ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Journey to Mount Etna from Palermo - Italy

Adventure Travel: Journey to Mount Etna from Palermo – Italy 

By Jorge Jefferds August 19, 2015 

Lying on the east coast of Sicily, in the Province of Catania, between Messina and Catania, Mount Etna is the tallest active stratovolcano on the European continent. It is also the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. Only Mount Teide in Tenerife surpasses it in the whole of the European–North-African region. In Greek Mythology, the deadly monster Typhon was trapped under this mountain by Zeus, the god of the sky and thunder and king of gods, and the forges of Hephaestus were said to also be located underneath it. 

The Maximum Danger

Being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Etna is actually in an almost constant state of activity. 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. In June 2013, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

The Volcano rising behind the Catania Suburbs

Mount Etna tourism is quite popular, even though visiting the volcano can be dangerous. Unlike the “dead” volcanoes that often make great postcard shots, there is nothing dead about this volcanic landscape. Italy watches with wary eyes as the mountain smokes, puffs ash, oozes lava, and makes ominous rumbles.

The air of jumpy expectancy that surrounds Mount Etna is backed by recent experience. While its largest eruption in the last hundred years took place in 1928, it routinely leaks lava down the side of the mountain, damaging farm ground and burying buildings. Seismologists track Mount Etna activity carefully, waiting for the day when the next big blow up arrives so that they can warn everyone to steer clear in time.

Mount Etna, Fresco by American Painter Thomas Cole

From a touristic perspective, the main thing you need to know about Mount Etna is that it is well worth the day trip out from Palermo. There are many places in the city that offer you distant views of the volcano, but this is no substitute for being up close. It is monitored very closely, and you will know if you should stay away for any considerate reason.

Otherwise, if there is no warning in place, you should take the bus or make the drive to the volcano. The drive alone is worth the journey, as you will get to see some of the amazing Sicilian shoreline along the way.

Cable Car to Mount Etna Summit

Once you arrive, don’t expect to stand back! There is a cable car system that runs visitors up the mountain so that they can explore the four main craters that dimple the sides. You are also free to hike the sides and explore some of the past lava flows for pictures and the novelty of seeing the lava up close.

There is an observatory on the mountain, and tours to displays at the museum are offered. Mount Etna has been captured in photographs, movies, and drawings for centuries. Each rendition of the mountain attempts to capture a bit of what it is like to have a real live volcano in your own backyard.

Whether it is smoking or sleeping, the view from the mountain toward the sea is a memorable experience. Don’t let a little smoke scare you away. Mount Etna is one of the world geological treasures, and it is certainly a Palermo wonder you won’t want to miss.