Mount Etna and Stromboli are among the most active volcanoes in Europe. They have only recently erupted again. These sleeping beauties are not that sleepy after all.

Awakened Mount Etna

The earth is alive: the recent eruption of the Sicilian volcano Etna showed this clearly. A shower of ash fell on the nearby city of Catania, causing the local airport to ban take-offs and landings for several hours. Mount Etna has been going through an especially active period for the last five years. Although it erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s.

The authorities and population were at least as concerned about the ash emissions from nearby Stromboli on the island of the same name to the north of Sicily. It also came to life at practically the same time as its brother Mount Etna.

Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe with almost 11.000 feet (3.327 m) tall and an average basal diameter of 25 miles (40 km). It is also the most active volcano in the world. The spectacular eruptions and fiery lava flows of Mongibello have always been of great interest to scientists and visitors from all over the planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its globally important geological features, Mount Etna’s first eruptions date back to about 570,000 years ago.

One thing that’s still on my bucket list is a horseback riding tour on Mount Etna. In winter, Mount Etna also offers the surprising chance to practice winter sports, a few miles/kilometers from the sea.

The various hikes climb along the Mount Etna Park nature trails, between woods and verdant orchards, up to the highest altitudes with fascinating views of lunar landscapes, centuries-old lava flows, active caves and steam vents, revealing the charm of this extraordinary natural oasis.

Active Stromboli

Stromboli – the whole island is a volcano. Stromboli is the active fire giant of a volcanic archipelago: the Aeolian Islands, a treasure trove of obsidian and pumice. It has only recently erupted again. Huge quantities of lava poured out of the crater, making its way down several hundred meters into the sea.

The island of Stromboli is the most northern island of the Aeolian archipelago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site lies between Panarea and the Calabrian coast. There is no way to miss the imposing volcano Mount Stromboli, one of the most active and perhaps unique volcanoes in the world with its three perpetually erupting craters.

Mount Stromboli is a volcano that commands a respectful awe from all who visit: with two-thirds submerged under the surface of the sea, over time humans have built settlements and communities on its back, for millennia we have continued to tread on its sensitive skin, almost teasing it a little.

Of all the Sicilian volcanoes, Iddu (in the Sicilian dialect He) awaits you for an extraordinary night-time experience. The Stromboli guides are highly skilled in navigating the best trails to the summit, depending on the eruptive phases. In any case, the spectacle is assured, rich in emotions that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Sleeping Giant – Vesuvius

The myths surrounding ancient Pompeii made Mount Vesuvius near Naples world-famous. Since its last eruption in 1944, when 26 people died despite the evacuation of thousands of people, the mountain has been considered dormant. However, this does not mean that it cannot become active again. There are therefore evacuation plans in place in case of an emergency.

Ground rises significantly in places – Phlegraean Fields

The danger in the Naples region is particularly acute due to the volcanic area known as the Phlegraean Fields. They are under constant observation by experts. Most recently, at the end of May 2024, they caused an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4, causing the ground in the region to heave by more than 8 inches (20 cm) in some places. As with Mount Vesuvius, there are evacuation plans in place for the fields, just in case.

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Place no. 16 – Drink Kong, Rome
Place no. 35 – 1930, Milan
Place no. 39 – Locale Firenze, Florence
Place no. 46 – L’Antiquario, Naples

Drink Kong, Rome

Set in a leafy square, a short ride from Rome’s center, Drink Kong is probably not the bar you would expect to find. Taking in ’70s futurism, King Kong and Japanese influences, this amalgam concept is set in a wrap-around space with nightclub-black décor, illuminated by little else than neon. This is a busy bar – locals and international visitors know Drink Kong has some of the most forward-thinking cocktails in the city.

Patrick Pistolesi, owner and bartender, brought this very particular vision alive. His new menu Perimetro is set to step into new ground. Put it all together – the décor, the atmosphere and the drinks – and there’s nowhere in the world of bars quite like Drink Kong. No wonder it’s among Italy’s Best Bars.

Here’s one of the drinks, you can make at home. But, it’s better to have it at Drink Kong and hang with the locals.

Drink Kong is located at Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8, 00154 Roma

1930, Milan

Milan’s 1930 is a speakeasy taken seriously. To even find the bar you need someone in the know, because not only is the address undisclosed, entry isn’t guaranteed even if you’ve befriended owners Flavio Angiolillo and Marco Russo. But once inside, the twentieth-century American Prohibition vibes come to life with exposed brickwork and dimmed lighting which add to the exclusivity of the bar. The difference between 1930 and other generic speakeasy-style bars is the world-class drinks program. Unlike the original speakeasies which the bar takes inspiration from, 1930 doesn’t just serve rye whiskey and moonshine, but some of the best cocktails in Europe.

Its current menu focuses on Africa, using unorthodox ingredients from the likes of niche grape varieties from Algeria to infusions made with Africa’s famed baobab tree. The menu is supported by a top-level food offering from the same continent, making 1930 not only one of the most exclusive bars in the world, but also one of the most exotic.

1930 is located at an undisclosed address.

Locale Firenze, Florence

Hosted in the historical Palazzo Concini, Locale Firenze is like a time machine taking guests on a journey through centuries across its two floors, each a nod to Florentine culture. The Concini Palace has an extensive and unique history strongly tied to Florentine politics during the time of the Medici family. Impeccably and respectfully restored, the basement dates back to the 1200s and today hosts the cellar and a mixology lab. The upper 1500s floor has a Renaissance atmosphere with a contemporary touch thanks to its mirrors, antique furniture, lavish chandeliers and charming frescoes. A stunning courtyard with a transparent, movable high ceiling is host to the cocktail bar, surrounded by green walls and high tables.

The drinks list is as distinctive as the venue and its atmosphere. With a modern touch, bar manager Matteo Di Ienno’s menu feature signatures such as Elisir Caterina alongside seasonal recipes. Summer sips evoking flowers, such as Iris, with white rum, iris bitter and vermouth, already feel like masterpieces.

Locale Firenze is located at Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Firenze

L’Antiquario, Naples

Resting among traditional boutiques and shops in the bustling streets of Naples, behind its picturesque wooden door L’Antiquario boasts an international allure. The retro red velvet sofas, the floral wallpaper and the elegant black boiserie blend perfectly with the flair, expertise and innate Neapolitan hospitality of the team. Equally sophisticated and nodding to tradition, bartenders in white uniforms welcome guests who ring the doorbell to enter this intimate bar. The backlit back bar stands at the center stage of the cocktail bar. Here, guests can enjoy a Red Hook from the Classics cocktail menu, or dive deep into the city’s history and heritage with a signature from the Napoli Capital City drink list.

Equally, the natural alternative to spirits and cocktails within this setting is the selection of champagne, also used by the team of Alex Frezza, co-founder and internationally acclaimed bartender, to serve a spectacular rendition of the French 75.

L’Antiquario is located at Via Vannella Gaetani, 2, 80121 Napoli

Alla tua salute!

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