Climbing Mount Etna is an experience you'll never forget, and one of Italy's must-sees. And with good reason: not only is it Europe's highest active volcano at 3,357 m, it's also one of the most active in the world!
This colossus offers the curious breathtaking discoveries, lunar landscapes and exceptional views of the sea and Sicily.
How do I get to Etna from Catania?
From Catania, there are several ways to reach the volcano and climb Mount Etna:
- By bus: departure every day at 8.15 a.m. from Catania's main railway station (Piazza Pape Giovanni XXIII) and return at 4.30 p.m. Allow 2 h to reach Etna's Sapienza refuge, at 1,910 m.
- By car: the road is easy, beautiful and not too winding; a city car will do.
- With an agency: this is the simplest and most practical option, but also the most expensive. The agency picks you up directly from your hotel, takes you to Etna and guides you around the site (with historical and personal anecdotes from the local guide). The price includes everything: transport, guide and on-site cable car. You also have access to exclusive areas (such as lava caves), thanks to equipment provided by the agency. This takes a big organizational burden off your shoulders. Some agencies also offer excursions from Palermo.
- Helicopter: you can take a 20-minute helicopter flight over Mount Etna. This gives you the best possible view of the molten lava and the interior of the crater.
How do I climb Mount Etna?
There are four stages to the ascent of Etna:
- Gettingto the Sapienza refuge, the starting point for the ascent, by the means of transport listed above from various Italian towns. The refuge is not particularly interesting, except for the fact that it is located next to the Silvestri crater, a former crater, now inactive.
- TheFunivia terminal is the arrival station for the cable car at 2,500 m altitude. From the Sapienza refuge, you can hike up (4 hrs. walk and 600 m ascent from the refuge), or take the cable car for 15 minutes, for €50 round trip. It runs every day, barring extreme wind, and the first departure is at 8.30 a.m., while the last departure is at 3.50 p.m. Although expensive, the cable car is an interesting option, as the hike is rather monotonous and rough.
- Get to the Torre del Filosofo, at 2,920 m altitude, the last point still accessible by road, and also the last place accessible without a guide. You can either take a bus from the Funivia terminal, for €27, or walk up, for a 2-hour hike and 400 m ascent. Here again, the all-terrain bus is an excellent option.
- Getting to the summit requires a guide. While it is possible to climb Mount Etna to the Torre del Filosofo (2,920 m) without a guide, it is compulsory to be accompanied by one to reach the summit at 3,357 m. There are several agencies offering this service. Several agencies offer this service, which is best booked a little in advance. You can stop at 2,920 m if you don't wish to be accompanied by a guide.
Practical information you need to know before climbing Mount Etna
Climbing Mount Etna is an extraordinary adventure, and one that needs to be organized in advance! Here's all the practical information you need to make it a success.
What are Etna's opening times?
Etna is freely accessible and has no opening hours if you decide to climb it on foot. However, the volcano may be closed to the public in the event of an eruption. On the other hand, if you decide to take the cable car between the Sapienza refuge and the Funivia terminal, you'll be dependent on its timetable. The first departure is at 8.30 a.m. and the last at 3.50 p.m. The cable car may be closed in the event of strong gusts of wind or other adverse weather conditions.
What's the best time of year to climb Mount Etna?
The mid-seasons, spring and autumn, are the best times to climb Etna.
Summer is pleasant, but very busy. In winter, the summit is covered in snow. Visits are still possible, but you need mountaineering equipment: snowshoes, crampons..
How fit do you need to be to climb Etna?
That depends on which option you choose! If you choose to climb to the summit, you'll need to be in good physical condition. In fact, for the final section, from 2,920 m to the highest point at 3,357 m, you'll need to be accompanied by a guide, and on foot. Climbing Etna to the summit is demanding, as there is a considerable difference in altitude.
However, if you want to stop at 2,920 m, you can take the cable car and then the bus. This way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and the secondary craters, without making any major effort. This option is accessible to all.
What should I wear to climb Mount Etna?
Appropriate clothing is essential for climbing Etna:
- Good, grippyhiking boots, as the crumbly rock can be slippery.
- Warm clothing, even in summer: good socks, pants and sweatshirt. If it's 30°C at sea level, it will be 0 to 10°C at the summit. So in summer, pack layers.
- A windproof jacket, summer or winter, as the summit can be windy.
- Poles and snowshoes in winter. All equipment will be prepared in advance by the agency.
In addition to clothing, you'll need sun cream (you'll never be in the shade), a cap, sunglasses, one or two large water bottles, sandwiches and snacks in your rucksack. The Sapienza refuge also sells food.
How can I climb Etna without paying?
It is possible to climb Etna without paying. From the Sapenza refuge, you can walk for 6 hours and climb 1,000 m, avoiding the €50 cable car and €27 bus fare.
However, we don't recommend it. The scenery, while exceptional, is monotonous. It's all black rock as far as the eye can see, with no vegetation. A 6-hour hike in this landscape will be a bit boring. What's more, if you want to climb Etna without paying, you can only go as far as the Torre del Filosopho, the last site accessible without a guide. While it's entirely possible to stop here and turn back, it's a shame to climb 1,000 m and miss out on the crater, which is one of the best things to do in Sicily.
Can you visit Etna without a guide?
You can visit Etna without a guide up to the Torre del Filosofo, at 2,920 m above sea level. Beyond that point, a guide is absolutely essential. The hike without reaching the summit remains interesting, as there are numerous secondary craters and caves, and both the scenery and the views are breathtaking, but it's a bit of a shame not to see the main crater.
How can I visit Etna with my family?
Visiting Etna as a family is no problem at all, as you can climb the mountain by cable car or bus. However, once you've reached the Torre del Filosofo, climbing to the summit will be trickier with young children. This last stage, which is not compulsory, is therefore more suitable for children aged ten or over.
For a trip as a couple, see our article on the best honeymoon destinations.
