Mount Etna

by coach & on foot

This experience takes you to Mt. Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Etna has, over the years, displayed a variety of eruption styles including explosions and voluminous lava flows. More than 25% of Sicily’s population lives on Etna’s slopes. Etna has also produced pyroclastic flows, ashfalls, and mudflows, but the lava flows are the most immediately hazardous type of activity, especially to the city of Catania.

Leaving the city of Catania behind, you start your drive to Mt. Etna - Sicily’s greatest natural attraction, locally known as “Mongibello”. The volcano towers above Catania, Sicily's second largest city, and has one of the world's longest documented records of historical volcanism.

Arriving at the Cratere Silvestri area, situated approximately 1950m (6398ft) above sea level, you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and to view the woods, orchards and vineyards from the vantage point.

Of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava, including lava from 2001 and 2002 eruptions. The slopes soar up to over 3296m (10814ft) and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters.

After your visit, reboard the coach and leave Mt. Etna returning to Catania. Before returning to the port enjoy a short sightseeing drive of the city centre.