CategoriesBlog By etnaandsea

“On the Roof of Sicily: Adventures on Etna”

L’ etna continua a dare spettacolo , da ieri sera intorno alle 21 è ripresa l’ attività eruttiva del vulcano. Dal cratere di sud-est del vulcano si è levata una nube eruttiva alta circa 7 chilometri.. La nube di cenere, si disperde in direzione sud-sud-ovest. Contestualmente, da dopo le 2 si è osservato un trabocco lavico dall’orlo orientale del cratere di sud-est che si espande nella parte alta della Valle del bove.L’andamento temporale dell’ampiezza del tremore vulcanico evidenzia un continuo aumento dei valori che hanno raggiunto livelli molto alti. Il centro delle sorgenti del tremore vulcanico è localizzato in corrispondenza del cratere di sud-est a una altezza compresa tra 2.500 e 2.800 metri sul livello del mare. L’attività infrasonica si è portata a livelli altissimi  
CategoriesBlog By etnaandsea

Sunset excursion on Mount Etna: emotions between fire and sky

Escursione al tramonto sull’Etna: emozioni tra fuoco e cielo

L’Etna al tramonto è uno di quei luoghi che rimangono addosso: la luce che cambia minuto dopo minuto, il profilo dei crateri che si staglia contro il cielo, il mare sullo sfondo e il silenzio interrotto solo dal vento e dal rumore dei nostri passi sulla lava. In questo articolo ti racconto la mia esperienza di escursione al tramonto sull’Etna e ti do qualche suggerimento pratico per viverla al meglio.

Perché scegliere il tramonto sull’Etna

Visitare l’Etna è sempre affascinante, ma il momento del tramonto ha qualcosa di speciale:
  • Luce spettacolare: il paesaggio lunare dei campi di lava si colora di arancio, rosso e viola. Perfetto per chi ama fotografare.
  • Temperature più piacevoli: soprattutto in estate, salire nel tardo pomeriggio è molto più confortevole che affrontare il sole di mezzogiorno.
  • Atmosfera unica: vedere le luci dei paesi ai piedi del vulcano accendersi pian piano mentre il cielo si oscura è un’esperienza davvero suggestiva.
 

Andare con una guida: sì o no?

Sul versante dell’Etna ci sono tanti sentieri, ma rivolgersi a una guida  escursionistica autorizzata è la scelta migliore, soprattutto se:
  • Non conoscete bene la zona
  • Volete salire in sicurezza e ricevere spiegazioni su vulcanologia, geologia e storia delle eruzioni
La guida si occupa anche di monitorare eventuali cambiamenti delle condizioni meteo o dell’attività vulcanica.

Il momento più emozionante

Il momento più intenso è  quando il sole scende dietro l’orizzonte e il cielo si è accende di rosso, mentre il vulcano resta lì, immenso, silenzioso ma vivo. Guardando verso valle, le luci dei paesi iniziano a brillare, quasi come un tappeto di stelle sotto i nostri piedi, mentre sopra di noi il cielo diventa sempre più scuro. In quell’istante si ha la netta sensazione di trovarsi su un confine: tra giorno e notte, tra mare e montagna, tra la calma apparente e la potenza nascosta del vulcano.

Consigli pratici per organizzare la tua escursione

  • Prenota in anticipo, soprattutto in alta stagione (primavera–estate).
  • Arriva con un po’ di anticipo sul punto di ritrovo per organizzarti con calma.
  • Rispetta l’ambiente: non lasciare rifiuti e segui sempre le indicazioni della guida.

Conclusioni

Un’escursione al tramonto sull’Etna non è solo una passeggiata in montagna: è un incontro ravvicinato con uno dei vulcani più affascinanti del mondo, in uno dei momenti più scenografici della giornata. Che  siate appassionati di trekking, fotografia o semplicemente di esperienze autentiche, questa è un’avventura che vale assolutamente la pena vivere.
CategoriesBlog By etnaandsea

Baptism of the sea: the first time the heart meets the horizon

A first dip in the sea isn’t just a quick dip: it’s a rite of passage, a sensory encounter with a vastness that surprises and reassures at the same time. I’m sharing an experience common to many—the trepidation, the wonder, and the small achievements that transform a day at the beach into an indelible memory.

Arriving at the sea in the morning is like stepping into a living painting: the salty air on your lips, the wind carrying the scent of seaweed and warm sand, the rhythmic sound of the waves that seem like a heartbeat. For those experiencing their first dive, these elements amplify every emotion. The first contact with the water is cold and surprising; the body tenses, then slowly adapts. Nervous laughter mixes with relief when you discover that the world isn’t changing, but expanding.

Fear is part of the ritual: the fear of losing control, of surrendering to something unknown. It’s often overcome with simple gestures—a reassuring hand, a calm voice, small steps into the water, holding the fingers of a parent or friend. Every inch gained is a small victory: from feeling the sand under your feet to floating for a moment, to taking your first splashes with an incredulous smile.

The sea offers surprises: shells, tiny marine creatures, plays of light and reflections that can enchant. For children (and adults too), the water becomes a playground where they learn to count the waves, to dip their face in and resurface, to let themselves be carried gently by the current. Those simple experiences are seeds of love for the sea that remain rooted.

A baptism of the sea is an experience that unites fear and joy, respect and curiosity. It’s the first page of a relationship that can last a lifetime: from that first dive often arises a desire to return, to explore and protect the sea. Returning home, you take with you not only sand in your towels, but a memory that smells of salt and freedom.

CategoriesBlog Blog Non categorizzato By etnaandsea

Sunset excursion on Mount Etna: emotions between fire and sky

Etna at sunset is one of those places that lingers in your memory: the light changing minute by minute, the outline of the craters silhouetted against the sky, the sea in the background, and the silence broken only by the wind and the sound of footsteps on the lava. In this article, I recount the experience of a sunset hike on Etna and offer some practical tips for making the most of it.

Why choose the sunset on Etna

Visiting Etna is always fascinating, but sunset time has something truly special.

  • Spectacular light: The lunar landscape of the lava fields is colored orange, red, and purple. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  • More pleasant temperatures: especially in summer, climbing in the late afternoon is much more comfortable than facing the midday sun
  • Unique atmosphere: Seeing the lights of the villages at the foot of the volcano slowly light up as the sky darkens is a captivating experience for adults and children alike.

Going with a guide: yes or no?

There are many paths on the Etna side, but contacting an authorized hiking guide is the best choice, especially if

  • you don’t know the area well
  • Do you want to climb safely and receive explanations about volcanology, geology and the history of eruptions

The guide also monitors any changes in weather conditions or volcanic activity, choosing the most suitable route for the group (even in the presence of children).

The most exciting moment

The most intense moment is when the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky lights up red, while the volcano remains there, immense, silent but alive. Looking down the valley, the lights of the villages begin to twinkle, almost like a carpet of stars beneath your feet, while above the sky grows increasingly dark.

In that moment, you have the distinct sensation of standing on a border: between day and night, between sea and mountain, between the apparent calm and the hidden power of the volcano.

Practical tips for organizing your excursion

  • Book in advance, especially during high season (spring–summer).
  • Arrive at the meeting point a little early to plan ahead.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: shoes with good soles, a jacket, and warm layers for after dark.
  • Respect the environment: do not leave litter and always follow the guide’s instructions.

Conclusions

A sunset hike on Mount Etna is more than just a mountain walk: it’s a close-up encounter with one of the world’s most fascinating volcanoes, at one of the most scenic times of the day.
Whether you’re passionate about trekking, photography, or simply enjoying authentic family experiences, this is an adventure definitely worth experiencing.

CategoriesBlog By etnaandsea

“On the Roof of Sicily: Adventures on Etna”

🌋 Excursions on Mount Etna: Discovering Sicily’s fiery giant

Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, dominates eastern Sicily with its imposing and captivating presence. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
But how do you organize a hike on Mount Etna? What are the most spectacular routes and the best times to climb? Let’s find out together.

🌿 Why visit Etna

Mount Etna is more than just a volcano: it is a living ecosystem, where nature expresses itself in all its power. Walking among the craters and lava fields means witnessing the constant dialogue between destruction and rebirth.
Among forests of ancient birch and pine trees, recent lava flows, and breathtaking views, every hike becomes a journey through geology, culture, and spectacular panoramas.

Mount Etna is more than a mountain: it is a place where the earth speaks. Every step among its rocks tells a thousand-year-old story of energy, beauty, and transformation.

If you love nature, photography, or simply adventure, a hike on Mount Etna is an experience that will remain in your heart. ❤️

 

CategoriesBlog Blog Non categorizzato By etnaandsea

Something from…. Etna Sunset Jeep Tour

One of our highlights “Etna Sunset jeep Tour”
Tour suitable for everyone , You will spend the afternoon on Europe’s highest active volcano, an altitude of 2,000 metres, . You will walk along paths not spoilt by mass tourism and appreciate the local flora and fauna. The tour will highlight different aspects of the volcano, such as its nature and resources, its sensational landscapes and its impressive lava flows that have destroyed roads and buildings. On Etna, in fact, there are more than 300 craters on its sides that are now extinct. You will arrive at a belvedere, where you will admire the panorama of the Valle del Bove, the most important valley on the east side of the volcano. The excursion is carried out exclusively on board our 4X4 jeeps.

CategoriesBlog Blog Masonry News Post Format By etnaandsea

Something about….. Etna morning Jeep Tour

Our Etna Morning Jeep Tour was created to give everyone the chance to discover the most important places on Etna at an altitude of 2,000 metres. You will walk along paths not spoilt by mass tourism and appreciate the local flora and fauna. The tour will highlight different aspects of the volcano, such as its nature and resources, its sensational landscapes and its impressive lava flows that have destroyed roads and buildings. On Etna, in fact, there are more than 300 craters on its sides that are now extinct. You will arrive at a belvedere, where you will admire the panorama of the Valle del Bove, the most important valley on the east side of the volcano.  The excursion is carried out exclusively on board our 4X4 jeeps.

CategoriesBlog Non categorizzato By etnaandsea

The lava of 1991/93.

Surely you remember the lava of 1991/93! The destination of our daily tours!
Soon we will return to explore our Etna. Your company our Etna.
#etna #etnavulcano #lava #flow #sicily #catania #hicking #trekking #video #sun #friends #travelphotography

This five-minute video summarises the entire chronicle of the 1991-93 eruption of Mount Etna, which threatened Zafferana Etnea, with particular attention to what was known as the “Operation Cap”, which consisted of an attempt to interrupt the course of the lava with the use of dynamite, causing it to overflow into a channel.
The video is taken from the DVD “Il gigante di fuoco” (The Fire Giant) released in 2008.