The volcano Etna

The volcano Etna is a true marvel, offering breathtaking landscapes, a rich history of eruptions, world-renowned wines, and legendary myths. Whether you’re an adventurer eager to hike its slopes, a wine lover looking for an unforgettable tasting experience, or a history enthusiast exploring ancient legends, Mount Etna is an essential destination in Sicily.

The volcano Etna: Europe’s highest active volcano

The volcano Etna, the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, stands at an impressive 3,329 meters (10,902 feet) above sea level. It dominates the eastern coast of Sicily and covers approximately 600 square miles. Etna’s history dates back over 500,000 years, originating from underwater eruptions during the Quaternary Era, shaping the Catania plain, which was once a vast bay.

Mount Etna history: catastrophic eruptions over the centuries

The volcano Etna has been known since ancient times, with its first recorded eruptions dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1329 and 1381, its violent activity instilled fear among local populations. However, the most devastating event occurred in 1669 when a massive lava flow, originating near Nicolosi, traveled down to the sea, destroying part of Catania in its path.

In the 20th century, several major eruptions marked the history of Mount Etna. In 1910, 23 new craters formed, while in 1917, lava fountains erupted 800 meters (2,500 feet) into the sky. The eruption of 1928 completely buried the village of Mascali. More recent activity includes:

• 1992: The village of Zafferana Etnea was threatened by lava.
• 2001: The Southeastern crater eruption destroyed the cable car arrival area and several pylons near the Sapienza Refuge.
• 2002: Major damage to the Sapienza Refuge, Piano Provenzana, and surrounding forests.

The black lava around the craters originates from recent eruptions, while the older grey lava hosts new vegetation, a testament to the volcano’s continuous activity.

The volcano Etna’s unique landscape and best season to visit

Etna offers an extraordinary landscape of black lava, lush greenery, and stark dead trees—reminders of the volcano’s destructive power. Despite the harsh conditions, life always finds a way, with resilient plant species flourishing over time.

For hikers, September is the best month to explore the volcano. The north side, from Linguaglossa to Nicolosi, provides breathtaking trekking routes through both old and recent lava flows, offering stunning panoramic views.

Etna wine tasting, a volcanic legacy

Sicilian wines have a deep historical connection with Mount Etna. In Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses cleverly used Sicilian wine to intoxicate the Cyclops Polyphemus, securing his escape.

Etna’s volcanic soil, rich in minerals, enhances grape quality, giving local wines a distinctive taste. Some of the best wines from Etna include:

• Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio): A full-bodied red wine with deep earthy flavors.
• Etna Bianco (Carricante): A crisp white wine with mineral notes.
• Nero d’Avola: A robust and fruity red wine, cultivated in the wider Sicilian region.

Many wineries on Etna offer wine-tasting tours, often in centuries-old lava caves, providing a unique experience for visitors.

The black rain, ash clouds and local life

The volcano Etna frequently blankets surrounding towns with volcanic ash. This “black rain” can be disruptive, damaging vehicles and obstructing transport. However, local winemakers appreciate the mineral-rich ash, which nourishes their vineyards, further enhancing the region’s celebrated wines, often called the “blood of Etna.”

The volcano Etna and religious legends

One of the most dramatic eruptions occurred in 1928 when an 18-day-long explosion destroyed Mascali. Miraculously, the town of St. Anthony was spared when locals held up a statue of the saint in front of the advancing lava. Today, a shrine stands near the ancient lava flow as a tribute to this event.

The train of etna, a unique journey around the volcano

The “Circumetnea” railway offers a scenic journey around the volcano Etna, connecting Catania with picturesque villages like Giarre, Piedimonte, and Linguaglossa. Travelers can admire the breathtaking landscape of black lava fields, historic vineyards, and charming medieval towns like Randazzo, before returning to Catania via Bronte and Adrano. This unforgettable experience runs every day except Sundays.

Myths and legends of the volcano etna

Beyond its geological significance, Mount Etna is steeped in mythology. The ancient Greeks believed it was home to the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire, and the prison of the monstrous Typhon, trapped beneath the mountain by Zeus. Even today, Etna’s rumbling eruptions continue to inspire awe, symbolizing both destruction and renewal.

Snow in Sicily?

During the winter, snow usually falls on top of the Etna volcano which, at 3300m, is the highest mountain in Sicily.
It is not only Etna which is covered by snow during the Sicilian winter, but also the Madonie mountains, situated within the borders of the natural park, which was founded in 1989 by the Sicilian Region. The park covers 40 000 hectares of land in the extreme east of the province of Palermo, with Messina in the east, Enna in the Southeast and Caltanissetta in the south.

The complex mountain range of the Madonie mountains (2000 mt maximum level) includes 15 districts. Visitors will discover a varied and enchanting landscape, rich in geological details and historical events.