Il Etna park winds through paths, woods and suggestive panoramas. It was the first to be established among the Sicilian Parks with the Decree of the President of the Region of 17 March 1987. With its 59000 hectares it protects an environment and a unique landscape. The park surrounds Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, which with its 3.350 meters of height, dominates and enchants. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the lunar landscape of Etna is an unforgettable experience. The sea view, the volcanic activities and the discovery of Sicilian food and wine come together in the perfect combination of a dream vacation. A essential destination.
“… And Etna cannot be compared a nothing."
The Etna area has been declared by UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the fourth Italian natural site (after the Dolomites, the Aeolian Islands and Monte San Giorgio) to boast the prestigious award. The French art historian and Egyptologist Vivant Denon in his "Voyage en Sicile" wrote that "Everything that la nature has great, all that is pleasant, all that is terrible, it can be compared to Etna, and Etna cannot be compared a nothing. " Over the centuries, poets and directors have let themselves be inspired and fascinated. Words and acknowledgments, however, are not enough to understand the magnificence and the magic of this place.
The Etna Park is one of those places to visit. A place where you can see the Wild Cat, the Weasel, the Golden Eagle and beautiful butterflies such as The Aurora of Etna (the name derives from the presence on the wings of an orange speck that recalls the rising of the sun). The rich and varied flora features olive groves, orchards, vineyards and hazelnut groves. Among oak and chestnut woods there are also pistachio groves and over 2.000 meters there is the Beech and the Birch, exclusive to Etna. In winter the landscape is covered with snow, but the attentive gaze of the traveler can continue to see a strip of sea.
Etna Park: some advice
The headquarters of the Etna park it is located in Nicolosi, in the former Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena. The structure is a fundamental point of reference for the community, for tourists and for cultural and scientific events. In addition, for those who want to know the geological history, the caves and the lava flows, there is on the ground floor a volcanological museum area. The entire structure is accessible for the disabled, for the visually impaired and for the blind. For lovers of nature and sports and not to miss a single detail of this natural jewel, the tourist guides recommend visiting both the north and south sides. Etna Nord, the side of Piano Provenzana, is immersed in a rich pine forest with alpine landscape and views of the Ionian Sea.
Here, too, you can take advantage of the slopes from ski and ski lifts. The southern side (centered on the Rifugio Sapienza) presents a "lunar" landscape characterized by the black of the lava stone. Beyond the ski resort with the ski lifts, there is the Cableway of Etna and here it is impossible not to do the “Schiena dell'Asino” path. Another tip? Definitely the visit to the Cave of the Frost, where the temperature never exceeds zero degrees. Not to mention the night walk offered byCatania Astrophysics Observatory with guided tours to discover the Etnean landscape. If you are a wine lover you cannot miss the dedicated tour with the Circumetnea railway. The train travels the slopes of Etna with stops among the vineyards and tastings.
Other attractions and trails in a nutshell
- Back Path of the Donkey - Valle del Bove ("Under which vertical or variously inclined millenary dikes, crossing in all directions, tell the story of the ancient volcanoes that preceded the current Etna."
- Red Mountains, two pyroclastic cones north of Nicolosi. It is possible to go trekking, mountain biking, archery and much more. There is also aequipped area with bar, barbecue area and children's play area.
- Altomontana slope, for a wonderful tour of Etna on foot.
- Monte Nero degli Zappini (The path crosses ancient and recent lava fields, lava flow caves, hornitos, “cannon” stones, wooded formations, imposing pines of exceptional beauty, reaching the Nuova Gussonea Botanical Garden. ").
- EtnAvventura Adventure Park, a park created among the trees of the Serra la Nave area and built with bridges, ropes, pulleys and jump points to take your breath away.
- Silvestri craters, the best known cones of the entire volcanic edifice.
- Summit Craters, Chasm , New Mouth, formed inside the Central Crater in 1945 and 1968; the North East Crater, since 1911 and currently the highest point of Etna (3330 m); the South East Crater, born in 1971, the most active of the four.
- Mount Zoccolaro, together with other reliefs collectively called Schiena dell'Asino, forms the terminal part of the southeastern wall of the Valle del Bove.
- Butterfly House - Montesserra, just wonderful. Hundreds of butterflies live here and it is possible to observe them and discover all the details of their life cycle.
The cover image was shot by G · RTM - Gilbert Sopakuwa
