volcano Archives

Etna from sunset to dawn: a night hiking

Posted on 13/07/2026 by Grazia Musumeci

There’s a special thrill to have on an active volcano: breathing in its vibrant energy at night. This experience is possible on Etna, naturally always accompanied by a local guide who knows the area and its secrets, even… without light. The allure of Etna at night goes far beyond the spectacle of an eruption (which […]

UPDATE: Crater Voragine eruption has ended

Posted on 09/07/2026 by Grazia Musumeci

The eruption that had tour operators across the Ionian coast of Catania buzzing in early July appears to have ended, as unexpectedly as it began. The eruptive events involving the Voragine crater and its neighboring northeast area ended on the morning of July 7th after a night of exceptional fire show. […]

Etna: the eruption begins at the Voragine Crater

Posted on 05/07/2026 (05/07/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

This time, it seems to have really started. On the morning of Sunday, July 5, 2026, around 9:00 a.m., a tall column of ash rose from the summit of Mount Etna, surprising all the foothill villages on a beautiful day with excellent visibility. Tourists, already ascending toward the volcano, and residents, literally watched the […]

Mount Etna and the pride of being UNESCO Heritage

Posted on 22/06/2026 (22/06/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

June 21st should be a date to celebrate in Sicily. Or at least in the Catania area. In fact, on June 21, 2013—thirteen years ago— Mount Etna was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those present at the proclamation describe an entire assembly standing up to applaud, and the applause lasted several minutes. The […]

Etna Castles 2: Motta St Anastasia

Posted on 09/06/2026 by Grazia Musumeci

Motta St Anastasia was built around a “volcanic neck”, a huge column of solidified magma that typically comes to light when the walls of an ancient volcanic conduit collapse. Here, we are just 35 km away from Mount Etna, and the eruption that created this “neck” is likely linked to the life of the great […]