After the first impressions of Catania in the evening, this day in Sicily was all about Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, and the small town of Taormina. A day of contrasts, or maybe not? I had to get up early that day, as my journey to the Etna volcano, 30 km away, was due to start at 08:00.
Journey to the Etna volcano
The drive to the volcano was very interesting and full of bends. After leaving Catania, we saw a few small villages along the way before civilization became less pronounced, the first foothills of the lava fields became visible and the volcano and its snow-covered peak became increasingly recognizable. A very different journey to the Teide volcano on Tenerife.
Active volcano Etna
On the way, we were given some information about the last major and minor eruptions and told that the last countable eruption was around 6 months ago in November 2013. The lava fountains shot 600 meters into the sky and were therefore the largest eruptions in the last 20 years.
The statement didn’t do much to reassure me – rather the hint that if the volcano is steaming or emitting gas, there can’t be an eruption. How good that I could already see the smoke at an altitude of 1200 meters.
Landscape with traces of lava
All the more impressive is the changing landscape, where the lava has cooled down over the years, plants are growing again and some houses are still abandoned (or even destroyed) at the roadside, some of which have been completely enclosed by the lava.
The top of the volcano was becoming more and more clearly visible and the snow was also becoming more and more evident at the side of the road. However, some parts of the peak were not covered in snow, as the lava from the last few years was still so warm that the snow doesn’t stay put. Impressive!
Cable car & ski area
The last stop for my group was a good 2000 meters above sea level. The valley station of the cable car and the last point where public vehicles were allowed. We took the cable car for about 15 minutes up to 2500 meters into the snow, past the unused ski slopes and chairlifts of the winter season.
Mountain station on Mount Etna
Once at the top, you are greeted by snow and an icy wind, temperatures of minus 5°C and hardly any sunshine. The fog makes itself felt and I am really glad that the mountain station offers the option of borrowing thermal jackets and sturdy winter boots. Our friendly tour guide already explained on the way up that we would then start with a hike.
Unimogs in the snow
A hike? Through the snow? Ice and fog? I was really excited to see what was in store for me. Fortunately, the people in charge of the “Etna National Park” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – were of a similar opinion and made an exception, allowing us to use the Unimogs with snow chains, although these were otherwise only offered in summer.
However, the journey took us even further up the mountain, 2800 meters above sea level, temperatures no longer measurable and an icy and damp wind. After the days in the snow over the last few weeks, I thought it would only be summer and sun – but it was different.
Lava field & crater rim
The “hiking day” then continued on a former lava field, between snow and lava dust we walked to the edge of one of Etna’s more than 200 craters and what could we see?
Fog! Nothing but fog! The friendly guide, with whom we walked what felt like 2000 meters over the lava fields, then explained in his charming English/Italian way that we had to trust him, that otherwise we would be able to see the crater and also have a fantastic view over Sicily. But unfortunately not today…
Conclusion – Visit to the Etna volcano in Sicily
So my experience remains, an impressive mountain with fantastic lava fields and lush nature, plus probably a great backdrop at the top of the mountain and a fantastic view over Sicily. However, I also had to think back to my experience with the whales and dolphins during the days on Tenerife…
The consolation came a few days later when I was offered the chance to visit the volcano again in the next few weeks and maybe take some photos for my fashion blog with a great summer dress. So today I can only offer you beautiful “foggy photos”…
You’ll find out what I experienced in Taormina or Syracuse and on the Aeolian Islands in my next report – definitely something completely different from what I actually imagined. For now, “Arrivederci Sicilia” again.
