The Volcano of Etna, also called Mongibello, is considered the most active volcano in Sicily. It rises on the eastern coast of Sicily, south west of the Peloritani Mountains and is crossed by the fifteenth meridian, from which it takes its name. The etymology of the term is still being discussed today.
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The volcano of Etna was known by the Greeks as “Aitne”, while the Romans called it “Aetna”. It does not exclude the indigenous origin of the term associated with the word “aith-na”, which means “ardent”.
This incredible volcano was formed 500,000 years ago beacuse of hte collision between the Euro-Asian and African plates, giving rise to the first underwater eruptions that formed the first volcanic cones. On June 21, 2013, UNESCO declares Etna World Heritage Site.
Etna has always enchanted millions of hikers and photographers with its places full of charm and mystery. The Region of Sicily that established the Etna Park is also well aware of this, with the aim of protecting the incredible places surrounding the most active volcano in Europe. Let’s discover together all the useful information about the most beautiful places to visit. Here’s what to see:
Silvestri Craters are an experience not to be missed: two huge extinct craters located on the south side of Etna, on the side of Nicolosi. Their origin dates back to the 1982 eruption.
Silvestri Craters are the expression of the power of Nature, which first creates anf then destroys. It is still possible to smell the sulfur of craters and the heat of volcanic stones. It is recommended to always wear comfortable shoes and cover up because in high altitude you can also find snow.
The Sartorius Mountains are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating destinations of Etna. We are talking about ancient craters that formed during the eruption of 1865 at the base of Monte Wheat delle Concazze at about 1650 meters. Their name comes from the scientist Sartorius von Waltershausen, one of the first to classify the main eruptions of Etna.
They are located in the locality of Citelli, known as the “Kingdom of Birch Trees”. The Sartorius Mountains can be reached by car to the Rifugio Citelli, where you can also make a stop among the many picnic areas in the area.
Defined as the hidden wonder of Sicily Grotta del Gelo is known for the perennial presence of ice that for over three hundred years has accumulated inside.
This impressive cave is considered the “southernmost” glacier in Europe with a temperature that reaches – 0.6 degrees. Grotta del Gelo is located in the” Sciara of Follone” and is located at 2030 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the volcano.
Also here are recommended comfortable shoes and layered clothing for the different temperatures you can find. If you consider Piano Provenzana as a starting point, you must take a hike to reach Grotta del Gelo It is advisable to be experienced and to be equipped with the appropriate equipment because of the hard route.
We start with what is the real protagonist of the Park, namely Etna. In particular, it begins with the summit craters. Which are three: the central crater (consisting of Voragine and Bocca nuova), the north-east crater and the south-east crater.
The Montagnola is located south of the central crater. It is one of the main adventitious cones of Etna. The Montagnola was established on the high southern slope, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, following the eruption of the summer of 1763.
Inside the Etna Park, there would also be a whole series of caves to see. There are over two hundred and, known since ancient times, they were used as shelters, burial places, sacred places, or as places for the accumulation of snow. Among the most famous caves we must at least mention the cave of the Lamponi, the Tre Levelli, the Gelo, the Palombe.
A huge basin located in the eastern part of Etna: it measures about 7 kilometers by 5 kilometers, and its walls reach a height of approximately one thousand meters.
In addition to having great historical and architectural value, this monastery is also the seat of the Etna Park.
The volcano of Etna offers not only natural landscapes and mysterious places to discover, but also countless activities that will lead you to the discovery of this incredible volcano, which has always fascinated tourists from all over the world. Let’s take a look at the best activities not to be missed:
The first step to arriving on the Etna volcano is to book a trip on one of the many ferries to Sicily. Once landed in Catania you have 3 alternatives to climb Etna:
Book now and remember that you can travel safely on ferries thanks to the anti-Covid measures adopted on board. TraghettiPer has also thought about insurance policies in case of trip cancellation for Covid-19.
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April 24, 2024
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