Monti Sartorius Family Craters Walk

Easy family-friendly Etna loop through birch forest, historic lava fields, and the 1865 Sartorius side craters.

Family-friendly Etna route
Easy circular trail with gentle pace
1865 side craters and birch woods
Wide scenic views over lava fields

Family focus

Suitable for children and seniors

Private Guide cost € 250 up to 5 participants

Duration

Around 2.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Tour overview Monti Sartorius Family Craters Walk

The easiest way to walk on Etna: a 2.5-hour loop through the birch forest and the 1865 Sartorius craters, perfect for families with children. Private certified guide, €250 for groups of up to 5. Book directly and get an answer within 24 hours.

The circular trail crosses birch forest, old lava terrain, and the 1865 side-crater system with frequent panoramic viewpoints.

With a certified guide, the walk becomes both scenic and educational, with clear explanations of local geology and ecosystem features.

Itinerary

Meeting point

Start at the Monti Sartorius trailhead (1,667 m), reached via Etna's northern roads.

Guided walk starts

Walk through solidified lava flows and native mountain vegetation.

Crater rim stop

Reach the edge of the extinct side craters for broad volcanic views.

Birch forest section

Continue through the white-barked birch woods unique to this Etna slope.

Panoramic viewpoints

Enjoy photo stops across open viewpoints toward sea and lava fields.

Return to trailhead

Close the loop and return to the starting point.

Essential Information

What's Included
  • Certified alpine or volcanological guide
Not Included
  • Food and Drinks
  • Pickup at meeting point
What to Bring
  • Windbreaker
  • Hiking or tennis shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Drinking water

Items can be rented or purchased on site

Meeting point and time
  • At the Monti Sartorius trailhead (1,667 m), near Rifugio Citelli along the Mareneve road.
  • Free roadside parking by the trailhead: about 1 hour by car from Taormina, 1 h 20 from Catania Airport.
  • Open Rifugio Citelli on Google Maps
  • We agree the starting time with you when we confirm the date.
When it runs
  • All year round, in every season.
  • It is a low-altitude trail, so it stays walkable when the high routes are closed by snow.
Important Info

Children from 6 years old can join. This hike is forbidden to advanced pregnant women and individuals with serious medical conditions such as heart problems or high/low blood pressure.

Monti Sartorius walk prices

Private certified guide (up to 5 people)€250 per group

No deposit: you pay on the day of the excursion, in cash or by credit card. Compare all excursions on the Etna tour prices page.

Booking, payment and cancellation

How to book
Send the form on this page or write on WhatsApp with your date and how many you are: a guide replies within 24 hours and confirms the date. Even for tomorrow, if we are free.
When you pay
No deposit. You pay on the day of the excursion, in cash or by credit card (no bank transfer).
If you cancel
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the excursion, no questions asked.
If we cancel
If the excursion cannot run because of weather, volcanic activity or safety, you choose: a new date or a full refund.

Quick FAQ for this tour

Is this walk suitable for children and grandparents?

Yes. From 6 years old: an easy 2.5-hour loop at a gentle pace, on a marked trail through birch woods and the 1865 craters. It is the easiest way to walk on Etna.

Can it be done in winter?

Yes, all year round. The trail is at low altitude and stays walkable when snow closes the higher routes; in winter bring warm layers and waterproof shoes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the excursion cannot run because of weather, volcanic activity or safety, you choose: a new date or a full refund. If you cancel, it is free up to 48 hours before the excursion.

Submit Your Inquiry for Monti Sartorius Family Craters Walk

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

Certified volcanological guideFast local response

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the excursion. If we cancel: you choose a new date or a 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 & other platforms
“Amazing time with Vincenzo on the mountain - he knew exactly how to keep our little ones (aged 5 and 7) engaged and safe as we hiked several of the side craters on Etna. A magnificent and engaging guide with tons of knowledge about the volcano.”
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BrianAirbnb
“We booked a last minute trip with Vincenzo and had the best time! He is really passionate about Etna and had a lot of knowledge to share and explained everything so clearly. He was so patient answering every question our five year old son had, which were many! The area we explored was beautiful and fascinating.”
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KarenAirbnb
“Definitely recommend this hike. We learned a lot and the views on the craters, mountains, towards the sea are breathtaking. I took the tour with our 13-year old son. It was educational, fun, and a wonderful nature experience.”
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FriederikeAirbnb
“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
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