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catania, Italy
Mount Etna (also known as Muncibeddu in Sicilian and Mongibello in Italian, a combination of Latin mons and Arabic gibel, both meaning mountain[2], in Latin, Aetna) is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. Its Arabic name was Jebel Utlamat (the Mountain of Fire). It is the largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing 3,329 m (10,924 ft) high, though it should be noted that this varies with summit eruptions; the mountain is 21 m (69 ft) lower now than it was in 1981. It is the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. Etna covers an area of 1,190 km⊃2; (460 sq mi) with a basal circumference of 140 km. This makes it by far the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy, being about two and a half times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius.
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of eruption. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. Due to its history of recent activity and nearby population, Mount Etna has been designated a Decade Volcano by the United Nations.
For Visitors: Remember that it's always quite a bit cooler on Etna than it is in the valleys or along the coast. There are several roads into the park, and even a railway line from Catania to Riposto (though with only occasional departures), as well as bus service from Catania.
Recommended itineraries:
Western Slope: Monte Gallo and Rifugio della Galvarina. Start at the clearing on the slope of Mount Gallo, reached via the Nicolosi-Adrano road, following the road for about 12 kilometers to the sign indicating Monte Intraleo. This hike leads to the Galvarina forest refuge.
Casa Pirao to Monte Spagnolo to Cisternazza. This hike takes about five hours. It starts from the Case Pirao on the northern slope, reached by turning off the Linguaglossa-Randazzo road just outside Randazzo. This excursion will take you through the Mount Spagnolo beechBuy a book! wood.
Monte Nero degli Zappini Nature Trail. This trail offers a view of some of the typical natural settings of the area. It starts from Piano Vetore, which is not far from the Grande Albergo dell'Etna.
Mount Zoccolaro Nature Trail. Not far from Zafferana Etnea, this steep trek offers spectacular views of the Calanna Valley and the Valle del Bove with patches of aspen and beech woods along the way. Exercise caution because the path is flanked by a steep precipice.
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