Guided group exploring fumaroles on the Etna 3000 hike

Etna 3000 — Cable Car & Hike from the South

Cable car to 2,500 m, then a guided hike to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m.

The classic south-side Etna tour: cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to 2,500 m, then a guided hike across the 2002 lava flows, inside a lava tunnel and up to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m. About 5 hours, €104 per person, cable car included.

Certified guide

Volcano guides only

Cable car included

Rifugio Sapienza → 2,500 m

3,000 m

Barbagallo Craters

About 5 h

8 km · Moderate

Guided group exploring fumaroles on the Etna 3000 hike

What you will experience

This tour is designed for travellers who want the essence of Mount Etna at high altitude without tackling the summit craters. The cable car removes the first long climb, leaving more time for what matters: walking on the black basalt of the 2002 eruption, one of the most striking examples of how the volcano keeps reshaping itself.

The hike continues inside a lava flow tunnel — a natural cave formed when the surface of a flow solidifies while molten rock keeps moving underneath — and then up to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m. From their rim, the summit craters rise above you while the vast Valle del Bove opens below, with views reaching the Ionian coastline.

Itinerary

1

Meet your certified guide at Rifugio Sapienza

2

Cable car ride up to 2,500 m

3

Guided hike across the 2002 lava fields

4

Visit of a lava tunnel

5

Hike to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m — picnic break

6

Panoramic stop over the Valle del Bove

7

Return to the cable car station and ride down

Essential information

What's included

  • Certified alpine or volcanological Etna guide
  • Cable car round-trip ticket
  • Guided trek up to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m
  • Guide speaking English, Italian, French, German and Spanish
  • Helmets, hiking boots and warm jackets when needed

What to bring

  • Warm layered clothing and long pants
  • Hiking boots and a backpack
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Food and water
  • Bandana for dust, gloves

All items can be rented or bought on site.

Important information

Good physical condition is required. The tour is not permitted for pregnant women or people with heart conditions, blood-pressure problems, diabetes, asthma, back or knee issues, altitude-related problems or other serious medical conditions. Minimum age: 8 years. The itinerary can change with local restrictions, volcanic activity or weather — safety always comes first.

Want to go higher? The summit craters tour reaches 3,300 m — €120 pp. Prefer a private experience with no hiking? See the private cable car & 4x4 tour. Still choosing your side of the volcano? Read our North vs South guide.

Prices

Per person — cable car included€104

Questions about Etna 3000

How do you get to 3,000 m on Etna with the cable car?

From Rifugio Sapienza the cable car takes you from about 1,900 m to 2,500 m in minutes. From there this tour continues on foot with a certified guide: across the 2002 lava fields, into a lava tunnel and up to the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m.

Do we reach the summit craters on this tour?

No. This excursion reaches the Barbagallo Craters at 3,000 m on the southern side, not the summit craters at 3,300 m. If you want to go higher, choose the Etna Summit Craters Tour.

Is the cable car ticket included in the price?

Yes — the €104 per person price includes the round-trip cable car ticket as well as the certified guide.

What are the Barbagallo Craters?

Two large secondary cones formed during the 2002 eruption, at about 3,000 m on Etna's south side. From their rim you overlook the summit craters above and the immense Valle del Bove below, with views stretching to the Ionian coast.

Will we visit a lava tunnel during the hike?

Yes. The route includes a safe visit inside a lava flow tunnel created by past eruptions. Your guide provides helmets and lights.

How difficult is the hike from 2,500 m to 3,000 m?

Moderate. The terrain is uneven and volcanic but there are no technical climbs. Good fitness and sturdy hiking boots are required. Minimum age: 8 years, at the guide's assessment.

Ask about this tour

€104pp
about 5 hModerateCertified guide

Free cancellation up to 24 h before the tour. · A guide replies within 24 h.

Prefer WhatsApp? Chat with a guide

What guests say

Real, verified reviews from guests who explored Mount Etna with our licensed guides.

5.0 out of 5 · 257 verified reviews on Google, Airbnb, Tripadvisor & other platforms
★★★★★
“Great trip on the south side of Mount Etna, and Vincenzo made this unforgettable. The deep knowledge of the site and the volcano is what we needed to really enjoy the hike and understand the history. We loved every minute of our excursion. Thank you Vincenzo!”
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Roberta C.Google
★★★★★
“Etna is mesmerising and wonderful and Vincenzo is the best possible guide for experiencing this utterly beautiful mountain. He is so friendly, knowledgable and passionate about this region and very clear in explaining the natural process. Everyone in our group of 7 thought his personality, knowledge and guidance were a 10/10. Cannot recommend him more highly!”
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Keiji F.Google
★★★★★
“Could not recommend Vincenzo more highly. Everything from communication ahead of time, flexibility and advice around our options given weather and volcanic activity, to the trip itself. Vincenzo was knowledgeable and passionate about Mount Etna, was great with the kids, and gave us a memorable day out. It is the clear highlight of our trip.”
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Rich S.Google
★★★★★
“Amazing guide! Very kind and caring, gave us jackets and boots because we went to the top of the Etna and it was a cold day. He led us on paths where other groups didn't go and gave us some freedom that only comes in small groups that he is leading. I loved that personal touch and would recommend Vincenzo anytime with great confidence.”
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Sanja T.Google
★★★★★
“Do yourself and your family a favor and try to book a tour with Vincenzo. One of the coolest people we've ever met. A world class adventurer, with a keen eye for safety. Accommodating in every regard, funny, and chock full of information. He truly has a passion for this. It was a joy to visit his hometown.”
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Deryl L.Google
★★★★★
“Quite simply, one of the best hikes that we have ever had! Vincenzo explained very clearly what our hike options were based on the weather, was very well prepared, and gave many insightful and interesting explanations during the hike. Clearly, we would never have had even half the experience without his guidance. Thanks Vincenzo!”
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Gareth C.Airbnb
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