Mount Etna tour from Taormina
Active
4h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a true icon of Sicily. This is your chance to venture either 1,900 or 2,900 metres above sea level to check out the lunar-like landscapes of the volcano's craters. You'll be driven from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza, where – if you've chosen to go up to 2,900 metres – you'll switch to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater for a guided walk and some epic views. If you opt to stay at 1,900 metres, there's free time to explore the nature trails around the Silvestri Craters, along with souvenir shops, cafés and a small museum that tells the story of the mountain's past. Either way, you'll want your camera for this one.
Available options
Letojanni Area - English 1900M
Letojanni Area - English: English with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Taormina Area - German 1900M
Taormina Area - German: German with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Giardini-Naxos German 1900M
Giardini-Naxos German : German with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Giardini- Naxos - French 1900M
Giardini- Naxos - French: French with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Letojanni Area - French 1900M
French with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Letojanni Area - English 2900M
Letojanni Area - English: English with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Letojanni Area - German 2900M
Letojanni Area - German: German with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Taormina Area- French 2900M
French with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Taormina Area - English 1900M
Taormina Area - English: English with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Taormina Area - English 2900M
Taormina Area - English: English with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Giardini-Naxos - English 1900
Giardini-Naxos - English: English with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Letojanni Area - French 2900M
Letojanni Area - French: French with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Taormina Area - German 2900M
Taormina Area - German: German with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Letojanni Area - German 1900M
Letojanni Area - German: German with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hotel Antares Bus Stop, Viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1, 98037 Taormina ME, Italy
Giardini- Naxos - French 2900M
French with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Giardini-Naxos German 2900M
Giardini-Naxos German: German with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Taormina Area- French 1900M
Taormina Area- French: French with ascent to 1900m<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Giardini-Naxos - English 2900
Giardini-Naxos Area English: English with ascent to 2900m included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Recanati Bus Terminal, Viale Dionisio, 12, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
What's included
Transport
Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Nature trails, caves, woods, and lava flows typify the landscape that leads to the top of Mt Etna. And after pick-up from your hotel you'll be driven to about 1900m above sea level at Rifugio Sapienza on the south side of Etna, where you'll hop off the bus to unearth some more.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Anything else not specifically mentioned in " what is included"
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Bring suitable footwear
Bring warm clothes
Bring a hat
Up to the top the Apline Guide will only speak English but for most of the tour the guide will speak both languages
The trip to 2,900m is optional so if you'd like to go higher, you'll need to select this when booking
It can get chilly at higher altitudes, so we recommend that you wear layers of clothing
Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
Meeting point
Letojanni – Hotel Antares Bus Stop, viale Santa Maria Goretti, 1 – 98037
Please be there at h 07.30am
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
