Etna

Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, located on the east coast of Sicily. The volcano has two very different slopes: Etna Sud (Rifugio Sapienza) and Etna Nord (Piano Provenzana). The first is certainly the best known and most sought after by tourists, because there is a cable car that takes you up to an altitude of 2500 metres.

From this height, one can continue to an altitude of 2750 metres to visit the Valle del Bove and take a panoramic tour of the volcano. To reach the maximum permitted altitude of 2920 metres up to Torre del Filosofo, it is necessary to be accompanied by a volcano guide, as it is absolutely forbidden by law to do so alone.

The northern slope of Etna is still very natural and less touristy, and is especially frequented in the winter season for its ski slopes. Piano Provenzana is best known for the great eruption of 2002 that destroyed the tourist resort and the various structures around it.

To visit Etna in comfort, it is advisable to dress appropriately and wear trekking shoes. For the more adventurous, there is also a nature park around the volcano where it is possible to go quad biking and admire the flora and fauna of Etna. The volcano is constantly monitored by an active surveillance system due to its constant volcanic activity.
The last major eruption occurred in 2021, but smaller eruptions occur frequently.