Mount Etna tour from Catania: Silvestri craters walk

Walk between two craters born in an 1892 eruption, high on Europe's highest active volcano

A half-day Mount Etna tour from Catania takes you by 4x4 vehicle up the southern slope to the Silvestri craters, two formations created during a six-month eruption in 1892. You walk the crater rim at roughly 1,900 meters, admire the lava vents, and return to taste local honey, wines and liqueurs. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mount Etna and Silvestri Craters

• Visit Mount Etna volcano
• Admire Silvestri craters and lava vents
• Walk crater rim and climb small hill

The experience

The drive from Catania winds up the volcano's southern face in a 4x4 or minibus, climbing to where the landscape shifts to black volcanic rock and sparse vegetation. The Silvestri craters sit at the heart of the route: the higher crater, Silvestri Superior, reaches 2,020 meters, while Silvestri Inferior sits at 1,886 meters. Both were torn open during the eruption that lasted nearly six months in 1892, and the walk between them traces the crater rim itself: a small climb suited to any fitness level, though the altitude and exposed terrain mean sturdy trekking shoes matter.

You'll spend time on the rim admiring the old lava vents and the scale of the volcano's power, with plenty of room to photograph the craters and the slopes below. The operator offers environmental and tourist guides in multiple languages (English, French, German, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Hebrew and Japanese) for an additional fee calculated per group. Weather shifts fast at this altitude: bring a windbreaker in the warmer months (May through September) and a heavier jacket the rest of the year.

The return includes a tasting of typical Etna products (local honey, wines, liqueurs and capers) before the drive back to your hotel in Catania. The whole outing runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Off-road 4x4 or van transport from your Catania hotel.
• crater rim walk at the Silvestri craters.
• tastings of local honey, wines, liqueurs and capers.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel In Sicily Tour Operator

Is this one for you?Choose the shared minibus if you're joining others on a set route covering both the Silvestri craters and lava vents. Book private transport or a specific-language guide if you prefer to customize your stops and commentary.

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Top questions

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 are the Silvestri craters?

The Silvestri craters are two volcanic formations on Mount Etna's southern slope created during an eruption that lasted nearly six months in 1892. The higher crater, Silvestri Superior, sits at 2,020 meters. The lower, Silvestri Inferior, stands at 1,886 meters. You walk the rim between them on this tour.

How high do we climb on this tour?

The tour reaches roughly 1,900 meters altitude at the crater rim walk. The climb is small and suited to all fitness levels, though the altitude and exposed terrain mean comfortable trekking shoes are essential.

What's included in the tasting at the end?

The tasting features typical Etna products: local honey, wines, liqueurs and capers, all sourced from the region around the volcano.

Can I book a guide who speaks my language?

Yes. Environmental and tourist guides are available in English, French, German, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Hebrew and Japanese. This service costs extra and is calculated based on your group size at booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable trekking or gym shoes with good grip for the crater rim walk. Bring a windbreaker from May through September. In other months, pack a heavier jacket. The weather at 1,900 meters changes quickly.