Mount Etna is a single of the world's most active volcanoes, and it is the biggest in all of Europe. It rises to nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. It really is a exceptional knowledge since of how swiftly the vegetation and temperature will change as you ascend to the top of the mountain. At the reduced levels, it is extremely lush since of the volcanic soil. There are plants and vegetables that are distinctive only to this mountain. And some of the neighborhood wine that is grown alongside it is genuinely scrumptious. Then are you reach the higher levels, the surface becomes practically moon-like as you see the dead craters of the volcano and you actually appreciate the destructive force of Mother Nature.

 

Volcanic Eruptions

 

There are really some spectacular pictures when the volcano erupts. The volcano is in a constant state of eruption, as you constantly see smoke coming out of the best crater. Nevertheless, the major eruptions occur each and every ten years are so. Despite the fact that, I do not remember a year exactly where it will not make the news and cause havoc with your sicily tours travel plans if you are in that region. In 1 of the restaurants, I saw a map that had tracked all the main lava flows of the eruptions that have occurred considering that the 1600's.

 

How to get to Mt. Etna

 

There are a few techniques to get to the volcano. Tour groups leave practically every single day from Catania, a key Sicilian city located at the base of the mountain. You can also rent a vehicle in Sicily and drive to a single of the villages that are situated at a variety of levels on the mountain. To get to the best crater will depend on how the volcano is behaving. If it is really active, certainly there will not be any tours. If it is comparatively calm, there are jeep tours that can take you quite close to the best. The roads close to the summit are really treacherous, so you don't want to drive your personal automobile.

 

Hiking the mountain

 

You can hike the mountain on your personal if you are an experienced hiker, even though it can be risky. And of course, there are nearby guides that are familiar with the mountain that can take you to the leading as well, if you are not that seasoned.

 

Train tour of the volcano

 

Another choice is the Circumetnea, a private railway that circles the volcano. It is a single-track line, and often slow, but you can get some spectacular views of the mountain as it goes by way of the various lava fields. The round-trip journey takes about four hours. They run a couple of occasions a day, every single day, except for Sundays.

 

A definite quit in Sicily

 

If you are going to check out Italy, and you make it to Sicily, you ought to certainly take time to pay a visit to Mount Etna, as it is actually a natural wonder that will leave you awe-inspired.