Mount Etna trek: Valle del Bove & lava tubes in Sicily

Walk into lava tubes and stand inside Mount Etna's volcanic structure

A guided trek on Mount Etna in Sicily that crosses black sand deserts, ancient lava flows and old craters before descending into lava tubes equipped with helmet and flashlight to reach the Valle del Bove. The route covers about 5.5 km over 3 to 3.5 hours at a medium-easy pace, with a guide who speaks English or Italian and adjusts the path if weather or safety demands it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mount Etna and Valle del Bove

• Wear trekking shoes
• Walk through black sand deserts
• Cross woods and lava flows
• Visit old craters
• Admire Valle del Bove
• Enter lava tubes with helmet and flashlight
• See Silvestri Mountains craters

The experience

The trek starts on the slopes of Europe's largest volcano, where you walk past the typical flora and fauna of the volcanic landscape. You'll cross deserts of black sand, woods, and both ancient and recent lava flows, moving upward to about 2,100 m altitude with roughly 350 m of elevation gain. The guide leads you off the main tourist routes, so the experience stays focused on the volcano itself rather than crowded viewpoints. Wear trekking shoes or shoes you don't mind ruining. The black sand descents are steep and the terrain is unforgiving.

The route builds toward the Valle del Bove, a large basin on Etna's eastern flank that sits within the Etna Park protected area. Before reaching it, you'll pass old craters and walk along paths that reveal the volcano's structure and history. The guide, an Etna enthusiast and expert, can adjust the route if weather turns or safety concerns arise, so the actual path may differ from the planned one.

The final part of the day takes you into lava tubes: hollow passages carved by lava during past eruptions. You'll wear a helmet and carry a flashlight to explore these dark spaces and understand how they formed. Private transportation is included, along with jackets, sweaters, sticks and the safety gear you need. The full experience, from start to finish, runs 6 to 7 hours.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the trek.
• helmet, flashlight, walking sticks, jackets and sweaters.
• a live guide fluent in English or Italian who leads the route and adjusts it for safety or weather.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Etna Periperi Excursion

Is this one for you?The 3 to 3.5 hours of trekking leaves room for other activities earlier or later in your day, but schedule it away from flight times: unpredictable situations can stretch the full experience to 7 hours, and the trek is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Valle del Bove and why does the trek end there?

The Valle del Bove is a large basin on the eastern side of Mount Etna's volcanic structure, located within the Etna Park protected area. It's the focal point of the trek: a striking formation that reveals the scale and geology of the volcano after you've walked through the surrounding landscape.

Do I need special equipment or fitness to trek Mount Etna?

The trek is rated medium-easy and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The operator provides helmet, flashlight, sticks, jackets and sweaters. You must wear trekking shoes or shoes you're willing to get dirty, since you'll descend steep black sand slopes and walk across rough volcanic terrain.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trek?

The guide can change the route at their discretion if adverse weather or real safety risks emerge. It's wise not to schedule the trek on the same day as your flight arrival or departure, since unpredictable situations could cause the experience to end later than the expected 3 to 3.5 hours of trekking.

Will I enter the lava tubes, or just see them from outside?

You'll enter the lava tubes equipped with a helmet and flashlight. The guide will explain how these passages were created during the volcano's eruptions and what they reveal about Etna's volcanic history.

Is lunch included in the trek?

Lunch is not included. The trek lasts 6 to 7 hours total, so plan accordingly. Bottled water is also not provided, so bring your own.