Mount Etna
The highest active volcano in Europe
Catania's "Muntagna" on your tour from Palazzo Sangiorgio

The undisputed lord dominating the Catanese landscape for 550,000 years, Mount Etna, with its maximum height of 3,329 metres and a diameter of 45 kilometres, has influenced the customs and trade of the local population for millennia, shaping the flora and fauna along its slopes, making them unique across the region.

Known locally as "A Muntagna" or "Mongibello," since 2013 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is the highest volcano on the Eurasian plate, with 4 active craters that can be visited safely under the supervision of expert guides. The eastern slope, dominated by the Valle del Bove, and the southern slope, are dotted with orchards, vineyards, and forests up to 1,500 metres high, thanks to the soil’s particular fertility provided by the ash and debris during eruptions. The western and northern sides, on the other hand, are wilder.

The alpine climate, subject to snowfall even at low altitudes, makes it an ideal destination for tourists interested not only in volcanic activity. The ski resorts here offer the opportunity to practice numerous winter sports, from skiing to snowboarding, from dog sledding to mountaineering, from December to late spring.

Additionally, the steep gradients on the southeastern slope make it a real challenge for cyclists and marathon runners. However, Mount Etna also offers less athletic visitors the chance to explore its almost lunar surface and discover how the locals have skilfully exploited the resources provided by its presence over time.