Italy Guide
Sicily
Mount Etna
The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes Italy has to offer. Its height is constantly shifting, depending on whether eruptions are constructive or destructive, and over the last century it has ranged from 3263m to the present estimate of 3340m. Whatever its exact height, Etna is a substantial mountain, one of the world's biggest active volcanoes, and on a clear day it can be seen from well over half of Sicily. The volcano has been in an almost continual state of eruption since 1998, the most recent being in late 2002 when the resort of Piano Provenzana on the northern side was engulfed with lava. If you do attempt the summit, be sure to heed the warnings.
While in the area, try to make time, too, for the dramatic riverscapes of the Gole di Alcantara, between the northern slopes of Etna and the foothills of the Peloritani mountains.