Our beautiful Sicily is not only sea, sun and good food, but the various nature reserves and national parks find space with powerful and deep character, where the most important among these is the ETNA PARK. In May 1981 the regional parks of Etna were identified, and were then proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Etna is one of the best-studied and monitored volcanoes in the world and continues to debate volcanology, geophysics and other earth science disciplines. Etna is a constant destination for visits by tourists interested in the volcano and its manifestations as it is one of the few active volcanoes in the world to be easily accessible.
The “Mount Etna” site has been included in the World Heritage List, a paradise for lovers of excursions and uncontaminated nature. Its woods preserve various botanical species and desolate areas covered by magmatic rock and periodically subject to snow at higher altitudes.
ETNA AT WINTER
If you want to climb in the winter, Etna lends itself to sports such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering and snowboarding. The abundant snowfall allows the seasonal opening of the facilities of the two ski resorts present (southern side and one on the northern side).
The Rifugio Sapienza stands imposingly on the southern slope of Etna for which it is a fundamental point of reference. On the southern side of the volcano there is access to the cable car, which is a historic, comfortable and panoramic means of approaching the summit area of the volcano. The cable car offers extraordinary emotions, you can reach up to 3000 metres. In May 2021 it was modernized with latest generation cabins.
Of no less importance are the Silvestri Craters which can be reached on foot directly from the Sapienza Refuge. The craters date back to the 1892 eruption with the formation of a radial fracture then a buttonhole made up of five craters, between 2025 and 1800 m altitude, on the southern side of the volcano’s flanks.
Etna north falls within the territory of the municipality of Linguaglossa and the entire area including the Seggio Via ski resorts is called Piano Provenzana. The peculiarity of this side of Etna is the true natural contrast that can be noticed between the wooded part and the lava part. As soon as you take the “Mareneve” to go up, those 18 km that from Linguaglossa take you to Piano Provenzana, you are enchanted by the lava flow of 1923 colonized by cultivations of vineyards and olive groves.
ETNA AND AGRICULTURE
The territory of the national park has characteristics that make it excellent for agricultural production, thanks to the particular fertility of the volcanic debris. The small town of Passopisciaro in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northern side of the volcano, is the area with the greatest concentration of wineries, where most of them provide hospitality and food and wine services.
On this volcanic mountain, you can find the best of the best of typical Sicilian agricultural specialties. Citrus fruits are the most famous fruits of Etna: the lemons and “red” oranges of Etna grow in the plain located at its foot. Etna apples are today a specialty recognized for their small size which however guarantees a unique sweetness. On the pistachio fields they grow the famous “green gold” of Bronte, on the west side of the volcano.
WINES OF ETNA
The different areas of the mountain where wine is produced unravel around the large volcano, each with its own personality, its history, its wines. The altitude of the vineyards, which can reach over 1000 meters above sea level, together with the strong temperature variations between day and night, contributes to preserving acidity and developing intense and refined aromatic profiles.
Etna Rosso is mainly produced with the Nerello Mascalese grape. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals and lava stones, gives Etna Rosso wines a distinctive minerality and fresh acidity. Thanks to their structure and acidity, Etna Rossos pair well with meat, such as lamb or pork, more structured fish dishes, as well as mature cheeses and Mediterranean cuisine.
We are talking about the most famous mineral white wine in Italy. The predominant grape variety in Etna Bianco is Carricante. It is possible to add other native vines, such as Catarratto, Minnella and others. Even for whites, volcanic soil plays a key role, the soils, often rich in mineral elements. Etna Bianco can accompany fish dishes, seafood, light appetizers, fresh cheeses and vegetable dishes.
SUMMER AT ETNA
Summer is the tourist period par excellence, but it is also the one in which to be most careful when venturing on an excursion to Etna. The weather and temperatures are pleasant, sometimes at high altitude you find it clear and cool while on the plains they exceed 35° wrapped in the humid mist of the Scirocco.
It’s time for vipers, which come out into the open on Etna in summer, and the sun can hurt your skin if you don’t protect yourself. The advantage is that in summer you can go on special excursions, for example going up in the afternoon to admire the colors of the sunset or the spectacular eruption.
In summer you can also visit the caves of Etna. Thanks to the lava that digs underground channels, or that caves in, creating a solid layer around it while remaining liquid in the center, there are different types of underground cavities scattered throughout the volcano. We advise you not to miss the spectacular sculptures of nature. One of the magic that a volcano like Etna offers is the Alcantara Gorges.
ALCANTARA GORGES
If you are thinking of spending an extra day on Etna, it will be a good idea to visit the area of the Alcantara Gorges, which extends around the river which takes its name. The Alcantara River has created characteristic lava gorges in various sections, known locally as gorges, with overhanging vertical walls.
Entering the spectacular and narrow Gorges of the Larderia district, better known by the name of the Alcantara Gorges, the particular basaltic prisms are evident, which extend for a stretch of about 400 metres, narrow a few meters and with walls up to 50 meters high .
Over time, numerous artists have attempted to describe, reproduce and capture images of a unique natural scenario which, in 2010, obtained European recognition as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN).
The park has large lifts for descending to the gorges and gastronomy services, shuttle tours, bike tours, walking tours, and various activities for children. The water of the Alcantara river is very cold, but it is possible to kayak with various levels of difficulty.
Etna and its surroundings offer a mix of gastronomy and nature. By following our advice you will be able to experience the best that this fascinating area has to offer. Click here to discover other magnificent places in Sicily, and have a good trip!
Have you already been to Etna? What were your favorite places? Leave a comment below and share your experiences! Or contact our tour operator Sicily Traveling to start planning your holiday!