Mount Etna is the highest mountain in Sicily. Its mass is so “far beyond size” that it is clearly visible from every cardinal point and from almost every corner of our island… but not only that. Fascinating photos have been taken of Etna from the heights of Calabria, from Malta, even from Basilicata. So why wouldn’t it be possible to see it from Palermo? In fact, it is possible. With evidence in hand. Or rather… in the lens.

Etna from Palermo: the eternal debate

You can, you can’t, it’s true, it’s not true… the debate is continuous. In the modern era in which, paradoxically, social media have expanded knowledge but also doubt, even when very clear photos are shown there are those who advance suspicions and conspiracies. Palermo, according to many, is too far away to allow you spot the volcano. But those who have lived in Palermo all their lives know that – on the contrary – Etna can be “part of” the Sicilian capital as well. So why not organize an itinerary that includes the panoramic points from which you can admire the summit of Etna?

Confirmations

The website Balarm.it interviewed geologist Dr. Andrea Di Piazza, who confirmed without a shadow of a doubt: Yes, you can see Etna from Palermo. Just look south-east at a specific point. But obviously the sky needs to be very clear, free of haze, and possibly free of pollution… which in Palermo is truly hard to happen!

Mount Etna is about 150 kilometers away as the crow flies. On clear, windy days, when humidity is at a minimum and visibility is almost perfect, a dark peak appears on the horizon – or white, in winter, when the snow underlines its presence. Surrounded by the peaks of the Madonie and Nebrodi ranges, it emerges like an “isolated queen” and it is impossible to mistake it. That really is Etna.

Palermo itinerary with an “Etna view”

So if you find yourself in Palermo, on a clear, windy and dry day, try to organize an itinerary that includes, in addition to the many beauties of the capital, also the ideal panoramic points to admire the volcano. And silence suspicious tongues!

You can start from Capo Zafferano, overlooking one of the beaches of Palermo, but open on the southern side so that on the right days you can see the top of Etna from afar. Following the seafront, you will find panoramic points of Etna by climbing up to Monte Pellegrino with two viewpoints, one facing north and one facing south. Going down again, on some days the volcano can also be seen from the Mondello seafront in the area of the La Torre hotel. Etna can be spotted from Punta Priola, from Via Castellana (Borgo Nuovo area) and the peak is barely visible even from the Foro Italico.

Going up to Capo Gallo, from Piano dello Stinco, here is another viewpoint from where you can have a decent view, on the right days.

PHOTO  Wilfried Santer from Pixabay

Palermo is always worth the trip

Palermo is always worth the trip. Even if the day is not the right one to see Etna from this privileged point, you can follow numerous other itineraries to discover the Arab-Norman soul of this enchanted city. Palermo alternates elegance and coarseness, refined art and popular alleys.

The magnificent cathedral, the Moorish churches (St John Eremiti, Martorana), the Baroque splendors (the “Casa Professa” church, St Domenick, Pretoria square), the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel, the Zisa, the Favorita park, the Palazzina Cinese, the houses and places of the Florio family … these are just some of the wonders that this ancient capital offers.

Do not forget to visit the large popular markets, such as the Kalsa, the Vuccirìa, or to stroll calmly among the multi-ethnic shops of Via Maqueda up to the large theaters, perhaps tasting bread and panelle or (the “brave ones”) bread-with-spleen sandwiches. And finally: do not miss a photo in Monreale: the cathedral, the Norman lodges and breathtaking views.