Snakes of Etna
On Mount Etna, located in Sicily, there are several species of snakes that are typical of the Mediterranean region. None of these species are particularly dangerous to humans, but it is always advisable to take some precautions to avoid accidents. Snake Species on Etna Description: The whip snake is one of the most common species […]
Volcanic activity crater Voragine
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. The Voragine crater is one of the four main summit craters of Etna, together with the Northeast crater (NEC), the Bocca Nuova crater (BN) and the Southeast crater (SEC). The eruptions at Voragine […]
Voragine eruption
Etna’s eruptive activity at the Voragine Crater continues to show signs of intensity and spectacularity. In mid-June 2024, several explosive phenomena were observed that generated emissions of ash and pyroclastic material. The small crater, located on the top of the volcano, has alternated Strombolian eruptions with frequent explosions that launch incandescent fragments and columns of […]
The rings of Mount Etna
In the last few days, Mount Etna has once again offered us a magnificent spectacle. This time it is not lava fountains or lava flows, but rings of gas that attract photographers and tourists. Since the beginning of April 2024, Mount Etna has been puffing one ring after another as if it were smoking a […]
The pine processionary moth: a dangerous invasion on Mount Etna
If you are on Mount Etna in winter, you will notice numerous white, drop-shaped formations up to 30 cm in size on the pine trees. The nests, spun from thin white threads, sometimes cover the whole tree in dozens. These are the nests of the pine processionary moth (“la processionaria” in Italian). This butterfly from […]
Life in the shadow of the volcano
I have been living in Sicily, in the province of Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, for more than 40 years now. The volcano has characterised my life here from the very beginning. I will now tell you – from the perspective of an almost real Sicilian – about life in the shadow of […]
From the sea to Mount Etna
Today we embark on a short journey from the sea to Mount Etna: from Riposto, also known as the harbour of Etna, we drive up to Piano Provenzana on the north side of Mount Etna, where the roads end and we can only continue on foot. This route takes just under an hour by car. […]
Spectacular lava fountains: Etna eruption 13.8.2023
On the afternoon of 13 August 2023, the measuring instruments of the INGV (Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania) register the first signs of a new eruption of Mount Etna. Shortly afterwards, this begins with Strombolian activity. Strombolian activity is typical of the Stromboli volcano. It is characterised by the emission of lava in […]
Eruption of Mount Etna on 21 May 2023
After a series of earthquakes in the summit area and a sudden increase in volcanic tremor, the eruption of Mount Etna on 21 May 2023 was not long in coming. The protagonist of this eruption with lava fountains is once again the Southeast Crater. It has also produced two lava flows: one inside the Valle […]
Places to visit near Catania: Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza is located just under 10 kilometres north of Catania on the so-called Cyclops Coast. Once a small fishing village, it is now a popular excursion destination. The small town of around 5,000 inhabitants has a picturesque harbour, and the Cyclops Islands, which are probably the main attraction, lie just off the coast. What […]