Αitna – Mount Etna, In active volcano Sicily

Etna is an active volcano in Italy, in Sicily and one of the most active in the world. Located on the east coast of the island and particularly in the north of the city of Catania.

Italy has four active volcanoes, the Vesuvius and Flegraia fields, Naples, the Stromboli and Vulcano, the Aeolian Islands, Sicily.

It has an altitude 3.343 m., area 1.190 km2, circumference 140 Km and 4 main craters. OR Etna from 2013 belongs to World heritage of UNESCO. The 1987, the wider area, due to the particular landscape, featured natural Park, known as "Etna park"Or"Etna Park» (in Italian). Etna in Sicily is considered, based on the recent explosions, the largest active volcano in Europe. The active volcano Teide, to Canary Islands namely in Tenerife of Spain, It had its last eruption in 18-11-1909. It has an altitude 3.718 m. It is the third highest volcanic earth structure. The Teide from 2007 belongs to World Heritage of UNESCO.

MYTHOLOGY

In Roman mythology, Etna was the mountain where God resorted Vulcan, god of fire (on Greek mythology, Hephaestus). The Vulcan, as metallurgist, He had made his workshop beneath the volcano from which lava fired. The fact that Sicily was named "Land of Fire".

In Aeschylus, here the Giant Enceladus resident who was submerged by the mountain for this cause explosions.

RECENT EXPLOSION OF AITNAS

Etna constantly firing from the active craters of, volcanic gases. From Catania you can see the smoke on the mountain top, located almost permanently in a dense cloud. During explosion of a volcano ejected gases (especially sulfur), hot lava, tuff.

In modern times, it is possible to artificially change, a degree, the direction of lava and to limit the destruction of an instance. residential area.

The biggest threat for human life is the volcanic ash, which is airborne and can not be tested. The ash is a very fine powder (sand) which when penetrated lungs death is almost instantaneous.

An example is the great eruption of Vesuvius (79 A.D.) when it was destroyed by volcanic ash across Pompeii. Residents in trying to save were running in panic leading to suffocate 2.000 people. Most of the dead were bent over as they tried to protect from dust.

The recent eruptions of Etna are :

• 1169, 1329, 1381, lava reached the sea, in Orgina position
• 1669, the worst eruption when for 3 days continuously made earthquakes. 3rd day opened a huge crack 14 km, from the top to the village of Nicolosi contributing hot lava, ash and rocks.

Lava flows destroyed several nearby villages, like Nicolosi and reached to Catania, resulting in the medieval city castle surrounded today by hardened black lava.

• 1865, It was a large explosion that created the crater Sartorius.
• 1886, lava destroyed Nicolosi again.
• 1911, Two major explosions opened a crack 5 km and created many small craters.
• 1913, The volcanic eruptions lasted 18 days.
• 1928, It became the largest eruption thus destroyed the village of Mascali, near Catania.

• 1971, lava reached the villages located at the foot. Then destroyed and "watchtower» (2.935 m.) which was created to monitor the volcano situation and prevent disaster.
• 1979, there was a sudden explosion and found instant death 9 People who were at that time on the edge of the crater.
• 1991, 1992,1993, lava threatened the village Zafferana but the authorities managed to divert the flow with the use of explosives and throwing cement volumes from helicopters. Lava eruptions have destroyed much of the vegetation and some cottages.

• from 1998 The volcano is constantly "condition Explosive».
• 2001, heavy explosions hurled simultaneously gases, ash and lava, six openings in B. and BE. Etna, destroying the funicular "Etna Sud"And threatening the shelter"John Rifugio Sapienza». The gases arrived to Catania creating suffocating atmosphere in city. For health reasons, banned traffic on the roads and closed schools and the International Airport of Catania. The municipality has used military airplanes constantly throwing water into the air to disperse the cloud.
• 2002, the big bang shot lava destroyed a large part of the village Provenzana Plan (1.800 m.), of Municipality Linguaglossa, Steve. Etna.
• 2018, the explosion, Side crack crater, caused consecutive earthquakes. At 24-12-18 after earthquake 3,3 R fired gas and closed briefly Catania Airport. At 26-12-18 the earthquake 4,8 R brought down buildings injuring 28 people.
• 2021, caused by fountains and lava flows erupted from the SE. crater on 16/2, 17-18/2, 19/2 and 21-22/2, to the desert valley "Valle del Bove», located to the east.
  In the last explosion, between 21-22/2 the airway was activated "mouth of the saddle» ("Saddle mouth"), located on the south side of the SE. crater and there was a flow of lava to the SW. (information : International Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Italy and Etneo Observatory of INGV in Catania, http://www.ingv.it).
  The eruptions did not endanger nearby cities, but Catania International Airport was closed to clear the runways of airborne volcanic ash..

SKI IN Snowy Etna

From April to May is usually the Etna snowy, why there are many ski resorts and ski slopes. You can rent equipment and take lessons in schools that are here.

• The resort - hotel "John Rifugio Sapienza» (1.910 m.) located in SE. mountainside, from the village Nicolosi, known as Mount Etna Nicolosi and is the base of the ski resort (Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, tel. : +39 095 915321). From here you can take the cable car (altitude 2.500 m.) and from there by 4x4 vehicle to get to Tower of the Philosopher (2.920m.) (duration 2 hours, distance 2,7 km, altitude difference 400 m.). Hiking in Torre del Filosofo up the crater (3.340 m.) you will need a guide, available at the station 2.900m. (25 € per person, duration 4 hours return). You can rent electric mountain bike, near the cable car base, which is 85 euro tour to the crater (3.340 m.).

• The ski center "Provenzana Plan», Steve. Etna (1.810 m.) it has cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, ski schools, ski rental etc.. From here starts guided tours to the top of the volcano (Via Provenzana 37, Linguaglossa, tel. : +39 095 643094).
• Shelter "Rifugio Alpino Salvatore Citelli"Or simply"Rifugio Citelli», the NE. slope, It is isolated and mainly receives climbers and skiers. It has a small restaurant 36 people where you can eat breakfast and lunch (Via Mareneve, tel.: +39 388 562 4535).

"Park of Etna" – "PARCO DELL 'ETNA"

The "Etna park"Or"Etna Park» (in Italian) characterized by the volcano Etna and the valley "Valle del Bove». The mountain, designated as Natural landscape, the higher the points consists of black rocks solidified lava and volcanic ash and the lowest points is quite lush, with pine forests, Oak, chestnut, poplar etc..

The area of ​​Etna is famous for Brown and for wormwood mushrooms porcini. Recent years, every September, It takes place in the neighboring regions, especially in the village Fornazzo the "Fiesta of the Mushroom PorcinO dell’Etna», with mountain mushrooms.

The ground, said fertile components contained in volcanic material, It is very fertile for this N. and BE. slopes of Etna is famous for its vineyards. Across the plain of Catania, known as "The Plain of Catania», in South. Etna, produced the famous red wine "Etna Rosso ", two grape varieties, the Nerello Mascalese and Νerello Cappuccio.

varieties Cataratto and Carricante producing white wine 'Etna White». The wines of this region are the PDO 1968. At the village Zafferana every October as "Ottobrata Zafferanese " ie "Heracleia-Chestnut-Honey», where you can taste all the local products.

«VALLE OF THE BOVE '

The "Valle del Bove " It is a huge valley - filled caldera lava, in A. Etna, within the "Etna park», to the village Zafferana ("Etna", tel. : +39 095 821111). Extends in a direction Eastern – West (length 7 km) and direction North – South (length 6 km).

• The east 'Valle of the Bove» It consists of a lava mountain range with many cones with their height ranging between 1.000-2.700 m. The most famous peaks are : Serra Perciata, Serra Vavalaci, Serra Cuvigghiuni, Serra Giannicola Gthe edge, Serra Giannicola Piccola and the highest "Piano of the Lago» (2.700 m.).
• South valley "Valle of the Bove» It has the lava mountains'Greenhouse Salifizio» (2.640 m.) with the impressive cone "The Montagnola» (2.550 m.) formed during the explosion 1763. The "Greenhouse Salifizio"Known as «back dell'Asino», It is almost uniform and only accessible peak is "Monte Zoccolaro» (1.715 m.).
• North of the valley "closed"And the most famous mountains of lava is"Serra Concazze " (2.330 m.). The territory of "Serra of Concazze"Is inhomogeneous, many craters and dimples on the side of. The most significant peaks are «Rocca of the Valle» (2.700 m.), the "Monte Scorsone» (1.600 m.) and the «Rocca Capra» (1.400 m.)

The mountain, because of its classification as natural Park It is zoned. OR zone A They are "Comprehensive Environmental Protection Zone – National Park», or zone B They are "General zone protection" and the Zone C They are "Area Tourist Facilities».

Zone C can be reached by car, where there are cafes and souvenir shops.

ETNA TOURS, TOUR - WALKING THE PATHS OF AITNAS

From major cities of Sicilian organized ETNA TOURS, involving many different activities (information CityBySee.with, tel. : +39 334 765 4168, EtnaToursFromTaormina.com, www.taorminahop.it, tel.: +39 0942 24653 etc.).

Details some excursions usually take place are :

PATH "Serra Concazze Etna»

• Departure from the refuge Shelter Citelli (1.740) and arrival in Piano of the Concazze (2.330 m.), on the eastern slope, through the valley Valle del Bove (medium difficulty, length about 6 hours).

PATH "Greenhouse Salifizio Etna»

• Departure from Piano of the Bishop and arrival in Serra of the Salifizio (reporter, difficult).

PATH «Back Donkey '

• Departure from the refuge «Shelter John Wisdom» (1.910 m.) and arrival of the cable car "Etna cableway" to "Montagnola» (2.550 m.). The price of the cable car, with a refund, They are 30 € for adults and 23 € for children (duration 10 minutes).

If you want to continue to 2.920 m. You will take the special bus 4X4. The price of the bus is 34 € for adults and 27 € for children.

Subsequently, Guided by a trained alpinist, You start walking on the craters created by the recent eruption of 2002.

Be aware that your visit to the crater is at your own risk and you should wear warm clothing and special climbing shoes. If you do not bring along your special shoes can be rented at the cable car.

PATH "Nicolosi»

• From the village Nicolosi (It is 15 km), follow along the SP92 in the direction of the shelter "Rifugio Sapienza». A few kilometers before the shelter, on the left there is an indication "astronomical watchtower». After a few meters you will find on your right the entrance to the trail, characterized by a large stone in which he writes "Etna Park» (easy trail).

MONOPATI "Zafferana Etnea»

• From the village Zafferana Etnea follow the signs "Etna South», to the south will hit the road SP92 heading to "Shelter Wisdom"And the cable car «Etna cableway» (steep path, difficult, length 7 km). In the last houses of the village of Zafferana, no parking and picnic spot on the right side (Piano of the Vescoso).

TOUR Etna BY TRAIN

The train "Circumetnea"Makes rail, roundabout, Tour Etna. They will pick you up from Catania to direction Adrano, the Bronte, the Randazzo and Linguaglossa, with small stops in the villages Nicolosi and Zafferana Etnea (information, Ferrovia Circumetnea, Via Caronda, Catania, tel. : +39. 095 541 111).

hiking IN THE CANYON RED WATER

It includes a walk in a beech forest and visit the lava cave "Serracozzo», which was formed by the lava eruptions 1971. From this position you look up from the lava valley "Valle of the Bove» (information, etnafinder.com).

ΣΠΗΛΑΙΟ Serracozzo

TOUR IN THE COUNTRY OF AITNAS

During your trip from Catania to the volcano you will find many picturesque villages, about 20, which stand out for their traditional architecture. During your ascent, you can choose the road route from the village ZAFER Etnea, a village built of black stone Etna and return to Catania, from the village Nicolosi. Most of these villages are completely harmonized with the natural environment and the inhabitants have used black timber and Etna volcanic ash, for outside plastering of houses, as insulation.

Tours are organized in the villages of Etna.

Indicatively we mention a trip to the villages of the wider region :

• Organized day trip that includes the villages San Giovanni The Punta (350 m.), Tremestieri Etneo (400m.), Park Monte Ceranlo (περιοχή Mascalucia), Mascalucia (420 -520 m.), San Pietro Clarenza (463 m.) and Compo Round Etneo (450 m.) (information on EtnaToursFromTaormina.com).

CRATERS SILVESTRI

Inactive Craters Craters Silvestri located in the square Shelter Wisdom, on the south side of Mount Etna.

The square belongs to Zone C and can be reached easily with a tourist bus, if you come with an organized excursion, with your own private car. or with the local bus company AST, belonging to CAI, the company that controls the refuge and cable car. If you want to stay at the shelter should first check with your company (information : http://www.rifugiosapienza.com ).

Behind the bars, there is a path where you will see small inactive craters, Craters Silvestri.

BEHIND THE CAFFES TO «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

PATH BEHIND THE CAFFES TO «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

PATH BEHIND THE CAFFES TO «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

You can walk around and within them, to photograph and collect black lava rocks. There is a graphic picture with a goat, and a camera waiting to be photographed next to your inactive craters.

The PHOTOGRAPHER WITH KATSIKA WAITING TO «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

TOUR THROUGH TO ANENERGOUS KRATIRES «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

MEANS TO ANENERGOUS KRATIRES «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

In stores you can find various souvenirs of lava, like jewels, decorative small items, animals etc.. Prices in souvenir both here and in the rest of the island is exactly the same!

If you want to walk on old lava flows, the shelter Rifugio Sapienza follow the path that is located directly behind the cable car station (altitude of 1.900 m. until 2. 500m., length about 2 hours). It's easier and faster ride, enough to wear proper shoes.

ALVAC- LEFT LOOKS PATH MOUNTAIN ASCENT

From the top you can see inactive craters Craters Silvestri, valley "Valle of the Bove» and the city of Catania.

Etna - THE KRATIRES «CRATERI SILVESTRI»

ACCESS Etna

The nearest big city to the volcano Etna is Catania (Catania), which is about 30 km and is 2^or largest city in Sicily, after the capital, Palermo (Palermo).

Daily departs a bus AMT from Railway Station Catania (8.15 a.m.) to the shelter Rifugio Sapienza. The bus stops at the stop 15 next to the area served by local buses. The bus tickets are sold in the bus (4 a route or euro 6,60 EUR daily). The bus departs from the Rifugio Sapienza just in 4.30 pm. and you should not miss it because there is nothing else to turn to Catania.

You can also opt for exploring the Etna an organized excursion (information : Etna Park , Via Etnea 107, Nicolosi, tel .: +39 095 914588).

ACCESS TO SICILY

CATANIA – CATANIA

To arrive in Catania there are the following options :

• international Airport Fontanarossa Catania (Airport of Catania– Fontanarossa), Via Fontanarossa, tel. : +39 095 723 9111, www.catania.it (distance from Catania, 20 minutes).
• Ferries Catania, by boat from the port of Catania which is connected to the port of Salerno Italy and Valetta Malta.

Ferries carried out by the following companies :

• Grimaldi Lines (information, tel.: + 39 089 253202), Catania – Valetta Malta, Catania – Genoa Italy, Catania – Civitavecchia Rome Italy
• Virtue Ferries, catamaran, (information, tel. : 39 010 5731805), Catania – Valetta Malta
• TTT Lines,(information, tel. : + 39 010 5731805), Catania – Naples Italy

PALERMO – PALERMO

To get to Palermo there are the following options :

• Palermo International Airport (Airport of Palermo–Punta Raisi), Location Punta Raisi, tel.: +39 800 541 880, www.it (in D.. the Palermo city, distance 40 minutes).
• By ferry from various cities and islands of Italy, Malta and Tunisia.

Ferries carried out by the following companies :

• SNAV Ferries (information tel. : + 39 010 5731805), Palermo – Civitavecchia Rome, Palermo – Naples Italy, Palermo – Tunis Tunisia

PORT OF PALERMO

• CNG – Grandi Navi Veloci Ferries (information tel. : + 39 010 5731805) , Palaispalte– Genoa Italy, Palermo – Civitavecchia Rome, Palermo –Tunis Tunisia
• Grimaldi Lines (information, tel.: + 39 089 253202), Palermo – Salerno Italy, Palermo -Tunis Tunisia
• Tirrenia Ferries,(information, tel. : + 39 010 5731805), Palermo– Naples Italy, Palermo – Cagliari Sardinia

TRAPANI – TRAPANI

• Ustica Lines, (information, tel. : + 39 0923 222000), Trapani Sicily - Island Pantelleria, Trapani Sicily - islands Egadi, Levanzo, Marettimo e Favignana
• Tirrenia Ferries,(information, tel. : + 39 010 5731805), Trapani Sicily – Cagliari Sardinia
• Grimaldi Lines (information, tel.: + 39 089 253202), Trapani Sicily – Civitavecchia Rome, Trapani Sicily – Tunis Tunisia

MESINAI – MESSINA

• Navigation General Italian, (information, tel. : + 39 090 679141), Messina Sicily- Reggio Calabria Italy
• Tourist Shipping, (information, tel. : + 39 090 364463), Messina Sicily – Villa San Giovanni Italy.

SICILY BY CAR FROM GREECE

• From Port Patras (duration 15-17 hours) or from the port Igoumenitsa (duration 9-10 hours) by ship to the port of Bari of Italy (superfast.com and www.anek.gr)
• From Bari head to the Messina of Italy (distance 900 km).
• From Port Villa San Giovanni, through the Closely of Messina or Strict of Messina, you will pass, boat to Sicily (trip duration 30 minutes), where the nearest city to Mount Etna is Catania.
• The coach IAS Buses linking Messina with the Catania.

useful information

• The time in Italy and therefore Sicily is 1 hour behind Greece.
• Using taxis should be aware that prices change after 10 pm. The price you pay for the way you should ask the driver if included and gratuity (about 10% ).
• Most shops open between 8:30 -10:00 a.m. and noon close of 12:30 -3:30 pm.
• In the souvenir shops the prices are the same everywhere(!) and are not "bazaars».
• On main roads connecting the cities of Sicily there are many trash. Because of the drought are flammable raw material so we will see fires or burned several sections along the roads.