Mount Etna’s last eruptions was on May 17th, 2016, spewing plumes of ash and smoke above Sicily. Geologically, all these eruptions make it one of the most geologically important spots on the continent and also one of the most picturesque. Counterintuitively, they also make it a very safe volcano to visit.
How much does it cost to go up Mount Etna? For those who wish to get to 2900 mt. (9600 ft.), the ticket price is €50 for adults and €39 for kids 5/10 years old; the price includes the cable car, 4×4 vehicle, and a 60 minutes walk led by a guide. Those who desire to visit the active craters to an altitude of 3320 mt. (10100 ft.)
Consequently, How do I get to Etna? You can either use the public transports (cable car and 4×4 jeep) or even hike from Rifugio Sapienza to the summit. It’s also possible to select a public tour directly at Rifugio Sapienza. Without it, you’d only be allowed up to 2900 meters at Etna South.
How do I get to Etna by car? When visiting Mount Etna by car, you have two possibilities:
- drive to the South Side and get the Mount Etna Cable Car up to an altitude of 2,500m. The most popular choice.
- drive to the North Side, to Piano Provenzano and start your trekking from there.
FAQ
How long does it take to climb Mount Etna?
From here the hike begins throughout the most recent lava flows leading up to the summit of Mt Etna, in a volcanic environment. Helmets will be provided. There are about 3 km to the rim of the crater, under normal conditions, the ascent takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How cold is it up Mount Etna? The climate of the volcano
Around 2000 m in winter, temperatures rise up to 8°-10° and in summer they vary between 15° and 30°.
Is Etna safe? Are all eruptions dangerous? Etna produces both terminal or subterminal eruptions whose flows cannot reach the inhabited centres because they cool down before reaching them, and lateral eruptions during which eruptive mouths can be opened along the slopes of the volcano, and for this reason they are the most dangerous.
Is Mount Etna safe to visit? The highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna lies on the eastern part of Sicily, near Catania. According to the Express, it is considered “one of the safest volcanoes in the world” even though small eruptions like this one can occur several times a year.
Can I visit Mount Etna?
Mt. Etna can be visited and hiked year-round. For the hike, definitely March to September. The best months to visit Mount Etna with pleasant temperatures and without the extreme July/August tourist crowds are: May and late September – October.
Does Catania have a beach? With its 18 km, La Playa is the locals’ favourite beach: a long stretch of fine golden sand. Locals and tourists alike appreciate both the beach services offered by the lidos, and its lively and entertaining night life. Another strong point of La Playa is the breath-taking view of majestic Etna.
Is it safe to visit Mount Etna?
During the eruption period, the highest part of the volcano is usually closed to tourists. However, Mount Etna is huge, so even if there are explosions at the height of the summit craters, you can safely hike the lower parts of the volcano.
Does Mt Etna always smoke? Today, Etna is almost always blazing, if not erupting, its distinctive coronet of smoke a familiar sight across much Sicily. While black smoke is apparently a good sign, white smoke is a more sinister portent.
Can you walk to the top of Mt Etna?
The Mount Etna summit hike (3,350 meters / 10,912 ft) is not possible at the moment. Due to the current volcanic activities, it’s not permitted. Currently, the highest point you can reach is Torre del Filosofo at 2,920 meters (9,580 ft). This a beautiful hike and totally manageable without a guide.
Is it difficult to climb Mount Etna?
Etna is at high altitude (over 2,500 metres above sea-level), and you need appropriate clothing and footwear – it’s an easy hike but not something for your flip-flops and beachwear.
Is it safe to hike Mount Etna? The answer is quite simple and drastic: NO, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT SAFE TO GO TO THE SUMMIT AREA OF ETNA (actually, as of December 2002 it is also forbidden). This is not only so when the summit craters are erupting.
Why is Mount Etna famous? Mount Etna is renowned for its exceptional level of volcanic activity, and the documentation of its activity over at least 2,700 years. Its notoriety, scientific importance, and cultural and educational value are of global significance.
Does Etna have lava?
Mount Etna is thought to have started as a submarine volcano that slowly grew above sea level as it erupted, time and again, gradually increasing its height with solidified lava, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.
How hot is lava? When lava first breaks through Earth’s surface, it is an extremely hot liquid. On average, fresh lava can be between 1,300° F and 2,200° F (700° and 1,200° C)! Depending on its exact temperature, fresh lava usually glows either orange/red (cooler) or white (hotter).
Can you climb to the top of Mount Etna?
The Mount Etna summit hike (3,350 meters / 10,912 ft) is not possible at the moment. Due to the current volcanic activities, it’s not permitted. Currently, the highest point you can reach is Torre del Filosofo at 2,920 meters (9,580 ft). This a beautiful hike and totally manageable without a guide.
What is the closest town to Mount Etna? Although Catania is the closest major city to Mount Etna, the finest views are from the town of Taormina.
What do you wear to Mount Etna?
We generally recommend dressing warm and comfortable clothes. It is advisable to bring for your trip to Etna a coat or jacket, possibly wind/water-resistant; hat, gloves, and a scarf can come in handy. Regarding the shoes, a good pair of trainers can be enough, provided that they are waterproof and have a grippy sole.
How do you climb Mount Etna? Yes, you can do the mount etna hike independently
If you’re on a strict budget, you can avoid the expensive cable car by hiking up to the Mountain Hut from Rifugio Sapienza. The wide path is very easy to locate, and the hike should take around 1.5 hours.
