Practical guide
What to bring on Etna: clothing and gear for the hike
On Etna you go from coastal heat to summit wind in a few hours. Dressing right is not a detail: it is what separates a great day from one to forget.
Updated on 23 August 2026
Shoes first
Etna's ground is ash, lapilli and sharp lava rock: trainers and sandals do not last. You need closed hiking shoes, ideally ankle-high, with a grippy sole. For the summit craters boots are compulsory; for the 2002 craters and the 4x4 bus tours sturdy low hiking shoes are enough. Gaiters, if you have them, keep the ash out.
Dress in layers
The rule is simple: three layers you can take off and put back on. A technical base layer, a fleece or warm sweater, a windproof waterproof jacket on top. In summer you will start in a T-shirt and reach altitude wearing everything; after sunset, at 2,900 metres, you also need a hat and gloves, even in August. Long trousers always: lava scratches and the wind bites.
- Spring and autumn: add an extra warm layer and a beanie.
- Summer: cap with a visor, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses — the sun at altitude is unforgiving.
- Winter: full mountain clothing; the guide will tell you what the specific outing requires.
In the backpack
A 20–30 litre backpack is enough. Inside: at least 1.5 litres of water per person (more in summer and on the summit craters), something to eat (nuts, sandwiches, bars), the jacket, a spare T-shirt for the way back. A headlamp is compulsory for the sunset tour and always useful. Trekking poles are optional but handy on the ash descent.
Where needed, we provide the helmet: it is included in the summit craters tour. Leave some room in the backpack: on the way down you will be carrying the layers you took off.
What to leave at home
Suitcases and large bags stay in the car at the Piano Provenzana car park. Drones: flying in the Etna Park is regulated, ask us first. Pets: for the safety of participants and the animals themselves they cannot follow the group at altitude. If you are unsure about a specific item, write to us: one question more is better than the wrong backpack.
The tours we mention
Trekking2,800 mSummit Craters
The top of Europe's highest active volcano
A 4x4 bus ride up to 2,800 m followed by a guided trek towards Etna's summit craters with a certified volcanological guide.
- Duration
- ≈ 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Price
- 120 €
4x4 bus1,800 mEtna by 4x4 at Sunset
The sun setting over the ash desert, at 2,900 m
A late-afternoon 4x4 bus ride up to 2,900 m, a guided walk in the golden light and sunset at altitude, returning after dark.
- Duration
- ≈ 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Price
- 85 €
Trekking1,800 m2002 Craters
The craters of Etna North's last great eruption
A 3-hour trek through pine woods, lava flows and the four extinct craters of the 2002 eruption on Etna's northern slope.
- Duration
- ≈ 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Price
- 35 €