Mount Etna

In eastern Sicily soars Mount Etna, near the city of Catania. Dominating at an impressive 3329m, Etna holds the title for the biggest active volcano in Europe. Awesome eruptions occur regularly from Etna’s four craters and since 1987 the vulcano has been part of a national park called Parco Dell’Etna which has more than 21 enchanting towns inhabiting it’s landscape. There are many ways to experience this wonder of Sicily. If you are amongst the more daring tourists you can choose to hike up the whole stretch of the mountain and stop at the picturesque towns along the way to sample the divine honey and visit the flourishing vineyards to taste some of the areas highly rated wine. Most tourists tend to drive up half way to the cable cart station. Here you can have refreshments and rent an insulated jacket and walking boots to protect against the below freezing temperatures. You can choose to travel up to the craters by minibus or go by foot which takes 2km and 4 hours there and back. For the true experience of the Etna Volcano , it is best to go on foot to the top. When walking up to the snow capped craters you experience the collosal landscape of black lava which feels exhilerating whilst intimidating and alien. How close you get to the craters will depend on how active they have been and the weather on the day. If you have never been up close and personal with a volcano before Mount Etna is certainly the volcano to see during your stay in Sicily.