Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its eruptions, which occur both at the summit and along its slopes, can continue for long periods with only occasional interruptions. Due to its constant activity, Mount Etna is one of the most fascinating and captivating places on Earth and, unsurprisingly, has been the setting for countless myths and legends since ancient times. The Greeks believed it to be the home of Vulcan, god of fire, and the Cyclopes. Ancient sailors knew the volcano well, as it served as a natural beacon. The Arabs were so impressed by it that they called it “the mountain of mountains”, the mountain par excellence.
The four summit craters are: Voragine and Bocca Nuova, which formed inside the Central Crater in 1945 and 1968 respectively; the North-East Crater, which has existed since 1911 and is currently the highest point of Mount Etna (3,330 m); and finally the South-East Crater, formed in 1971, which has recently been the most active of the four. This configuration differs considerably from that of around a century ago, when Mount Etna had only the Central Crater at its summit.
The Etna Park is rich in characteristic vegetation and wildlife, particularly remarkable considering Sicily’s latitude, and is the perfect destination for nature and trekking enthusiasts. Excursions can in fact be organised throughout the year.