Sicily , Italy

2002 Crater Excursion - Northern Etna

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(303 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The tour to the craters of 2002 is one of the most sought after destinations and chosen by tourists on the northern side of Etna, far from the large mass of visitors. This tour allows you to savor the authenticity of the Etna volcanic environment in total tranquility. Our guests accompanied by guides will be accompanied on a visit to the remains of the tourist infrastructures destroyed by the lava flows of the great eruption of 2002, through woods, lunar landscapes and finally on the edges of explosive craters, all in a path of just over 4.5 km roundtrip.

Possibility to rent boots + jacket on site.

Program:
Meeting scheduled at Piano Provenzana (Etna Nord) at 9:45 am.
Departure from Piano Provenzana at an altitude of 1800 meters at 10:00.
Initial briefing.
Beginning of the trek.
Visit to the eruptive fractures up to a maximum altitude of 2100 meters.
Trekking descent to the starting point.
Total duration: 3h
Difficulty: T (Tourist).
Also suitable for children used to walking

Available options

2002 Crater Excursion - Northern Etna

What's included

Accident insurance

Volcanological guide authorized in accordance with the law

Detailed itinerary

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.

Stop 2

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.

What's not included

Bottled water

Trekking shoes (to be rented on site at authorized rentals at a cost of € 5 per pair)

Hat and gloves (especially in winter, spring and autumn)

Parking ticket (€ 3 for the whole day)

Snowshoe rental (winter period) at a cost of €15 per person to be paid on the spot (in winter)

Trekking poles

Pickup service from your accommodation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

14 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 4.9

289 reviews

5★

276

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Trekking is not recommended for those who usually do little motor activity.

Without adequate shoes you are not covered by accident insurance.

Trekking does not require large preparations on a physical level, it is easy and absent of particularly difficult passages, however attention must be paid when treating volcanic soil, which is often incoherent and unstable.

The total duration of the trek will depend on the gait.

The route foresees the ascent and the passage along the crater edges, this could cause problems of vertigo to the sensitive subjects.

This itinerary, in relation to the type, is suitable for people in a state of good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies (cardio vascular, respiratory or hypertension).

The excursion may be changed at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted should the environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, such as to compromise the safety of the entire group.

To ensure the success of the excursion and the correct performance of the activity, it is good practice to know your health conditions perfectly and to have them present at the Guide, to reduce the occurrence of any problems and avoid risks.

Meeting point

The meeting point is located in the car park near the chairlift active at Eta Nord in winter. The bar is the second house of the 4 in the parking lot. Please note that our meeting point is the "Chiosco Bar Mareneve" not the "Chiosco Bar Etna Nord".

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.