Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, and one of most active of the world. Its spectacular eruptions and its fiery lava flows, have always aroused the interest of scientists along with the curiosity of visitors from all over the world.
Eruptions by Night
Its first eruptions occurred about 570,000 years ago, in the Ionian area, long before that Etna – as we know it today – was formed. Etna, also called Mongibello (from the Latin word mons and the Arabian word gebel, that is mount), is one of the most monitored volcanoes in the world.
Etna Craters
The various hiking routes climb along the nature trails of the Etna Park, among woods and verdant orchards, up to the highest altitudes with fascinating views of lunar landscapes, ancient lava flows, caves and active fumaroles, revealing the charm of this extraordinary natural oasis.
Timparossa Trail
Evocative lunar landscapes, typical of the volcanic activity, are interspersed with natural environments of rare beauty. The large rivers flowing around the Volcano, the Alcantara to the north, with its natural canyon of Alcantara Gorges, and the Simeto to the west, have modeled their paths following the lava of Etna, creating amazing natural sites. In relation to the different altitudes and exposure of the slopes, Etna offers a high biodiversity with a rich Mediterranean scrubland and numerous wood species: birches with clear bark, evidence of ancient glaciations, oaks, beeches, pines, brooms of Etna and chestnut trees. In the area of Sant’Alfio we find the oldest and largest tree in Europe, the Hundred Horses Chestnut, awarded with the title of UNESCO Messenger of Peace.
So many sporting activities can be practiced on Mount Etna: downhill and cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, trekking, rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, just to name a few.