The excursions to the summit craters of our “gentle giant” are perhaps the most ambitious destinations of Etna excursion enthusiasts. The beauty of this spectacular painting by the force of nature leaves fortunate hikers breathless and with memories that will remain with them forever. You get the feeling of touching the meeting point of Etna’s moving forces, the destructive force with which local inhabitants have learned to live and the creative force that enriches us with spectacular exhibitions of nature with explosions and flowing lava…… and everything alive and pulsing that is Etna.
You start from "Piano Provenzana" using a 4X4 jeep until 2,900 m. You will then walk to the summit craters (central crater-new mouth) at circa 3,300 m. Following your visit, you will then begin your descent by passing the north east crater and then go in the direction of the spectacular "Valle del Leone". You will then arrive to the "Pizzi Deneri" volcanological observatory. From here you will continue your descent towards "Portella Giumenta", crossing the "Quarantore" gully, until you arrive to Piano Provenzana, our final destination.
| Recommended period: | From June to October |
|---|---|
| Scheduled day: | TUESDAY - FRIDAY |
| Duration: | 6 hours (depends on the rhythm of the group) |
| Difficulty: | Medium-high |
| Departure time: | 8:00 |
| Recommended equipment: | Trekking shoes, antiwind and antirain jacket, hat, telescopic sticks (if available), and in general dress appropriately to the various temperatures that is possible to find during the excursion. |
| Notes: | The feasibility of the excursion depends obviously on the present volcanic activity, the weather condition and the achievement of at least 8 persons. |
| Warnings: | EXCURSION ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED TO PEOPLE WITH HEART PROBLEMS AND ASTHMATICS. |
