems.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• The activity suits all physical conditions, but trekking is not recommended for those who generally have low motor activity.
• Accident insurance does not cover participants not wearing suitable footwear.
• As volcanic soil is often unstable and incoherent, caution is required despite the absence of particularly difficult passages.
• The total duration of the trek depends on the walking pace.
• Walking along the crater edges may be problematic for those prone to vertigo.
• The itinerary is intended for people in good physical health without cardiovascular, respiratory, or hypertensive pathologies.
• The excursion may be modified or interrupted by the guides if weather or volcanic conditions compromise safety.
• It is recommended to inform the guide of any health issues to ensure the activity runs smoothly.
• The group is limited to a maximum of 20 travellers.
• Booking confirmation is immediate.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• No refund is possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.
• The activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather or insufficient number of participants.

Who is it for?

• Families with children used to walking
• Travellers seeking a site less crowded than central Etna
• People in good physical health without severe pathologies
• Participants speaking English, Italian, or French

What makes it different

• Accompanied by a licensed volcanological guide
• Access to the 2002 craters, a more authentic and less dense area
• Option to rent boots and jackets on-site

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 167552P2

Activity offered by Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord via Viator.