Mt Etna and Sicilys volcanoes

A short hike on Mount Etna is a frequent feature on Sicily itineraries. The volcano dominates the island’s east coast – more than twice as large as Mout Vesuvius near Naples. Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, smouldering away as a constant reminder of Mother Nature’s incredible destructive power. The volcanic soils of the foothills are incredibly fertile, and lined with orchards and vineyards – the wines here are superb.

On Etna’s south side is a cable car, which takes you to an elevation of 2,500m. Here you climb into a 4x4 vehicle that takes you up a little further, before you reach the caldera for a walk around the dramatic landscape at the summit. As it is an active volcano, some parts of the route, or all of it, are of course subject to closure for safety reasons. The hiking is mostly moderate, challenging in places, and as with any steep treks you’ll find the hilly lava fields and generally rocky terrain much easier to navigate with walking poles and good boots. From the top, the views of the Sicilian coast are simply staggering. Try and be there for sunset, when the colours of the landscape are beautiful.