Sicily is a treasure trove for hikers and trekkers. Its diverse landscapes range from the fiery craters of Mount Etna to lush forests and volcanic valleys, offering a rich playground for outdoor enthusiasts. What sets Sicily apart is the combination of raw volcanic beauty and historical sites, making every step an adventure. We especially love Summit Etna North 3300mt: 4×4 and trekking for its exhilarating mix of off-road vehicle rides and high-altitude trekking that feels both adventurous and manageable. It’s a hands-on way to reach the summit and see one of Europe’s most active volcanoes up close.
While many tours focus solely on the volcano, other options like Half day Trekking Tour on Etna offer a more relaxed, multi-layered experience, combining forest walks and crater views. Whether you’re after a full-day expedition or a quick half-day hike, Sicily’s varied terrain makes it easy to find a trip that fits your style and stamina. Below, we review five of the best hiking and trekking tours on the island, highlighting what makes each special.
1. Summit Etna North 3300mt: 4×4 and trekking
At number 1 on our list, this tour combines off-road vehicle rides with a guided trek to Mount Etna’s summit at 3300 meters. Starting from Piano Provenzana, you’ll ride specially equipped 4x4s along a panoramic route through ancient craters and recent lava flows. Once at 2825 meters, you’ll disembark for a 4.5-hour trek covering approximately 7.5 km, climbing a positive elevation of 470 meters to the Central Crater. The terrain is volcanic bombs, scoria, and sand, offering a rugged but accessible challenge for those with moderate fitness.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of vehicle and foot, making the ascent more accessible and less exhausting than a full climb from base to summit. The guides are praised for their professionalism and enthusiasm—”Our guides Andreas and Nikos made the experience unforgettable,” says a recent reviewer. The highlight is undoubtedly reaching the summit crater and witnessing the volcanic activity firsthand, with stunning views and a sense of awe. The price of around $75 per person is very reasonable considering the length and quality of the experience. Perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to conquer Etna with minimal effort and maximum excitement, enjoying the volcanic landscape from two different perspectives.
2. Half day Trekking Tour on Etna
At number 2, this half-day trek offers a well-rounded introduction to Mount Etna’s diverse terrain. It starts with a pickup from your Catania hotel, then heads to an altitude of around 2000 meters where the real walking begins. The route passes through pine forests and lunar landscapes, culminating at approximately 2300 meters, with views over the Valle del Bove—a massive volcanic caldera that’s breathtakingly expansive.
The tour continues with visits to the Craters Silvestri, ancient volcanic vents that provide a perfect spot for photos. You’ll also explore lava flow caves and the 1992 lava front that reached Zafferana Etnea. It’s a comprehensive yet manageable experience, ideal for travelers who want an active morning or afternoon without the full-day commitment. Guests appreciate the informative guides and manageable pace, with one reviewer noting, “We saw incredible scenery and learned so much about Etna’s eruptions.”
The tour costs about $126.76 per person, which is fair considering the duration and included stops. It’s suited for those with a moderate fitness level who want to see the highlights but don’t want to push too hard.
Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking a well-balanced, scenic introduction to Etna’s volcanic features without a strenuous climb.
3. Etna Grantour – 4×4 & trekking – Private tour with lunch included
Number 3 on our list is the most comprehensive day trip, combining visits to three varied slopes of Mount Etna. Starting from local villages, the tour combines trekking (about 2-3 hours) through different types of volcanic landscapes with private 4×4 rides for a full-picture view of the volcano’s diversity. The day includes a hearty lunch, making it a perfect choice for those who want an all-in-one experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the depth of exploration—it’s not just about reaching the top but understanding the volcano’s different faces. The guides focus on sharing stories and detailed explanations, appealing to travelers who love learning about geology and volcanic activity. An especially popular part is the trek through the trails of Etna Park, which provides both stunning scenery and an authentic hiking feel.
With a nearly 9-hour itinerary at $162.54 per person, it offers good value for those wanting a full-day, personalized experience. It’s best suited for fit travelers who want to cover a lot of ground and enjoy a relaxed but active day with local food and private transport.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking an in-depth, customizable adventure in the volcanic region, with the convenience of a private tour.
4. Etna 3000 from the south with Cable Car and trekking – Morning or Afternoon
Number 4 offers a combination of cable car rides and trekking on the south side of Mount Etna. Starting from the Sapienza refuge, the tour reaches around 2700 meters with the cableway, allowing you to avoid the steepest parts of the ascent. From there, a 4-hour walk takes you across volcanic sands and past the crater of 2001, with excellent views of the Valle del Bove.
Guests particularly appreciate the cable car experience, which allows for a quick ascent and more time to explore on foot. “The ride up the cableway was smooth, and the views from the top are unforgettable,” reports a recent traveler. The tour includes scenic stops at notable features like Pian del Lago, a lunar-like volcanic plain, and the chance to see eruptive craters up close.
Priced at around $82.89 per person for about 5 hours, this tour balances convenience with adventure. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want a taste of Etna’s landscape without a full-day commitment, especially if they’re comfortable with some moderate walking.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want a quick, scenic, and active visit to Mount Etna’s southern side, with the ease of cable car access.
5. Trekking to discover the Great Crater of Vulcan
Rounding out our list is the relatively short but fascinating trek to Vulcano’s Great Crater. This 2.5-hour guided walk takes you to the active crater, where fumaroles hiss and sulfur fumes fill the air. Starting from Via Provinciale, the route includes a walk through the island’s sulfur mining sites and a photo stop with panoramic views of Lipari.
This tour offers a closer look at Vulcano’s volcanic activity, making it perfect for travelers who want an authentic experience without long hikes or strenuous climbs. Visitors love the chance to explore the active fumarolic fields and learn about the island’s volcanic history. The price varies, but the focus is on quality, guided insight rather than length or difficulty.
It’s best suited for visitors with limited time or those interested in volcanic activity rather than extensive trekking. The 1-1.5 hour walk is manageable for most fitness levels, and the tour provides a memorable glimpse into Vulcano’s fiery core.
Bottom line: An excellent short tour for those eager to see active volcanoes and learn about volcanic processes in an engaging way.
How to Choose the Right Hiking and Trekking Tour in Sicily
When deciding among these options, consider your fitness level, time availability, and specific interests. For a full-day, in-depth experience covering multiple slopes, Etna Grantour offers the most comprehensive look at Etna’s diversity. If you prefer a shorter, scenic walk with less effort, Half day Trekking Tour on Etna is a great choice. Budget-conscious travelers should opt for Summit Etna North 3300mt: 4×4 and trekking for its excellent value.
For those wanting a quick but memorable experience, the cable car plus trekking tour from the south offers an accessible way to enjoy Etna’s landscapes. And if you’re interested in volcanic activity rather than long hikes, the Vulcano trek is the best fit.
Booking early is wise, especially in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred time and ensure your spot on these popular excursions.
Final Thoughts
Sicily offers a wide range of hiking and trekking experiences, whether you want to conquer its towering volcanoes, explore lunar landscapes, or get up close with volcanic activity. For a full-day adventure, Etna Grantour provides an unmatched comprehensive trip. If your time is limited, the South Etna tour with cable car access is a quick, scenic option. Meanwhile, the short Vulcano trek is perfect for a quick volcanic fix without much fuss.
No matter your preference, these tours showcase Sicily’s volcanic heart in a way that’s both accessible and unforgettable. Book early to secure the best slots, and prepare for some truly dramatic landscapes that will linger in your memory long after your trip ends.