We are here to welcome your every question, curiosity or request, just as Etna welcomes the sky: with strength, passion and a boundless vision. Contact us and let your voice resonate like an echo among the volcanic mountains.
We are available 7 days a week from 08.00 to 21.00 approximately. If we do not answer, we ask you to write us on Whatsapp or send an e-mail. At high altitude we do not always have a line and we also dedicate our time to the hiking group. So we will answer you as soon as possible


Our guides are not only professionals, but also deep connoisseurs of Etna and Sicilian culture. With Etna Lava, you will explore Etna or the Aeolian Islands with those who live it every day.
With Etna Lava, your safety is always the priority. The excursions are designed taking into account the volcanic and environmental conditions, with certified equipment and guides and connected to the automatic alert system.
Every booking contributes directly to the development of the local community, thanks to the collaboration with accommodation facilities, restaurateurs and Sicilian artisans.
Each excursion has its own unique meeting point. So we do not have a fixed meeting point. At the meeting point there is always a large parking lot and there are toilets. Parking may be subject to charges. We indicate this with the information we send with the written confirmation of your excursion booking.
If weather conditions do not allow the hike to be conducted safely, the activity will be cancelled or postponed. In case of cancellation, you will be offered a new date. It will be the guide’s responsibility to contact you in case of bad weather.
Yes, children can participate, but it depends on the age and type of hike. Some tours are more family-friendly, while others require more physical endurance. It is advisable to contact us to evaluate the most suitable tour together. The 2002 Craters trek is suitable for children ages 5 and up. Important, however, that children are willing to walk. It is not a trek suitable for strollers, nor to carry children.
Yes, reservations are required. This allows us to better organize excursions, ensure availability, and update you on any changes related to weather or volcanic activity.
In the presence of volcanic activity, we follow the directives of the relevant authorities (INGV and Civil Defense). Some areas may be closed, but we organize alternative routes to ensure the safety of participants and the continuity of the experience, perhaps admiring the volcanic activity from afar..
No, for safety reasons and current regulations, it is mandatory to always be accompanied by a licensed volcanological guide to access the summit areas of the volcano.
Hiking on Mount Etna requires moderate physical exertion, with elevation gains that can be challenging. It is essential to consult your doctor before booking. In addition, another important factor is altitude. Changes in pressure could cause damage. You are always obliged to inform the guide of any health problems.
For safety reasons, it is not possible to leave participants alone along the route. In case of difficulty, the guide will try to find the best solution for you, such as an early return of the group or in the company of an assistant.
Yes, we recommend comfortable, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes and a windbreaker, even in summer, as temperatures at high altitudes can be low.
For treks suitable for everyone: adults and children, good sports shoes are also fine. We recommend high socks.
Yes, it is possible to rent hiking shoes and jackets at the rental stores in Piano Provenzana. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Yes, it is important to carry enough water and an energy snack, especially for longer hikes.
In Piano Provenzana you will find 2 bars where you can also buy drinks and/or food.
In general, dogs are allowed on easier hikes as long as they are on a leash. For more challenging trails, please consult us in advance. Important is that the dog is used to walking on particularly abrasive terrain.
Yes, we offer hikes of different levels of difficulty. We recommend that you contact us to evaluate the most suitable route together.
Yes, there are always stops to admire the view, take photos and listen to the guide’s explanations.
The use of drones is subject to specific regulations and may be restricted in some areas.
We ask you to inform us as soon as possible in case you want to cancel, so we can accommodate other people. We don’t ask for a deposit, because we work on a trust basis. And we believe in karma for people who betray our trust.
Yes, it is possible to change the date of the reservation with at least 24 hours notice, subject to availability.
We do not ask for an advance, because we work on the basis of trust. And we believe in karma for people who betray our trust. You can then pay on the day of the excursion, directly to your guide. We accept cash or card payments.
Arriving on time is a show of respect. Not only for the guide, but also for the other people on the hike. If you are going to be late, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can agree on what to do.
Yes, we offer customized private excursions for groups, families, school groups or specific needs. Please contact us for more information.
Absolutely! We have hikes suitable for beginners and those with no hiking experience.
Yes, we offer special discounts for large groups (10+ people). Please contact us for a personalized quote. We have no other discounts because we believe in offering the best price to everyone directly.
Yes, excursions are organized following strict safety measures and the guidelines of volcanological authorities. In addition, the territory of Etna is over 1265 km² large (3 times the size of the island of Malta). So even in the event of an eruption at the top of the volcano, excursions can often be made without much change, admiring the activity from a safe distance.
We constantly monitor volcanic activity and suspend or change excursions in case of danger. The safety of participants is our top priority. Volcanological guides are in LIVE radio contact with a warning and monitoring system.
Piano Provenzana is located on the northern slope of Etna and can be reached by car by following the Mareneve road from Linguaglossa. Or the Mareneve road from Milo/Fornazzo. There is ample parking (for a fee) at Piano Provenzana. There is no public transportation to get to Piano Provenzana.
Rifugio Sapienza is located on the southern slope of Etna, accessible via SP92 from Zafferana Etnea or Nicolosi. There is ample parking (for a fee) in the vicinity of Rifugio Sapienza.
From Catania there is the AST (public transport) bus that leaves around 8 am from Catania and takes you to Rifugio Sapienza by about 10:15 am. Around 4 p.m. the bus returns. Other public transportation to reach Rifugio Sapienza is not available.
Yes, but it is important to point this out to the guide before the hike. Our guides will choose suitable routes to avoid situations that could create discomfort.
Lava viewing depends on the ongoing volcanic activity. The eruptions are not predictable, but during periods of intense activity, we organize special tours to view this natural spectacle.
You can check our website, where we provide constant updates on Etna’s activity, or follow the information provided by INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology).
No, but we do offer a pick-up service (for a fee) from selected hotels in areas near Etna, such as Catania, Taormina, and Giardini Naxos. Please contact us to check availability and cost.
Yes, all of our excursions include basic accident insurance coverage. However, we recommend that you have personal insurance for more extensive coverage.
Yes, you can purchase a gift voucher for one of our hikes. This is a perfect idea for friends or family members who love nature and adventure.