Volcanoes are a spectacular sight, especially during periods of eruption. There is one such natural phenomenon in Europe that is accessible to tourists and erupts frequently.
The volcano is called Etna and is located on the island of Sicily. During the quiet period, walks are carried out directly to the crater. Mount Etna excursion offered.
Features of the volcano
This natural object has been known since ancient times; the ancient Greeks believed that the forge of the god Hephaestus was located in its depths. In other words, the volcano is active and continues to be active for several thousand years.
The altitude above sea level is 3400 meters, which makes the mountain quite high. This results in cool temperatures even in hot summers, so it’s worth dressing warmly when climbing.
During an eruption, tourists are not allowed to the volcano, because it is dangerous. Another important feature of the volcano is the large presence of side craters, their number reaches 400. The lava flow speed is low, averaging 5 km/h, but emissions of ash and hot gases can be dangerous for the respiratory system.
Description of the excursion
During the excursion, it is recommended to choose a route to climb the volcano. There are three options:
- Southern, where the base site is Rifugio Sapienza. Buses with tourists and cars come here. The site itself is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level.
- Vostochny also approaches this site.
- The northern one runs through the base of Piano Provenanzo.
It is best to arrive via the southern route. There is one of the craters near the Rufija site. Then you can take the funicular to a height of 2300 meters. The lift cabin offers stunning views of the surrounding areas. This time can be used for photography and video shooting.
At the indicated altitude there is a cafe and a point for distributing warm clothes; the kit includes a jacket and boots. Further up to 2900 meters you can take a bus that departs from the site. At this altitude it is already cold even in summer, which is aggravated by frequent winds. Needs insulation.
It is better to book an excursion with a guide, he will take you to the most interesting and safe places; traveling on your own is not recommended, because the volcano not only has craters, but rather steep slopes, which makes walking in many places undesirable.
It is also worth considering that at high altitudes there is a lack of oxygen, so climbing is not recommended for people with heart or lung problems; shortness of breath and other unpleasant phenomena will be felt more seriously.
In general, the trip is accessible to adults and children and gives strong, unforgettable impressions. Everywhere along the route there is a cafe where you can have a snack. You have to pay for lifts and buses.
