I hiked Mount Etna, an active volcano in Sicily. My guided tour to the top was epic (and easier than it sounds!)

Article Summary:

• Hiking Mt. Etna is one of the best things you can do in Sicily (and Italy!)
• I did a guided Mt. Etna tour that included a visit to lava flow caves, a short trek, and lunch. 
• Guided tours are the only way to hike Mt. Etna. Luckily, there are a variety of tours to choose from so many ages and activity levels can participate. 
• Mt. Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the most active stratovolcano in the world. 

Standing atop Mount Etna truly feels like being on another planet. 

As you trek through the landscape, black lava rocks, low rolling clouds, and patches of bright red rock and greenery surround you. At least, that’s what I saw when I hiked Europe’s largest volcano on my recent trip to Catania, Sicily. 

Hiking Mt. Etna was a key reason why I chose to visit Catania. After I hiked Volcano Acatenango in Guatemala last year, I seem to have gotten an itch to hike more volcanoes.

A guided tour is the only way you can hike Mt. Etna. So, I booked a guided tour with great reviews through Viator. It had some pros and cons but overall, it was a highlight of my entire trip and I highly recommend a Mt. Etna tour to other travelers. 

Here’s an overview of how my hiking tour went and what makes Mt. Etna an incredible attraction worth visiting. 

My Mt. Etna Hiking Tour

I booked my guided excursion: Etna Morning Tour with Lunch Included, through Viator. It had over 200 5-star reviews and so I made the booking. 

The excursion included transportation, a visit to lava flow caves, a 1.5-2 hour guided trek along the Silvestri Craters and lava fields, and a Sicilian lunch at the end. In total, the tour lasted about six hours. 

The first stop of the tour was at a couple of lava flow caves. This was quick and just off the side of the road on our way up to the volcano. It was interesting to step into these dark, damp caves and learn how Mt. Etna’s eruptions caused changes in the caves and the surrounding environment. 

The 2-hour trek was my favorite part of the day, though. 

The beginning of the trek included a couple of ascents. These were fairly easy to climb and there was a quick payoff when it came to views. We walked along the edge of one of the Silvestri Craters while enjoying views of the other crater down below. 

From this point, we could also see the snowy summit of Mt. Etna and sweeping views of the mountain below. Not to mention, the pops of color from red lava rocks and light green bushes stood out against the already dramatic landscape. The scenery was truly one-of-a-kind.

The second part of the trek included a walk through lava fields. This part of the hike felt like stepping onto another planet. The clouds quickly rolled in and we were surrounded by black lava rocks. We made our way back to the park’s visitor complex after this. 

My guide, Giuseppe, was particularly knowledgeable about the history and science behind Mt. Etna’s volcanic eruptions. He was so knowledgeable that another tour guide stopped us so he could explain the lava fields to another group. 

Despite the positives, I don’t know that I’d recommend my specific tour to everyone. The pickup started off a little rocky with a lack of communication and our guide picked us up half an hour late. He also didn’t speak the best English so understanding him was tricky at times. 

This being said, the pickup may have been a fluke. And if that’s the case, I think the tour is a great option for anyone who wants a more easy-going hiking experience. 

If you’re looking for more adventurous tours, this Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike to 3340 mt could be what you’re looking for. It takes you to Etna’s summit. Just note that the meeting point is within the park itself, not from Catania. I’ve also heard that Red Etna offers great tours that are more culturally focused. 

Almost Anyone Can Hike Mt. Etna

My hiking tour was extremely doable. I’d say it’s suitable for almost any age and average fitness levels. In fact, I think my tour is a great choice for older folks and families with kids. There were just a couple of steep-ish ascents and then the trek through rocky lava fields was fairly flat. 

However, Mt. Etna excursions range from easy-going hiking excursions like mine to more adventurous treks that take you to the volcano’s summit. Looking back, I wish I’d chosen the latter. 

However, this range of tours means that experiencing Mt. Etna is accessible to a lot of people, which is awesome because I think visiting is something everyone should do when in Sicily.

Mt. Etna is One of the Most Active Volcanoes in the World

What makes Mt. Etna unique is that it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world and it’s the most active stratovolcano in the world [Source]. 

I know what you’re thinking: “Is it even safe to visit the volcano if it’s so active?” Don’t worry, you probably won’t get caught in a catastrophic lava explosion during your visit — the volcano’s activity is monitored very closely. However, Etna’s heightened volcanic activity means its topography is distinct and ever-changing. 

Mt. Etna feels alive. And you’ll observe its energy and life all around you when you visit. Steam and smoke billow from craters and rocks change colors as you traverse the fields of lava rock. Unexpected plant life pops up out of nowhere. The volcano is a patchwork of life and activity and proof of nature’s power. 

My tour guide said it best: “Sicilians call Mt. Etna ‘mama’ because every time it erupts it brings new life.”

My Advice Before You Go

Pack Layers

Sicily might be known for its warm Mediterranean climate, but Mt. Etna is a totally different ball game. The volcano sits at over 11,000 feet so the temperature is dramatically different from the surrounding cities and towns. 

Pack layers like a fleece, windbreaker, and even a hat. More adventurous tours may require heavier hiking gear. You can also rent a windbreaker from the gift shop for about €20. 

Don’t Stress About Food, Bathrooms, and Other Amenities

Most guided Mt. Etna hikes begin from the visitor complex where there are a handful of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. I went into this guided tour with expectations similar to my more rugged experience hiking Volcano Acatenango. Turns out, there was no need to worry. 

There are places to grab a coffee, get a meal, and use the bathroom right before and after your hike. Hiking Mt. Etna means you’ll be out amongst the elements, but you won’t really be “roughing it.” 

You Can Stay Near Mt. Etna

Planning on doing a more intense Mt. Etna trek? You can actually book a hotel in the park! This will make it easy to relax after a long day of hiking or just enjoy more activities and tours around the volcano. I recommend Corsaro Etna Hotel & SPA.

Want More? Listen to My Italy Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Italy episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Italy”). 

We chat about hiking Mount Etna in Sicily at minute mark 22:01.

The host, Betty, and I discuss places to visit in Italy (07:04), the best things to do in Italy (16:15), how to get around Italy (23:36), Italy travel tips and etiquette (27:20), why more people should visit Italy (03:56) and all the other common questions about travel to Italy.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Italy.

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Seeing the stunning views of Mt. Etna was a testament to the beauty of Sicily. Let me know in the comments if you’ve done this hike or plan on doing one soon. Up next, read my article on why Sicily stands out from the rest of Italy!