Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t worry: you can always contact us directly and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Contacts
You can contact our office managed by Marina, who speaks Italian, French, Spanish and English. Marina will help you choose the Mount Etna excursion best suited to your needs and will answer all your questions.
Phone and WhatsApp: +39 338 881 8220
Email: info@etnahiker.com or etnahiker@gmail.com
How can I book an excursion on Mount Etna?
Booking on www.etnahiker.com is easy. You have two options available:
Advance payment booking: through the Fareharbor platform you can pay for the excursion immediately. In case of volcanic activity or bad weather, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid.
Booking via contact form: fill in the online form and our office will contact you to answer all your questions before confirming the booking.
How can I cancel or change my booking?
To cancel or change your booking, contact our office at +39 338 881 8220.
If you booked through external platforms such as GetYourGuide or Viator, refunds follow the conditions indicated at the time of booking on those platforms.
If you booked directly through Fareharbor, you can manage the cancellation yourself or rely on our office.
Is it possible to climb Mount Etna during an eruption?
Mount Etna is the most active volcano in Europe and eruptions are frequent events. However, not all eruptions prevent access to the volcano: it depends on the intensity and location of the activity.
Access to the summit areas is regulated by municipal ordinances and the “ETNAS” alert system, which provides real-time information to Alpine and Volcanological Guides to ensure safe excursions.
Our team constantly monitors the situation and will promptly update you on any changes to the programme. Contact us for up-to-date information on the status of the volcano.
What happens if the excursion is cancelled due to bad weather or volcanic activity?
The safety of our guests is the top priority. If the excursion is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or volcanic activity, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid for bookings made through our website.
We will always keep you informed about the volcano and weather conditions to help you best organise your itinerary in Sicily.
Who are the Etna Hiker guides and what qualifications do they have?
Our team consists of 4 Volcanological Guides and 1 Alpine Guide, all regularly registered with the Regional College of Alpine and Volcanological Guides of Sicily. You can verify the registration status on the official College page.
Our team:
- Morina Claudio – Volcanological Guide – +39 340 304 6576
- Latina Arturo – Volcanological Guide – +39 347 389 6693
- Cosma Luca – Volcanological Guide – +39 338 548 8008
- Marco Cosentino – Volcanological Guide – +39 329 345 6867
- Carmelo Cavallaro – Alpine Guide
Where is the meeting point for excursions from Etna North?
The meeting point for Etna North is located at the Piano Provenzana Station, next to the Bar Chiosco Etna Nord, at the Soleneve Souvenir Shop.
Travel times:
- From Taormina: approximately 50 minutes
- From Catania: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
Parking: large paid parking available (approximately €3.00).
Where is the meeting point for excursions from Etna South?
The meeting point for Etna South is located at the Rifugio Sapienza, at the Bar Terrazza dell’Etna.
Parking: large parking available (€10.00).
Where is the ticket office for 4x4 tours on Mount Etna?
The ticket office for guided 4×4 tours up to 3000 metres is located at Piano Provenzana (Etna North). Here the operator indicated on your voucher will welcome you before departure.
Do you offer a transfer service to reach Mount Etna?
Yes, we offer two transfer options to comfortably reach the excursion departure points:
Transfer from Catania: round-trip service at a cost of €45.00 per person (minimum 4 participants). Contact the office to book.
Transfer from Fiumefreddo di Sicilia: round-trip service from the railway station to Piano Provenzana at a cost of €25.00 per person. This is the most convenient option: reach Fiumefreddo by train from Catania or Taormina/Giardini Naxos and one of our guides will be waiting for you at the station.
To book the transfer, contact the office at +39 338 881 8220.
Why choose a guided excursion on Mount Etna?
Mount Etna is an active and constantly evolving volcano. Relying on certified volcanological and alpine guides guarantees:
- Safety: our guides know the territory and constantly monitor volcanic activity
- Authentic experience: you will discover the geology, flora and history of the highest volcano in Europe
- Access to summit areas: only with an authorised guide is it possible to reach the highest areas of the volcano
- Insurance coverage: all our guides are regularly registered with the Regional College
Can I also visit Stromboli with Etna Hiker?
Yes, we also organise excursions on Stromboli, another of the most active volcanoes in Europe. As with Etna, access may be subject to restrictions depending on volcanic activity. Contact us for more information and availability.
Is any special training required to participate?
It depends on the excursion. Tours to the Summit Craters or along the Northeast Rift require good physical fitness. Other treks are accessible even to those with less experience. Check the details of each tour.
Is the excursion dangerous?
What Equipment is Needed?
Is it Suitable for Children?
How Do I get to Piano Provenzana from Catania or Taormina?
From Catania:
• By car: take the A18 highway towards Messina, exit at Fiumefreddo, then follow signs to Linguaglossa and finally Piano Provenzana (Etna North). Estimated time: 1h30.
• Alternatively: AST bus to Linguaglossa (not every day), then private transfer or taxi.
From Taormina:
• By car: continue on SS185 to Francavilla, then direction Linguaglossa > Piano Provenzana. About 1h15.
• By taxi or private car service: available on request, ideal for groups or those without a car.
GPS coordinates: Piano Provenzana – Etna North (37.7994, 15.0570)
Free parking available on site.