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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