On June 2, the heart of Sicily – Mount Etna – experienced a volcanic eruption that surprised tourists, summoned emergency warnings and fired lava and ashes into the sky. The incident occurred on the same day Italy was celebrating the Republic’s 99th year. This was characterized by the Italian Air Force, military marching, and aerobatics by more fanfares across Rome and across the country.
The Etna eruption is no surprise to anyone in Sicily. The volcano is the highest in Europe at 11,165 feet, and one of the most active in the world, with an average of 17 events per year. Whether it’s smoking fumaroles, big bangs, trembling, lava flow, or full during an eruption, Etna is always awake. However, this past Monday activity was more aggressive than usual, with visitors running in fear. Certainly, live video from Monday’s eruption saw dozens of people rushing down the moon-like landscape as ashes feathers towering in the sky behind them.
Stefano Blanca, director of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanic Volcanic Observatory (INGV – EO), noted that Etna has not exhibited this level of activity since February 2021. The eruption remained confined to the barren upper slopes of the summit, and thanks to the real-time automated alert system, tourists quickly evacuated before things got too close to comfort.
The meaning of eruptions for Italian visitors
If you are in Sicily, don’t hurry and cancel your plans. Etna is still very visitable and just not at the top. Currently, access is limited to over 8,200 feet, but guided lower slope hiking and cable car tours are open and available. Also, for those who prefer front row seats without leaving the sofa, INGV’s ETNA Observatory offers 24/7 ETNA live streams through summit cameras Streamingget. You can see all the puffs of smoke from the comfort and safety of the home.
Beware of warnings
“The surveillance system and alerts were fully functional,” Blanca said. Even tourists who caught guard midhikes noted that INGV’s automatic alerts and protocol systems protected them about what to do. However, Etna has not handed out warnings twice. Moves near active volcanoes need caution and the desire to take photos should safely take the back seat.
Even on quiet days in Etna, the topography of the summit is a minefield of loose rocks, sharp edges and harmful gases. One misstep can turn hikes into rescue operations. And yes, people fell. In July 2001, a German hiker lost his footing and fell into a side vent. Most accidents occur when an overconfident visitor ignores the rules or is lost from a marked path. So visitors definitely need to pay attention to all the signs and instructions.
How to visit Etna
Visiting Europe’s most active volcanoes is easier than you think. Head northwest from Catania to the gateway to Mount Etna, the hillside town of Nicolosi. Just a 40-minute drive from Catania Airport (CTA) is a mountain lodge with hotels, restaurants, parking, and an unofficial base camp for Summit Adventures, sitting 6,300 feet. Do you like public transport? The daily round-trip bus runs from Catania Central Station to Rifugio Sapienza. The ticket costs around 6.60 euros (preferably cash, paid on board), and the journey takes about two hours each way.
From Refugio Sapienza, head over to Funivia Dell’etna, a mountain gondola. You can ride up to 8,200 feet to explore slope craters. If Etna is resting, Funivia Dell’etna will offer a 4×4 bus, bringing visitors with a guide of up to 9,840 feet. Pro Tip: Make sure to bring winter gear even in the slow August heat. It gets chilly at higher altitudes.
