ADVERTISEMENTIt’s a surreal scene: fiery lava oozing from between black rocks meeting the pristine white snow blanketing the mountain. This mesmerising sight is drawing thousands of thrill-seeking tourists from around the world to the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily.
The volcano erupts frequently, but even when it’s active, many trails and paths are still safe – giving hikers and photographers the experience of a lifetime.
That said, above certain altitudes, it is a legal requirement to go up with a qualified mountain guide. They know how to keep visitors safe - not least when the volcano is spewing molten magma - and are a font of knowledge on the great ‘Mamma Etna’.
Etna erupting: ‘It rumbles like a giant tiger in a cage’
Since 11 February, when the current eruption began, thousands of visitors have arrived to see the energy emanating from one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Even for a seasoned guide like Asia Pioro, visiting during an eruption “remains extremely exciting, with unique views and emotions every time.”
“You can see columns of gas and ash in the air, and sometimes hear explosions, which sound similar to thunder,” she says. “If you are close to a lava flow, you can hear the sound of breaking glass and feel the heat of the lava.”
For guide Saro Trovato, the sight of glowing lava against the dark volcanic landscape is breathtaking, especially at night. “Sometimes it looks like the last day of our life,” he jokes.
He says the sounds of an eruption are just impressive: “Broken glass from the crackling of cooling lava, explosions, and deep rumbles like a giant tiger in a cage”.
“As for the experience, it's a mix of awe and adrenaline,” he says. “The ground may vibrate slightly under your feet, and you’ll often smell the strong scent of sulphur in the air. Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.”
‘Travellers all share the same excitement when experiencing the raw power of Etna up close’
For Pioro, it’s also a delight to see how her guests react to Etna’s volcanic outbursts. “For some of my guests, witnessing an eruption is a bucket-list challenge,” she says.
“Some guests arrive without any knowledge or expectations about volcanoes. Imagine their surprise when they find themselves hiking an active volcano during an eruption!”
Trovato, too, loves to see the experience through the eyes of his guests. “Each traveller comes with different expectations, but they all share the same excitement when experiencing the raw power of Etna up close,” he says.
Guide Luigi Cutore says what hikers experience is “pure adrenaline”. “You need to find the perfect spot to admire the spectacle, it is like a magnet, you leave everything and go for the most powerful show by nature,” he says.
“Tourists come from all over the world, and the reaction is the same as mine, marvel and fear, a fantastic mix!”
How to hike Etna safely during an eruption
Etna guides are experts in safety, something which should always be a priority – particularly when there is an eruption.
ADVERTISEMENT“The guides know the territory well, can recognise dangers and are in contact with volcanologists and rescuers in case of any accidents,” says Pioro. They also receive real-time updates on conditions, which can change rapidly on the high mountain.
But your safety is not solely the guide’s responsibility. As a hiker, you should also be prepared and aware of the dangers.
“Always be prepared with proper clothing and study the route in advance,” Pioro says. Cutore adds that you should maintain a safe distance from areas of volcanic activity and take wind direction into account so you can stay away from falling material.
With the current influx of hikers, authorities are growing concerned over safety. “Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,” Trovato urges.
ADVERTISEMENTSicily’s head of regional civil protection, Salvo Cocina, shared on social media that visitors are parking on narrow streets, which has brought traffic around Mount Etna to a standstill and is preventing rescue vehicles from getting through. Firefighters have been brought in to support crowd management.