Mount Etna - woe or wonder?

[Mrs Acer]

I'm planning our Sicily trip in May. My research seems to show that people do an organised cable car, 4wd and guided walk. It's expensive and I don't like feeling I'm in a herd of tourists! That's why we are free, independent campervanners right? I can't see anywhere online other than from the Lonely Planet that seems to indicate that you can do the cable car bit and then do a 4 hour return walk from there to the crater. Has anyone done this? What has been your experiences? Any tips? I'm considering not doing it at all and just enjoy the views of Etna from our stopping spots and save the time to do other walks etc on our trip.
Thank you everyone

 

[edocali]

My trip to the top with cable car and Unimog was unforgettable. Yes lots of people but the spot we reached was outwardly. Not for Californias sadly!

 

[Mrs Acer]

Thank you for your reply! Can I ask.....
Did you park at Rifugio Sapienza for the cable car or did you get the bus from one of the towns? Just wondering how easy it is to drive to here and get a space to park.
Did you get your cable car and unimog ticket online or did you just get it at the entrance?
Also, did you notice people taking the cable car and then walking up from there?

 

[edocali]

I parked at the Rifugio. I bought the ticket there - but this was some 12 yrs ago. You could not walk up from the cable car arrival.
Once on top they had us do a safe walk on a path. But no one cared that I did not get back on the Unimog straight away and I could wander off at will. I could have fallen in some smoky crevice … but I didn’t and caught another Unimog a couple of hours later. Unforgettable. Not sure it’s repeatable though

 

[Mrs Acer]

Thank you. You had a great experience! I'm guessing it's more touristy now. I've read mixed reviews. But knowing me, we'll probably end up doing it. Maybe an early start to avoid the worst of any queues

 

[SpuffingtonMe]

My trip to the top with cable car and Unimog was unforgettable. Yes lots of people but the spot we reached was outwardly. Not for Californias sadly!

Can only agree with this