Mount Etna is renowned for its exceptional level of volcanic activity, and the documentation of its activity over at least 2,700 years. Its notoriety, scientific importance, and cultural and educational value are of global significance.
UNESCO
It’s not hard to understand why UNESCO added Mount Etna to the World Heritage List in 2013. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain, the most active stratovolcano in the world, and the highest active volcano in Europe. Etna’s eruptive history can be traced back 500,000 years and at least 2,700 years of this activity has been documented – making it one of the world’s longest documented records of historical volcanism.
Today Mount Etna is one of the best-studied and monitored volcanoes in the world, and continues to influence volcanology, geophysics, and other earth science disciplines. The diverse and accessible range of volcanic features such as summit craters, cinder cones, lava flows, and the Valle del Bove depression have made the site a prime destination for research and education. As well as an intriguing destination for tourists looking for unforgettable experiences.
Practical Information
Mount Etna – friendly called in Sicily “a muntagna”, the mountain – is situated along the eastern coast of Sicily, southwest of the Peloritani mountains and southeast of the Nebrodi mountains, in the province of Catania. Spanning a diameter of over 40 kilometers and boasting a basic perimeter of approximately 135 km, it encompasses a total area of 1,265 km². Its elevation fluctuates over time due to the volcanic activity, with the most recent measurements – taken on July 25th, 2021 – recording a height of 3,357 meters, solidifying its status as the tallest active volcano in Europe. So towering is its presence that on clear, sunny days, Mount Etna is visible from every corner of Sicily.
Eruptions occur both at the summit, where four craters currently exist, and along the slopes, reaching elevations of several hundred meters above sea level. The intervals between eruptions can vary greatly, ranging from a few months to over 20 years. Interestingly, over the past four decades, the average interval between eruptions has been approximately two years, with eruptions typically occurring in odd-numbered years.
Exploring Mount Etna: An Adventurer’s Guide
Beyond its fiery reputation, this iconic volcano offers a plethora of activities for tourists seeking adventure, beauty, and unique experiences. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, Mount Etna promises an unforgettable journey filled with exploration and wonder. Let’s delve into the activities awaiting travelers on the slopes of this volcanic giant.
1. Hiking Adventures
One of the most popular activities on Mount Etna is hiking, and for good reason. The volcano boasts an extensive network of trails catering to various skill levels, from leisurely walks to challenging treks. Beginners can opt for guided hikes along well-marked paths, such as the trails around Piano Provenzana or the Silvestri Craters. For more experienced hikers, tackling the ascent to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the thrill of conquering Europe’s highest active volcano. Remember to check the current volcanic activity and weather conditions before embarking on any hike, and always follow the guidance of knowledgeable guides. Find more info about the trails here.
2. Volcano Exploration
Delve into the heart of Mount Etna’s volcanic activity with a guided exploration of its craters, caves, and lava fields. Tour companies offer excursions that provide insight into the volcano’s geology and history, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the powerful forces that shape this ever-changing landscape. Explore the lunar-like terrain of the Valle del Bove, formed by ancient eruptions, or descend into lava tubes and caves created by molten lava flows. These immersive experiences offer a unique perspective on the natural forces at play within Mount Etna.
3. Jeep Tours
For those seeking a more exhilarating way to explore Mount Etna’s rugged terrain, jeep tours offer an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Climb aboard a sturdy 4×4 vehicle and traverse the volcano’s lava fields, forests, and mountain trails with an experienced driver-guide. Jeep tours provide access to remote areas of Mount Etna that are inaccessible by foot, allowing travelers to discover hidden gems and scenic viewpoints off the beaten path. Whether it’s a sunset tour or a full-day excursion, exploring Mount Etna by jeep promises an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and awe-inspiring sights.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding
During the winter months, Mount Etna transforms into a snowy playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the thrill of skiing on an active volcano. There are two ski resorts – one located on the southern side and the other on the northern side – providing opportunities for skiing at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,600 meters. Etna Sud, accessible from the Giovannino Sapienza refuge in Nicolosi, offers approximately 6 kilometers of ski slopes, while Etna Nord (Piano Provenzana, Linguaglossa) boasts 10 kilometers of skiing terrain. From the southern slopes, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Catania and the Simeto Valley, while vistas of Taormina and the Calabrian coasts unfold from the northern slopes. However, it’s important to note that despite its considerable altitude, Mount Etna is still located in Sicily, where snowfall can be variable and not always abundant.
5. Culinary Experiences
No visit to Mount Etna would be complete without savoring the unique flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Explore the quaint villages and towns surrounding the volcano, where local restaurants and trattorias serve up traditional dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Indulge in hearty pasta dishes, succulent seafood, and mouthwatering pastries, accompanied by regional wines such as the famous Etna Rosso. For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a culinary tour that combines food tastings with visits to local markets, vineyards, and artisanal food producers.
6. Stargazing
As night falls over Mount Etna, another spectacle unfolds in the sky above. The volcano’s remote location and minimal light pollution made it the ideal spot for an Astronomical Observatory and make it an ideal spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Join a guided stargazing tour led by expert astronomers who will unravel the mysteries of the cosmos while pointing out celestial wonders such as constellations, planets, and shooting stars. Marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, framed by the silhouette of Mount Etna against the horizon. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply a lover of the night sky, Mount Etna offers an unparalleled celestial experience that will leave you in awe.
A Unique Landscape
The terrain of Mount Etna boasts a diverse and captivating landscape, offering a tapestry of environments that seamlessly blend urban settings, dense woodlands teeming with varied botanical species, and barren expanses adorned with volcanic rock formations reminiscent of lunar landscapes.
Throughout the volcano’s territory, the scenery undergoes remarkable transformations in morphology and ecology, contingent upon altitude. The region’s soil composition, enriched by volcanic debris, renders it exceptionally fertile for agricultural endeavors. Notably, the renowned Bronte pistachio owes its distinct flavor to the unique minerals present in the lava-enriched soil, while vineyards flourish, yielding exquisite wines celebrated for their volcanic terroir.
Historical accounts of Etna’s fauna depict the presence of now-extinct species such as wolves, wild boars, fallow deer, and roe deer. Today, the area is inhabited by a diverse array of wildlife including porcupines, foxes, wildcats, wild rabbits, hares, as well as smaller mammals like weasels, hedgehogs, and dormice. The volcano’s ecosystems host a variety of avian species, with diurnal birds such as peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, buzzards, and golden eagles soaring overhead, alongside nocturnal inhabitants like owls, barn owls, and tawny owls, lending a dynamic vibrancy to Mount Etna’s natural realm.
Mythology and Curiosity
The regular and sometimes dramatic eruptions of Mount Etna have captured the imagination of ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, as well as inspiring a tapestry of popular beliefs that seek to elucidate the volcano’s behavior through tales of Gods and giants.
In Greek mythology, for example, Etna was believed to be the domain of Aeolus, the god of winds, who purportedly held the winds captive beneath its caverns. It was also said to be the abode of Hephaestus (or Vulcan), the God of fire and metallurgy, and the divine blacksmith, who allegedly forged weapons for the Gods in the subterranean depths of the volcano. Similarly, legends abound of the Cyclops, who were thought to inhabit Etna’s depths, using its fiery forge to fashion Zeus’s thunderbolts. According to ancient lore, the Tartarus, the Greek realm of the dead, was situated beneath Etna’s volcanic slopes.
The mythological associations with Mount Etna extend even to King Arthur, with legends suggesting that the legendary king resides in a castle atop the volcano, concealed within one of its many mysterious caves. Another English legend proposes that the soul of Queen Elizabeth I is said to dwell within Etna, purportedly due to a pact she made with the devil in exchange for assistance in governing the kingdom.
From ancient legends to modern times, the influence of Mount Etna transcends earthly realms. Its name has been immortalized in celestial bodies such as Io, a moon of Jupiter, where a rock formation has been named Mongibello Mons (an ancient name of Etna used by Dante in his Divine Comedy), and the asteroid named 11249 Etna, serving as a testament to the enduring fascination and awe inspired by this majestic volcanic wonder.
Etna’s Eruptions to Remember
While eruptions of Mount Etna are often powerful and potentially destructive, they have rarely resulted in fatalities in recent times. However, there have been some exceptions, such as the tragic event in Bronte in 1843, which claimed the lives of at least 36 people. Additionally, in 1979, nine tourists lost their lives when they were struck by a sudden barrage of boulders while venturing near a crater.
Several eruptions throughout history stand out for their significant destructive impact. Among these is the prolonged eruption of 1614, which spanned an astonishing ten years spewing over a billion cubic meters of lava. The lava flows, originating at an altitude of 2,550 meters, exhibited a unique characteristic of “swelling” before descending further downstream. As a result of the lava’s movement, a series of lava caves were formed, now open to exploration – Grotta del Gelo, Grotta dei Lamponi, Grotta delle Palombe, and the Immaculatelle and Micio Conti complex.
Another infamous eruption occurred in 1669, when Mount Etna unleashed a devastating flow of lava that reached and engulfed parts of the city of Catania, extending the coastline by over a kilometer. Lasting 122 days, this eruption expelled approximately 950 million cubic meters of lava.
In the 20th century, the eruption of 1928 stands out as one of the most destructive, resulting in the rapid destruction of the town of Mascali. Similarly, the eruption of 1983, which lasted 131 days and expelled 100 million cubic meters of lava, wreaked havoc on ski resorts, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. Notably, this eruption marked the first attempt worldwide to divert lava flow using explosives.
On December 14th, 1991, the longest eruption of the 20th century began, lasting an astonishing 473 days. During this event, a 20-meter-high embankment was constructed to redirect the lava flow, effectively mitigating its impact for two months. This innovative technique proved successful once again during the eruption of 2001 and attracted the attention of international teams, including Japanese experts, for further study and analysis.
Why Visit Mount Etna
From thrilling outdoor adventures to immersive cultural experiences, Mount Etna offers a diverse array of activities for tourists of all ages and interests. Whether you’re hiking along its volcanic trails, exploring its craters and caves, or indulging in Sicilian cuisine, a visit to Europe’s tallest active volcano is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder on the slopes of Mount Etna, where every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.
