Excursion to the active volcano Etna and the Alcantara Gorge.
Volcano Etna is the hottest point in Sicily, if not in the whole of Italy. It is currently the highest active volcano in Europe.
If we look at scientific terms, we find that our main character belongs to the category of “stratovolcanoes”. In Latin, “stratum” means “layer,” indicating Etna’s layered structure. Etna is a geographical mastodon whose formation occurred 500,000 years ago. During its solid history, the active volcano has changed its parameters countless times. There is evidence of tangible destruction in the vent of the volcano that occurred about 6,000 years ago. As of 2015, the Etna volcano covers 1,250 km2 of island land and its height is 3.33 km, making it the largest active volcano on the European continent.
The active volcano of the island of Sicily has several references to the mythology of Ancient Greece. The inhabitants of ancient Greece chose Etna’s vent as a residence for Hephaestus, the god of blacksmithing.
Horticulture flourishes on Etna’s slopes, and warm-loving crops such as olives, pomegranates, citrus and fruit trees, and laurel bushes thrive. Most surprisingly, the volcano is famous for its own vineyards.
Take a ride around the volcano on the special narrow-gauge railway of Cirkumetnea. A funny steam locomotive takes you from Catania Borgo station to Riposto, making an incomplete loop around the largest volcano.
The only thing left to mention is Etna’s most important attraction – the unrivalled views from several kilometres high. The valley in which Catania is located is laid out as if in the palm of your hand. The curved coastline, bright Italian greenery, terracotta roof tops, look as if in a kaleidoscope, vividly changing each other. Enjoying the beauty of Sicily, do not forget to breathe a full chest of clean mountain air.
Come by car to an altitude of 1900 m. to the base of Rifugio-Sapienza, then at an altitude (maximum) 2300 m. climb either by cable car or special cars (payment on site).
WARNING! It is not recommended for people with chronic heart disease, lung disease and hypertension.
The top of the mountain can be reached by cable car or a specially equipped car.
Geological and Botanical Park Alcantara Gorge. The Alcantara is one of the main rivers in the east of the island of Sicily, which originates on the slope of the Nebrodi mountain range, at an altitude of 1400 metres above sea level. The formation of the Alcantara River bed occurred approximately 300,000 years ago. The Alcantara River made its way through the cooled lava of the Etna volcano, which blocked the riverbed during an eruption. This formed the majestic and formidable Alcantara Gorge, which is up to 25 metres deep and 2 to 5 metres wide. In addition to geological wonders, the park is home to many rare plants.
There is a fee to enter the park.
