Etna 3000 South Cable Car Hike

South-side high-altitude Etna hike with round-trip cable car, lava tunnel stop, and Barbagallo craters up to 3000 m.

Round-trip cable car included
Guided high-altitude hike
Barbagallo side craters up to 3000 m
Safety briefing and gear support

Altitude

Up to 3000 m

Cost

€ 104 per person

Route

2002 lava fields, lava tunnel, Barbagallo craters

Difficulty

Moderate

Tour overview Etna 3000 South Cable Car Hike

Hike to 3,000 metres on Etna's south side: a 5-hour excursion from Rifugio Sapienza with round-trip cable car, a guided walk to the Barbagallo craters and a lava tunnel visit, led by certified guides. €104 per person, cable car included. Book directly and get an answer within 24 hours.

Starting from Rifugio Sapienza, cable car transfer supports elevation gain before trekking across lava fields toward Barbagallo craters around 3000 meters.

The itinerary includes route briefings, safety checks, and real-time adaptation based on mountain weather and volcanic operational limits.

Itinerary

Meet your guide at Rifugio Sapienza

Meeting point at about 1,910 m.

Cable car ascent

Cable car from 1,910 to about 2,500 meters.

Guided hike across lava fields

Trek through 2002 eruption terrain.

Lava tunnel visit

Explore the inside of a natural lava flow tunnel.

Barbagallo craters

Reach the side craters around 3,000 m.

Picnic break and panoramic stops

Pause with views over Valle del Bove.

Cable car return

Return from 2,500 to 1,910 meters and end of tour.

Essential Information

What's Included
  • Alpine or volcanological Etna guide
  • Round-trip cable car from 1,910 to 2,500 meters
  • Guided trek to 3,000 m Barbagallo side craters
  • Guide in English, French, and Italian
  • Helmets
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm jackets
Not Included
  • Food and Drinks
  • Pickup at meeting point
What to Bring
  • Warm clothing
  • Hiking boots
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Food and drinks
  • Bandana for dust and volcanic gases
  • Long pants
  • Backpack
  • Gloves

Items can be rented or purchased on site

Important Info

All items can be rented or bought on site.

Participants must be in excellent physical condition. The tour is prohibited for pregnant women and for people with serious heart, blood pressure, respiratory, back, knee, or altitude-related conditions.

The itinerary may change depending on local restrictions, volcanic activity, weather, or any safety-related factor.

Only children aged 10 and above are permitted.

Quick FAQ for this tour

Is this tour suitable for my level?

This tour is listed as Moderate.

What is included in the price?

Included services usually cover Alpine or volcanological Etna guide, Round-trip cable car from 1,910 to 2,500 meters, Guided trek to 3,000 m Barbagallo side craters.

Can route or timing change on the day?

Yes. Operations can change based on safety, weather, and volcanic conditions.

Submit Your Inquiry for Etna 3000 South Cable Car Hike

Quick response from our local team, usually within a few hours.

Certified volcanological guideFast local response

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. In case of bad weather: reschedule or full refund.

What guests say

Real reviews from travellers who explored Mount Etna with our guides, shown in their original language.

5.0 out of 5 · 257 verified reviews on Google, Airbnb, Tripadvisor & ToursByLocals
“Great trip on the south side of Mount Etna, and Vincenzo made this unforgettable. The deep knowledge of the site and the volcano is what we needed to really enjoy the hike and understand the history. We loved every minute of our excursion. Thank you Vincenzo!”
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Roberta C.Google
“Etna is mesmerising and wonderful and Vincenzo is the best possible guide for experiencing this utterly beautiful mountain. He is so friendly, knowledgable and passionate about this region and very clear in explaining the natural process. Everyone in our group of 7 thought his personality, knowledge and guidance were a 10/10. Cannot recommend him more highly!”
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Keiji F.Google
“Could not recommend Vincenzo more highly. Everything from communication ahead of time, flexibility and advice around our options given weather and volcanic activity, to the trip itself. Vincenzo was knowledgeable and passionate about Mount Etna, was great with the kids, and gave us a memorable day out. It is the clear highlight of our trip.”
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Rich S.Google
“Amazing guide! Very kind and caring, gave us jackets and boots because we went to the top of the Etna and it was a cold day. He led us on paths where other groups didn't go and gave us some freedom that only comes in small groups that he is leading. I loved that personal touch and would recommend Vincenzo anytime with great confidence.”
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Sanja T.Google
“Do yourself and your family a favor and try to book a tour with Vincenzo. One of the coolest people we've ever met. A world class adventurer, with a keen eye for safety. Accommodating in every regard, funny, and chock full of information. He truly has a passion for this. It was a joy to visit his hometown.”
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Deryl L.Google
“Quite simply, one of the best hikes that we have ever had! Vincenzo explained very clearly what our hike options were based on the weather, was very well prepared, and gave many insightful and interesting explanations during the hike. Clearly, we would never have had even half the experience without his guidance. Thanks Vincenzo!”
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Gareth C.Airbnb
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