Drive into the wild north slopes of Mount Etna on a 4x4 safari, walk among Sartorius craters and lava fields at 1,750 m, then finish at a family winery for Etna DOC tastings and local meats and cheeses. This four-hour shared tour pairs geology with gastronomy.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning air tastes thin and metallic as the 4x4 motors up from Taormina toward Etna’s northern flank. Pine and chestnut woods give way to black, glassy lava fields; the vehicle climbs, wheels skittering over older flows until a raw sweep of rock opens out below the Sartorius craters. You step out at about 1,750 m and the volcano feels like an active presence — wind pushing at your jacket, steam seeping from fissures, and a silence that makes the small clack of boots on scoria sound very large.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can walk 50 minutes on uneven ground at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Etna has been active for millennia; the Sartorius craters date to an 1865 eruption, and the 2002 flow reshaped the north-eastern slopes used today by farmers and winemakers.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths to protect fragile lichen and early-succession plants on fresh lava; local wineries often follow sustainable viticulture practices that limit soil erosion.
Reserve your spot on the Etna North Shared Tour with Wine Tasting today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear grippy footwear
Traction is uneven on recent lava and scoria; hiking shoes with solid tread reduce slip risk.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop with elevation and wind; a warm midlayer and wind shell are useful.
Hydrate and snack
Bring a 1L water bottle and small snacks — you’ll be active and facilities on the slope are limited.
Respect private vineyards
Stay on paths at winery and vineyard stops and follow the guide’s instructions.
Hiking shoes with good traction
Provides stability on loose scoria and uneven lava rock.
Layered jacket (insulating + windproof)
Keeps you warm on exposed slopes where wind chills are stronger.
winter
Reusable water bottle (1L+)
Staying hydrated is essential at higher elevation and during walks.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
UV exposure increases with altitude and on reflective volcanic surfaces.
summer