Mt Etna in Italy
Mt Etna is Europe's highest
active volcano, at 3,323 m (10,900 ft), and Sicily's greatest natural
attraction. To the ancient Greeks, it was the realm of Hephaestus, the
god of fire, and home to the one-eyed Cyclops. Now it is a paradise for
skiers in winter, and for hikers all year round. Although there are towns
clustered around its base, there has been little building on the mountain
itself because it has
numerous vents and it is impossible to predict where the next eruption
will be, whether it will produce large amounts of lava or just steam and
ash. Today, its wilderness is protected by law.
Etna has several smaller peaks on its flanks that are beautiful places to
walk. The hike up the Monte Gallo, on the western side, leads to the
Rifugio della Galverina, an outpost in the heart of the oak, pine, beech
and birch forest that surrounds much of the volcano. From Case Pirao on
the north slope, climb to the dazzling beechwood of Monte Spagnolo,
pausing to explore some of the caves that pepper the Etna complex.
Away from the popular routes, nature trails offer a chance to see
lizards, weasels, hare, porcupine, snakes and even wild cats. The
spectacular landscape is also home to raptors such as falcons and golden
eagles, as well as owls and shyer birds such as partridges.
Climbing to the top of the volcano is strictly forbidden, and if it is
going through an active phase, or is showing signs of activity, routes
lower down will be restricted and closures may change from day to day
depending on the wind direction.
