Etna 4x4: Lava Flow at Sunset

During the eruption, when the summit craters are closed, ride a 4x4 up to Piano delle Concazze (about 2800 m) and continue on foot to Pizzi Deneri to watch the active lava flow in safety at sunset.

4x4 ride up to Piano delle Concazze (~2800 m)

Active lava flow watched in safety

Sunset and the glow of the lava at dusk

Short walk on foot after the 4x4 ride

Certified Volcanological Guide

Italian, English, French

Cost

€ 100 per person

Duration

about 4 hours (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Difficulty

Easy, short walk on foot

Limited group size

Tour overview Etna 4x4: Lava Flow at Sunset

An excursion designed specifically for the eruption period, when the summit craters of Mount Etna are closed for safety reasons. Instead of giving up the volcano, I take you to see the rarest spectacle of all: the active lava flow, watched in safety as the sun goes down.

We meet at Piano Provenzana (north side, 1800 m) at 6:00 PM. From here we ride special 4x4 vehicles up to the highest permitted altitude, reaching Piano delle Concazze at about 2800 m, at the base of the summit craters. From there we continue with a short walk on foot to Pizzi Deneri, the extraordinary viewpoint over the lava flow.

For safety reasons it is not permitted to reach the front of the lava flow, but the privileged view over the eruptive activity still makes for a unique and striking experience. We wait for sunset: as the light fades, the glow of the lava becomes even more spectacular. After time for photos and a picnic, we walk back from Pizzi Deneri to Piano delle Concazze, where we take the 4x4 back down to Piano Provenzana, arriving around 10:00 PM.

Itinerary

Meeting at Piano Provenzana, 6:00 PM

Meet the guide at Piano Provenzana (north side, 1800 m) for the briefing before departure.

4x4 ride to Piano delle Concazze (~2800 m)

Transfer in special 4x4 vehicles up to the highest permitted altitude, at the base of the summit craters.

Short walk to Pizzi Deneri

From Piano delle Concazze we continue on foot, with a short stretch, to the Pizzi Deneri viewpoint.

Lava flow at sunset

We watch the active lava flow in safety (the front cannot be reached). As the light fades, the glow of the lava is more spectacular. Time for photos and a picnic.

Return and 4x4 descent

Walk back from Pizzi Deneri to Piano delle Concazze, where we take the 4x4 down. Arrival at Piano Provenzana around 10:00 PM.

Essential Information

What's Included

4x4 bus round-trip ticket, Piano Provenzana – Piano delle Concazze
Guided excursion with certified Volcanological Guides
Viewing of the lava flow from Pizzi Deneri in safety
Limited group size
Languages: Italian, English, French

Not Included

Food and drinks (bring your own picnic)

What to Bring

Trekking boots
Clothing suitable for the altitude, in layers
Windproof jacket and warm layers (the temperature drops noticeably in the evening)
Picnic and at least 1 litre of water
Headlamp or torch for the return
Camera or smartphone
Buff for volcanic ash

Items can be rented or purchased on site

Important Info

Excursion offered as an alternative to the Summit Craters during the ongoing eruption, when the summit is closed for safety.

For safety reasons it is not permitted to reach the front of the lava flow: viewing takes place from the Pizzi Deneri viewpoint.

The itinerary and observation point may vary depending on volcanic activity, weather conditions or safety requirements.

Limited group size. Return to Piano Provenzana is expected around 10:00 PM.

Quick FAQ for this tour

Why this excursion instead of the Summit Craters?

During the ongoing eruption the summit craters of Etna are closed for safety reasons. This excursion is the alternative: instead of the summit, I take you to see the active lava flow, watched in safety at sunset from Pizzi Deneri. It is an easier experience with little walking.

How much walking is involved?

Little. Most of the climb is covered by 4x4, from 1800 m up to Piano delle Concazze (about 2800 m). From there it is only a short walk to the Pizzi Deneri viewpoint, and then the return at the same altitude. The excursion is suitable even for those who are not very fit.

Do we get close to the lava?

For safety reasons it is not permitted to reach the front of the lava flow. Viewing takes place from Pizzi Deneri, a privileged viewpoint that lets you see the active lava flow and the eruptive activity in safety.

What time do we get back and how should I dress?

We meet at 6:00 PM at Piano Provenzana and the return is expected around 10:00 PM. You need layered clothing with a windproof jacket and warm layers: at altitude, and especially after sunset, the temperature drops noticeably even in summer. Trekking boots are essential.

What does the €100 price include?

The €100 per person includes the 4x4 bus round-trip ticket (Piano Provenzana – Piano delle Concazze) and the guided excursion with certified Volcanological Guides. Group size is limited.