Etna is situated in the northeast corner of Sicily, Italy. It is the tallest and biggest active volcano in Europe, two and a half times the size of Mount Vesuvius near Naples. Etna is approximately 10,990 feet tall but the height varies with the frequent eruptions. The climate on the mountain is cooler than on the rest of the island, where summer temperatures can climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, there is snow at the higher elevations. In 1987, Etna was designated a national park.
Etna is easily reached from the city of Catania by car or train. The Ferrovia Circumetnea stops at Riposto and the rest of the trip to Catania is by bus. There are also guided bus tours from Catania. Catania has one of the three airports of Sicily, with air connections with Rome and Milan, as well as several cities in mainland Europe.
There are various hiking trails on Etna, leading up to the top and the main crater as well as round the mountain. There is also a cable car from the Sapienza car park and jeep tours to make it easier to reach the top. Hikers can walk the entire way, although the trails can sometimes be challenging and the descent will not necessarily be as easy as the ascent. From the cable car stop at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet), it takes approximately two to four hours to get to the top, depending on the weather.
The hiking trails start either at Etna Sud, also known as la Sapienza, where the cable car station takes travelers up to the 2,900 meter mark, or the hiker can start at Etna Nord (also known as Piano Provenzana). Four-wheel drive buses and hiking trails lead up to the observatory, at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet). From there, it is about a two hours' walk to the craters.
Mountain hiking can be dangerous and the weather can change suddenly, even in summer. It is illegal to climb Etna above 2,900 meters without a qualified guide. Guides can be hired at the Rifugio Alpino hut at the 2,900 meter mark. Temperature at the summit can plummet quickly, so it is important to be dressed for cooler temperatures. Hikers should carry a thick sweater, rainproof gear and a windproof jacket, as well as plenty of water. Hiking boots that can handle the rough volcanic rock as well as the snow at higher elevations should be worn. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessary, as the height of the mountain makes the ultraviolet radiation from the sun stronger. Equipment can be hired locally.
Etna has several main craters and usually they can't be traversed from north to south, depending on the volcanic activity. The Bocca Nuova, the latest crater, is usually the most active. Monte Frumento Supino above the Rifugio Alpino is the easiest to access. Etna can have an eruption at any time, which makes it dangerous. Before departing the cable car or observatory, check which areas are active. There are vents along the summit that can give off noxious gases without warning and a hiker can easily be overpowered.
