Etna with kids: which tour to choose and how to prepare

There is no fixed minimum age: what matters is being used to walking. As a guide, from age 6 a child copes well with the 2002 craters trek (about 3 hours with stops); the 4x4 bus tours, with under an hour of walking at altitude, suit even younger children. The summit craters, with their long climb above 2,800 metres, are recommended from 14 and only with mountain experience.

For a first time we recommend the 2002 craters: you start in the forest, walk on trails with no exposed sections and the landscape changes every twenty minutes, which keeps attention high. The guide tells the story of the eruption that created those cones in language that works for everyone.

If the children are small or the family prefers not to walk for long, the 4x4 bus tour takes everyone to 2,900 metres: the ride up the ash track is an adventure in itself, and the walk among craters and fumaroles at altitude is short and easy. At sunset, for older kids, it is unforgettable.

A few precautions make the day easier for everyone:

Tours are led by authorised volcanological guides, in small groups, on routes chosen every day according to weather and volcanic activity. Children always stay close to the guide and their parents; near fumaroles or crater rims instructions are followed carefully. If a child gets tired, the pace adapts: the mountain is not going anywhere.

Before booking, tell us the children's ages: we will suggest the best tour and time.