DK Travel : Sicily : Mount Etna

Mount Etna

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Dominating the eastern side of the island, Mount Etna is Europe’s largest volcano, with several vast craters and a height of 3,330 m (10,925 ft), and it remains one of the world’s most active. To the Greeks, it was home to Hephaestus, god of fire, who used its flames and lava to forge Zeus’s thunderbolts; to the Arabs it was known as Mongibello (Mountain of Mountains). Today, the Parco dell’Etna encompasses much of the volcano, encouraging farmers to produce wine, cheese, honey and fruit in the rich lavic soil. For visitors, it offers breathtaking views, great hiking and, in season, skiing – and you just might see an eruption of bright red sparks and lava.
There are jeep tours from the cable car station to 3,000 m (9,180 ft), 9am–5pm daily. Includes a summit alpine tour (tel. 095 476 332). For more on Mount Etna’s historic eruptions (see Mount Etna Eruptions)

Top 10 Sights

1. Circumetnea Train

1. Circumetnea Train

From Catania, the train passes Adrano (site of a Saracen bridge), Bronte (pistachio farms), Randazzo (Lake Gurrida and lava flows) and Linguaglossa (murals). Stop at Nicolosi and Zafferana for walks to the crater or the lava flows.
2. Vegetation

Etna is home to a variety of trees, from oak and chestnut in low areas, to pine and birch on higher slopes. Wildflowers including violets flourish in the lavic soil.
3. Fauna

Development has all but eliminated Etna’s wolves, wild boar and deer, but small species still thrive, such as weasels and wildcats.
4. Southern and Western Slopes

Small volcanic cones and cultivated crops, notably pistachio, cover the western slopes. Recent lava flows can be seen on the south slopes.
5. Eastern and Northern Slopes

On these slopes can be found the Betula aetnensis birch, unique to the woods of Mount Etna, and the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli (Chestnut of 100 Horses), one of the oldest and largest trees in the world. Lava flows have formed caves and grottoes, used as shelter and ice stores.
6. Summit Craters

The summit height is constantly in flux due to mounting volcanic debris ejected during explosions and frequent landslides. The Central Crater, the Northeast Crater and the Southeast Crater emit a constant stream of sulphuric gas .
7. Visitor Centres

Jeep tours start at the Rifugio Sapienza Etna Sud near the Monti Silvestri, and just above the Monte Vetore. They follow the cable car line, destroyed in the 2001 eruption, as far as seismic activity allows. Guides are provided.
8. Lava Flows

Molten lava is more than 500° C (930° F). In places, the constant flow, 2 m (6.5 ft) underfoot, causes the snow to melt.
9. Valle del Bove

This crater was created by partial collapse of the volcano wall. It covers 7 km by 5 km (4.5 miles by 3 miles) and has walls more than 1,000 m (3,000 ft) high. In 1991 a vent opened, releasing lava into the valley for two years.
10. Hikes

Hikes on lower slopes and towards the crater are possible , safety permitting. Tourist offices provide maps and guides.

Practical Information

Follow hiking and safety guidelines provided by the park service – guided tours are recommended. If you set out without a guide, check in first with the park service to advise them of your route. Bring warm clothing, sturdy shoes and glasses to protect your eyes from blowing grit. Parco dell’ Etna 095 821 111 www.parcoetna.ct.it Circumetnea train 095 541 111 www.circumetnea.it Rifugio Sapienza 095 914 141 AST bus: from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza 095 746 10 96 departs Catania 8:15am daily, departs Rifugio Sapienza 4pm daily Guides north Etna (Linguaglossa) 095 647 833 south Etna (Nicolosi) 095 791 47 55