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One tour per person
Best price!
08:00
Duration
Mar-Nov
Period
4+
Age
Mt Etna natural park
Place
Mount Etna Tour: North Side and Alcantara Gorges
Do you want to experience one of the best Mount Etna tours from Taormina, Giardini Naxos and nearby towns? This tour takes you to the most natural and less crowded side of the volcano, among extinct craters, lava flows, spectacular views, a lava cave and a visit to the Alcantara Gorges. It is a full-day excursion designed for those who want to combine Etna North, easy trekking and lava canyons in one well-organised day, with convenient pick-up and an expert guide.
How the Mount Etna tour works
The tour starts conveniently from Taormina, Giardini Naxos and nearby towns. Up to about 1000 metres, the landscape is made up of woods and typical crops: birch trees, pine trees, cherry trees, olive groves and vineyards offer beautiful views of the northern side of Mount Etna.
With our off-road vehicles we will take the Mare–Neve Road to reach an altitude of 2000 metres, in the Piano Provenzana area, the main reference point of Etna North.
From here we will visit the Sartorius Craters, along quiet nature trails, up to about 2200 metres. The guide will explain the vegetation, volcanic formations and lava flows that have shaped this area in a simple and interesting way.
After the Sartorius Craters, the tour includes a visit to an underground lava cave: helmet and technical equipment are included for an easy speleological exploration.
There is also a stop at a chalet under the pine forest for the lunch break, with a basic menu available on site at an extra cost.
Visit to the Alcantara Gorges
The afternoon part is dedicated to the Alcantara Valley. The return route follows a panoramic itinerary through Castiglione di Sicilia, a charming medieval village, before reaching the most famous canyon in Sicily: the Alcantara Gorges.
Formed by the erosion of the river on basalt rock through a thousand-year process of over 8000 years, the gorges are still changing today: in some sections the water sculpts the lava walls, while in others it creates small sandy beaches along the banks.
Why choose this excursion?
- 🌋 Complete tour: Etna North and the Alcantara Gorges in the same day.
- 🥾 Easy trekking: a route also suitable for those who do not usually go hiking.
- 🚙 Convenient departure: pick-up from Taormina, Giardini Naxos and nearby towns.
- 🧑🏫 Expert guide: explanations about the history, nature, geology and landscapes of Mount Etna.
- 🌿 Etna North side: a more natural and less crowded area.
Experience focus: Etna North, craters and lava canyons
This excursion is designed for those who want to visit Mount Etna from its wildest and most spectacular side, away from the most crowded routes. The Sartorius Craters, lava flows, lava cave and Alcantara Gorges make the tour complete and varied: nature, volcano, geology and lava landscapes come together in one experience.
Would you like to see other similar experiences in the area? Take a look at the page with all our Etna + Alcantara tours.
What is included in the Mount Etna excursion
- 🚐 Pick-up from your hotel or preferred meeting point
- 🥾 Trekking at the Sartorius Craters
- 🌋 Visit to lava flows, depending on the conditions and the itinerary of the day
- 🗻 Speleological exploration of a lava cave, with helmet included
- 🏞️ Views of Mount Etna’s valleys and surrounding landscapes
- 🌊 Visit to the Alcantara Gorges
- 🧰 Technical equipment
- 🎟️ Entrance tickets
- 🧑🏫 Expert guide
- 🍽️ Lunch break at a chalet, with a basic menu available on site at an extra cost
Special offers
- 👶 40% discount for children
- 🏷️ Promotional price shown: €75.00 instead of €89.00
How to book the Mount Etna excursion from Taormina
Enjoy a unique adventure with our Mount Etna tours from Taormina. There are three ways to book: WhatsApp, the booking form on the page, or phone. After your request, you will receive confirmation, availability and useful information.
✔ Choose your preferred channel to request availability, confirmation and instructions.
💳 Payment: in most cases, no advance payment is required. You can pay on site at the end of the tour.
⏱️ After your request, we will reply within 30 minutes with confirmation and additional information.
Useful information
WHERE WE MEET
Pick-up from your hotel or preferred meeting point
Pick-up from your hotel or preferred meeting point
WHAT TO BRING
Hiking shoes or trainers, clothing suitable for the season, water, windbreaker
Hiking shoes or trainers, clothing suitable for the season, water, windbreaker
DURATION
About 8 hours
About 8 hours
DIFFICULTY
Easy – recommended age 4–80
Easy – recommended age 4–80
DAYS
Every day by reservation – 9:00 am
Every day by reservation – 9:00 am
GUIDE LANGUAGES
Italian and English
Italian and English
? Frequently asked questions
How long does the Mount Etna excursion from Taormina last?
The duration is about 8 hours. Departure is generally at 9:00 am and return is in the afternoon, depending on traffic, group timing, stops and weather conditions.
Where does the tour start? Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. The tour includes pick-up from your hotel or preferred meeting point in Taormina, Giardini Naxos and nearby areas. After booking, we will confirm the time and meeting point.
What is included in the Mount Etna excursion?
The excursion includes pick-up, trekking at the Sartorius Craters, a visit to lava flows depending on the conditions and the itinerary of the day, exploration of a lava cave with helmet included, views of Mount Etna’s valleys and surrounding landscapes, a visit to the Alcantara Gorges, technical equipment, entrance tickets and an expert guide.
Is the tour available in Italian and English?
Yes, the guide languages available are Italian and English.
Do I need to pay in advance? What are the payment methods?
In most cases, no advance payment is required. You can pay on site at the end of the tour. If there are any exceptions, for example during very busy periods, you will be informed before confirmation.
How can I book?
You can book via WhatsApp, through the booking form on the page, by e-mail or by phone at 338 5721080. After your request, you will receive a reply within about 30 minutes.
What happens if the weather is bad or conditions are unsafe?
Safety comes first. In case of bad weather or unsuitable conditions, the itinerary may be adapted or, if necessary, the departure may be postponed. We always inform you in advance and find the best solution.
What happens if I am late?
In case of delay, it is important to contact us as soon as possible via WhatsApp or phone. The return time may vary depending on traffic, group timing, stops and weather conditions.
Is the Mount Etna excursion from Taormina suitable for beginners?
Yes. The trekking level is easy and the pace is adapted to the group. No experience is required: the guide will accompany and support you throughout the route.
How much walking is involved and how demanding is it?
In general, you walk on volcanic and dirt trails for accessible sections, with frequent stops for explanations and photos. The difficulty is easy and the excursion is designed to be enjoyable even for those who do not usually go hiking.
Is it suitable for children and families?
Yes, it is suitable for children from 4 years old. The route is designed to be safe and manageable. A 40% discount is available for children.
Is lunch included in the tour?
There is a stop at a chalet under the pine forest. Lunch is not included in the excursion price, but with a minimum cost of about €10 it is possible to choose a basic menu directly on site. Alternatively, you can manage the lunch break independently. For details about the available menu, contact us on WhatsApp before booking.
What should I bring for the excursion?
We recommend hiking shoes or trainers with good grip, a windbreaker even in summer, water and layered clothing. In winter, a hat and gloves are recommended. The technical equipment for the lava cave is provided by us.
Is the experience private or shared?
The excursion takes place by reservation. The operating format is confirmed at the time of request, depending on the date, availability and number of participants.
Map
Service provided by Sicily-Adventure.
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Tour Reviews
Bella gita, bravissima guida allegra e competente.
bella luoghi magnifici anche se pensavo di salire più in quota.
la guida eccellente.
il tour è stato fantastico posti visitati spettacolari ed anche la guida simpaticissima lo consiglio a tutti di fare questa esperienza. ciao da Mirco e Roberta (toscana)
Il tour è stato bellissimo e le guide (Julia e Denis) semplicemente spettacolari! Molto preparate ma anche simpatiche e coinvolgenti! Ci hanno riservato anche una sorpresa finale davvero emozionante, che ha reso la giornata indimenticabile!
Bellissima escursione, guida competente e simpatica, piacevole e gustosa pausa pranzo
Da provare.
L’Etna è una scoperta. Non ti aspetteresti di camminare sulla lava de vulcano.
Anche la visita alle gole di Alcantara non si possono perdere.
Poi Danny è uno spettacolo, guida, autista e cabarettista. Chiedete di lui!
Grazie di tutto
Was amazing. Denis was our guide and he is so funny. He explained all of details about the volcano, and we had a good surprise in the end. I recommend.
Organizzazione impeccabile, guida preparata e percorso scelto molto interessante. Esperienza da fare, consigliato!
was really great day, love it. the groupe wasnt too big (we were six people). got picked up at the hotel. got very interesting information from our guide. we recommend this tour to everyone. its really worth.
bellissima esperienza. L’ istruttore e autista Denny è stato davvero bravo e disponibile nel suo lavoro. Ci siamo divertiti un mondo. Siamo tornati stanchi ma ne è valsa la pena. Sicuramente da rifare. 🙂
We had a fantastic day with Massimo our guide. He picked us up from our hotel. He was full of knowledge and very easy to chat to. If you are planning on doing this tour please bring longer socks- the tour lends the walking boots but we had ankle socks which were annoying!! We spent lots of time walking and learning about the volcano’s- very interesting! We then left for lunch which was either a bread roll sandwich or pasta-we choose the bread! Lots of choices for fillings, also got a drink and cake for 10 euros, good food at a good cost. What was nice, we had our lunch with the other people on the tour, a family from France and a family from Italy. It was nice to have the time to chat about the day. We then left for the Alcantara gorge, a 45 minute drive and we arrived. We walked down the steps to a fantastic sight, it’s definitely worth a visit! Take wet shoes as lots of stones. The water itself is very cold but once over that it’s amazing to walk up the gorge, absolutely fascinating!! We spent 30 minutes there which was a good amount of time. Then driven home! A very good tour and good value for money, the views were absolutely stunning!
Tour molto carino adatto a tutti e non troppo impegnativo…la guida super simpatica!!!
I recommend this trip to Etna to everyone. Our guide Denis was great, always ready to help and give interesting information about the sights.
Personale cordiale e ben disponibile, visita seguita passo passo con spiegazioni chiare e dettagliate, la consiglio a chiunque.
we loved it! our guide roberto was a very very great guy. the full day was very informative and interesting. a great way to get a peek at etna and the amazing culture that comes with it. we would reccommend it any time !!
Gita sull’Etna e alle gole dell’ Alcantara fantastica. Ti vengono a prendere da casa con comodissimi autofurgoni a nove posti. L’autista e guida Roberto ci ha accompagnati per tutto il tour, con ascesa sul vulcano fino a 1800 metri, esperienza meravigliosa. Poi pausa pranzo (soli 10 €) in baita nel bosco. Infine nel pomeriggio passeggiata al fresco nel fiume per poi tornare a casa. Consigliatissima.
Escursione interessante e giornata piacevole anche grazie alla gentilezza della guida
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