Half Day Mount Etna Guided Volcanic Tour from Taormina

The hike to the top will be challenging, but there's no need to hurry as you admire the desolate volcanic landscapes, 7 craters, and volcano caves. Spend as long as you’d like admiring bucket list-worthy views from the summit before enjoying the easier hike down, and before you know it, you'll be back in Taormina with a camera full of lifelong memories.

Half Day Mount Etna Guided Volcanic Tour Description

Your 5.5-hour tour includes:

• Guided trek to Mount Etna's summit

• Explore a volcanic cave

• Hike toward 7 craters

• Complimentary rental of hiking gear if needed

• Bottle of water

• Small group size

• Return transportation from Taormina or Giardini Naxos

• Professional English-speaking guide

Depart Taormina

Your journey begins bright and early with an 8:30 am pickup in Taormina or an 8:45 am pickup in Giardini Naxos. Board a comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes Minivan or Minibus and travel in style through the lush Sicilian countryside to the foot of Mount Etna. As your bus driver weaves his way through winding roads and charming small towns, you'll be delighted to enjoy the view rather than behind the wheel.

Trek up Mount Etna

Upon arrival at the base of Mount Etna, you'll immediately be blown away by the stark contrast of volcanic landscapes and the brilliant blue ocean coloring the horizon. After hopping off the bus and meeting your volcanological guide, enjoy a moment to get your bearings in the small village and capture your first of many photos before beginning your trek.

The trail you'll follow today passes by some of the 7 craters that formed on the summit following the 1865 eruption. Learn why they're referred to as "la bottoniera," and take note as your guide points out the bright yellow sulfur deposits still visible in some of the craters. On your way to the summit, you'll also have the opportunity to explore volcanic caves and unique lava formations, each featuring dark greys and deep reds.

Explore Volcano's Summit

The climb is challenging, but there's no need to hurry. Enjoy a relaxed pace along the rocky terrain and be sure to stop to admire the views behind you on the way up–and before you know it, you'll have arrived at the top of Mount Etna. Delight in the fresh mountain air at the top of Sicily and snap celebratory pictures with your new adventure-loving friends. On a clear day, you'll even be able to admire panoramic views from Calabria to Taormina and even out to Stromboli Island, dotted off Sicily's coast.

After filling your camera with epic shots, you'll begin your journey back down the volcano. The trek will feel like a breeze compared to the challenging trail up, and all too soon, you'll be saying goodbye to your friendly guide and hopping on the bus. In under an hour, you'll be back in Taormina or Giardini Naxos with plenty of time to refresh and enjoy an evening at your leisure.