2002 Crater Excursion: A Tranquil Exploration of Etna's Northern Side
4.9
254 Ratings
Città metropolitana di Catania
Embark on a tranquil exploration of Etna's northern side with the 2002 Crater Excursion. Discover the remains of the 2002 eruption, lunar landscapes, and explosive craters in total tranquility. Suitable for all ages.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mount Etna - Beginning of the trek along the dirt road that leads from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano, after the first kilometer you cross the eruptive fracture of the eruption of 27 October 2002 on the “Monte Nero - Timpa Rossa” path. visit and study the multiple volcanic morphologies relating to the eruptions that have occurred on the north side of Etna, in particular the flank eruptions of 10 September 1911 and 17 June 1923 which threatened the town of Linguaglossa. After visiting the particular volcanic morpho-structures called Hornitos from the Spanish “Small oven”, we will go up along the pyroclastic cones of the 2002 eruption until reaching the maximum altitude of 2100 meters on the edge of the craters, the route ends with the descent inside a sandy channel to the starting point.

Total height difference uphill: 300 meters (variable value)
Total length of the round trip trek: 4.5 km.

What's Included
  • Accident insurance included.
  • Expert volcanological guide authorized by law.
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
Additional Information

The 2002 Craters tour is a highly desired and selected destination by travelers on Etna’s northern side, away from the crowded touristy spots. The trip delivers a genuine experience of Etna’s volcanic milieu in full serenity. Guides escort our guests on a walk through the remnants of the tourist facilities ruined by the magma discharges during the major 2002 eruption, passing forests, alien-like terrains, and ultimately to the brims of explosive craters, covering a total distance of slightly over 4.5 km roundtrip.

Equipment (boots + jacket) is available for rental on-site.

Itinerary:
Assembly at Piano Provenzana (North Etna) at 9:45 a.m.
Commencement of journey from Piano Provenzana at an elevation of 1800 meters at 10:00.
Initial orientation.
Trek initiation.
Exploration of the volcanic fractures up to a peak elevation of 2100 meters.
Trekking descent back to the origin.
Entire duration: 3h
Difficulty level: T (Tourist).
Recommended for kids accustomed to walking

  • 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.
Location
Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord
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".
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(254 Ratings)
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Stephane
May 22, 2024
Great discovery - Very nice discovery. Easy hike to do, the guide Luca is excellent. Perhaps possible with children who like walking. The walk is done far from the tourist flow, at this time.
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470celiad
May 22, 2024
An unforgettable family excursion! - We had an amazing time on this excursion. The views were breathtaking and we learned a lot about Etna and its flora, thanks to our guide Silvia, whom we thank greatly! We highly recommend this excursion which is well suited to inexperienced walkers who wish to visit this impressive volcano.
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Alexandra
May 7, 2024
Thanks Max! - Thanks to Max who was a great guide! We had a great hike. The explanations were very relevant, we had a great time
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812jeremye
May 5, 2024
Family trek on Etna - We did the excursion with Silvia. It was very good. Our 6 year old child loved it. Thanks again to Silvia for her explanations and her special attention to our daughter.
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Olivier
May 2, 2024
Perfect - Perfect, Sylvia was a great guide. Gentle discovery of Etna on the site of the 2002 eruption before going to the active craters next time...
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Lindorf06
Apr 30, 2024
Very interesting and pleasant excursion, magnificent landscapes - The comments and explanations of the French-speaking guide (Sylvia) were very clear and very interesting, and were distributed very judiciously during the (easy) climb. The reservation and the explanations given in advance (exact point and terms of the meeting) are very clear.
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Stephane
Apr 29, 2024
A beautiful basalt walk - A very nice visit, with very enlightening comments from our guide Sylvia. A gradual climb to the summit of the 2002 volcano and a bracing descent. What happiness!
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212guylenev
Apr 25, 2024
Bottoniere excursion 2002 - Excursion made today, we had a great time, thanks to our guide Sophia for her explanations, her good humor and her kindness. An unforgettable memory!
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C6207himarias
Mar 25, 2024
Once on Etna and back - Great 3 hour tour! Ideal for anyone who wants to get an impression of the volcano without having to go to an altitude of 3000 meters. Great view and lots of interesting facts about Etna. What more do you want? :-)
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Lucacm283bu
Mar 17, 2024
Like in a painting. - Domenico, my guide, accompanied me on a day of unstable weather but with exceptional colours. A unique place in the world. Black lands covered by a white fleece, Alpine conifers, clouds like cream between the blue of the sky and the blue of a sea that embraces Sicily and Calabria. All accompanied by the friendliness, information and very well-prepared and detailed stories of a group of young, highly trained and capable mountain guides. Thanks Domenico. Unforgettable experience.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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