Booking Center
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
- Children discount: €10 off for kids under 12 years. This excursion is recommended for children over 6 years old.
- Hotel transfer service available between Catania and Taormina upon request.
- Available from March to November
What's included
✅ Transfer service (if selected) – Pick-up & drop-off available between Catania and Taormina.
✅ Certified multilingual guide – Discover the secrets of Mount Etna with a local expert.
✅ Cable car ticket – Ride up to 2,500 meters included in the price.
✅ VAT & Insurance – All taxes and insurance are included for a worry-free experience.
Tour Tips & Info
Q: What is the total duration of the excursion?
A: The tour includes a cable car ride up to 2,500 meters, followed by a 4 km hike with a total duration of about 4 hours. The entire experience, including transfers and stops, can extend up to 5 hours.
Q: What is the difficulty level of the hike?
A: The hike is classified as easy/moderate difficulty, suitable for hikers in good physical condition. The trail reaches a maximum altitude of 2,700 meters, crossing volcanic terrain with moderate elevation changes.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: The tour is recommended for children aged 6 and older. Children under 12 benefit from a €10 discount. It is important that younger participants are able to walk on mountain trails and adapt to changing weather conditions.
Q: What should I wear for the hike?
A: It is recommended to wear hiking boots, long pants, and layered clothing that includes fleece and a warm, breathable, and waterproof windproof jacket. Gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and a backpack for water and snacks are also advised.
Q: What is included in the tour price?
A: The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off service (if selected), an environmental hiking guide, cable car tickets, VAT, and insurance. The transfer service is available with an additional cost of €30 per person, with pick-up from your accommodation in the area between Catania and Taormina.
Q: Is it possible to join the tour if I have health conditions such as hypertension or asthma?
A: It is recommended to consult your doctor before participating in the tour, especially if you have hypertension, heart problems, or asthma. Altitude and physical activity can be demanding, so it is important to ensure that you can safely handle the conditions of the tour. Participation is at the individual's discretion, but ensuring your well-being during the excursion is essential.
Q: Can I explore Mount Etna on my own without a guide?
A: Without a guide, it is officially allowed to reach a maximum altitude of 2,500 meters, the altitude reached by the cable car. To go higher than this, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide. It is highly recommended to join a guided tour to ensure safety and enrich your experience with detailed information about the volcano.
Q: Is the tour available year-round?
A: The tour is available from March to November. Weather conditions can affect access to higher areas during the winter months, and the cable car may be closed in case of heavy rain, storms, or volcanic activity.
Q: Where does the tour start and how can I reach the meeting point?
A: The main meeting point is at Rifugio Sapienza, located at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza in Nicolosi, CT. You can reach Rifugio Sapienza by your own car or use the transfer service offered by the organization.
Q: What happens in case of adverse weather conditions or eruptions?
A: In case of adverse weather conditions or volcanic activity, the cable car may be closed for safety reasons. It is important to check the weather conditions before departure and follow the instructions from the relevant authorities and guides.
Q: Can I bring my pet on the tour?
A: It is allowed to bring a small pet, provided you inform us at the time of booking and with the consent of all participants in the excursion, or opt for a Private Tour available on request. In protected areas, animals must be kept on a leash.
Q: Is there parking available at the meeting point?
A: Yes, there is ample paid parking available at Rifugio Sapienza where you can leave your car during the tour.
Q: Can I book the tour on the spot, or is advance booking required?
A: It is highly recommended to book the tour in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. You can book through the official Etna Unlimited website or by contacting the organization directly.
Etna Cable Car Tour
Soar up to 2,500 meters aboard Mount Etna’s cable car and discover the volcano’s dramatic landscapes on foot with an expert guide. Hike across ancient lava flows, peer into vast caldera, and marvel at the summit craters. Along the way, learn about Etna’s geology, local ecosystems, and mountain life. A thrilling journey into Sicily’s wild heart.
Half Day Etna Cable Car and Hike
✔ Cable Car Adventure – Ride up the volcano to 2,500 meters for a breathtaking view of the craters and the surrounding landscape.
✔ Moderate Hiking Trail – Embark on a 4 km trek through volcanic terrain with moderate ascents.
✔ Stunning Views of the Etna Craters – Walk along the crater rims and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano and the island below.
✔ Environmental Expert Guide – Explore the Etna region with a certified guide who will share insights about the geology and history of this incredible active volcano.
Etna Cable Car Tour
Half-Day Volcano Adventure with Panoramic Cable Car Ride
Join our Etna Cable Car Tour for a thrilling high-altitude experience on Europe’s most active volcano. This half-day excursion blends comfort and adventure, taking you from the base of Mount Etna to 2,700 meters above sea level with breathtaking views, volcanic trails, and expert guidance every step of the way.
✅ Flexible Meeting Options
Start your journey your way: meet us at Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South) or park at our designated location and join our 4x4 convoy. Prefer the hassle-free route? We also offer pickup directly from your accommodation between Catania and Taormina.
✅ Ride the Etna Cable Car to 2,500 Meters
Skip the line—your ticket is included! In just 15 minutes, the cable car lifts you into Etna’s lunar landscape, revealing sweeping views of lava fields, ancient flows, and the Ionian coastline all the way to Catania.
✅ Guided Volcanic Hike up to 2,700 Meters
Once at the top station, embark on a moderate hike with your guide through a dynamic volcanic environment. Discover fresh lava formations, extinct craters, and volcanic bombs, as your expert explains the volcano’s geology, recent eruptions, and the forces shaping Etna’s surface today.
✅ Panoramic Views of the Valle del Bove & Summit Craters
The hike leads to a striking viewpoint overlooking the immense Valle del Bove, a colossal natural amphitheater, and the still-smoking summit craters above. It’s the perfect setting for photos and a moment of awe in front of nature’s raw power.
✅ Return & Relax at Rifugio Sapienza
After the hike, descend by cable car and enjoy some free time at Rifugio Sapienza to relax, grab a snack, or browse local souvenirs before heading back.
👉 Book your Etna Cable Car Tour now and experience the volcano from above and within!
Meeting Point
Rifugio Sapienza, Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, Nicolosi, CT
