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 Majestic active volcano in eastern Sicily, in the area near Catania, the Etna with its 3.340 meters, is the highest active volcano in Europe. This volcano, which periodically overflows lava by its many craters, has a visceral and ancestral link with all of the Sicilian people, and especially with those of the provinces of Catania and Messina, who are closer. The Etna in fact enjoys the great respect that the Sicilian people have also towards the other volcano in this land: the volcano of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands.
The confidence that Sicilians have in the Etna, is witnessed by the different villages that you can find on its slopes. The inhabitants of these villages have in fact made their choice, and they have chosen to accept the risk involved in living, having underfoot a land that often angrily shakes and grumbles. They unconditionally accept the fate that the volcano itself decides for them. And this surrender to the mercy of natural forces, represented by the Etna, is a big clue about the great charm and the fascinating nature of the Sicilian people.
The Etna, is called “a Muntagna” in Sicilian dialect, and it was also called Mongibello in the past, name having an ancient Arabic origin.
The Etna area is very interesting to be visited thanks to its spectacular eruptions, most of all if you want to come into direct contact with nature in one of its most powerful and strong displays. The slopes of Etna, in fact, are in part rough because of the various “sciare” which have been created over time by the passing of the burning lava, but some of them are covered with thick and luxuriant vegetation, thanks to the favourable conditions of the soil, near the volcano.
In 1987, it was created a real wildlife reserve, the Park of Etna. Within this area you can make delightful excursions, fully plunging yourself into the flora and fauna of the area. Inside the Park of Etna, there also are several paths, which make it easier the pleasant walks you can do in the area. This way you can admire volcanic cones, caves, craters, traces of old lava flows, like ancient wrinkles in the face of this giant of the nature.
In the eastern slope of the volcano, lies the Valle del Bove, surrounded by forests that almost seem to challenge the incredible power of this immense mountain.
In the area of Linguaglossa, besides you can enjoy a breathtaking view, which allows you to catch in a glance, the beautiful town of Taormina, and even the coasts of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands.
Etna is a wonderful even in winter, when it shows its snowy slopes.
Thanks to the presence of the snow on Etna you can also practice the typical winter sports. As a matter of fact there are ski resorts in Sicily on the volcano, as well as several shelters ready to welcome tourists. So here you can enjoy the privilege of skiing, maybe giving a peek every now and then to the beautiful sea.
[Photo: Ai@ce on flickr.com]
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