Mount Etna
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Sicily's most amazing natural attraction is Mount Etna, its highest mountain, the world's oldest, and the world's most active volcano. So, when you visit Mount Etna, you might find it engulfed in lava as it erupts, because it is almost always in a constant state of eruption. In the 1970s and in 2000, there were rare eruptions at Mount Etna - smoke ring eruptions. Though Mount Etna erupts in many a style, the most amazing site is when its summit and sides erupt simultaneously.
Destructive in the past, Mount Etna has been declared by the United Nations as a Decade Volcano. It is not generally considered extremely dangerous. Thousands of people occupy its slopes and the surrounding areas of this 3,329 metres high mountain. Its height does not remain constant, it changes with each new eruption and you could be a witness to this change! Strangely, Mount Etna is 21 metres lower today than it was in 1981.
Sports
With more than 1200 square meters of Etna's surface covered with solidified lava that sport caverns, small peaks, and vents, it is difficult to gauge exactly where the next eruption will occur. But, that does not keep lovers of outdoor activities away. They enjoy skiing in winter and enchanting treks in barren high and forested lower slopes during summer.
Mount Etna also offers several smaller peaks and caverns for exploration. Be sure you go with an experienced guide and are ready to run to safety if you experience an exploding moment!
Flora and Fauna
With Mount Etna's cool lava temperatures, its slopes are covered with many a species of oak, stone pine, birch, and beech. Lower down the slopes, the broom plant and other shrubs take over. A spectacular sight meets the eye in autumn when the deciduous trees wear a cloak of ocher.
Around Mount Etna, the fertile volcanic soils aid agriculture. Green vineyards and orchards dominate its lower slopes and the broad Plain of Catania stretches to the south. A visit to Mount Etna can also provide you a tantalizing wine tasting experience.
Wildlife
Animal life abounds on Mount Etna. While Gurrida Lake is home to herons, ducks and various migratory birds, the ponds and streams on the volcano's slopes give shelter to turtles, frogs, and toads. Snakes, lizards, foxes, squirrels, weasels, hare, hedgehogs, porcupine also roam the forests. Partridges, owls, golden eagle, and falcons dominate the skies.
Volcanic Formations
Alcantara Gorge is an amazing rock formation, composed of basalt. It was created by the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. You can also walk the floor of the 223-foot deep gorge carved created by a fast-flowing stream. At Gole dell'Alcantara you can see some mesmerizing rapids and waterfalls.
Getting There
Mount Etna is well connected by road and rail. With several roads into the park for those going by car, a railway line from Catania to Riposto, and a bus service from Catania make it a well connected destination.
