Mount Etna, located in the southern part of Sicily, is the highest of all Mediterranean islands and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its shape resembles Japan’s Mount Fuji, but with gentler ridgelines and a slightly lower elevation.
However, its volcanic activity is completely different (Mount Fuji has not erupted in about 300 years), while Mount Etna is extremely active. Its elevation was measured at 3,329m by GPS in 2014, but due to its intense volcanic activity, the height often changes.
The resemblance isn’t just in its beauty. Surprisingly, in 2013, Mount Etna was registered as a World Heritage Site at the same time as Mount Fuji. So, let us now explore this World Heritage Site, Mount Etna, which has such a deep connection with Mount Fuji.
What is the World Heritage Site “Mount Etna”?
Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has an ancient eruption history said to date back around 500,000 years, with records of eruptions going back at least 2,700 years.
The eruptions are continuous and still ongoing, occurring several to over a dozen times a year. Interestingly, the way it erupts is unique. There are no explosive eruptions, and because the magma is very fluid, lava domes do not form and pyroclastic flows do not occur. This is because Mount Etna is a basaltic volcano.
Because of this, locals don’t feel much danger even when eruptions occur. As proof, you can reach the crater zone at 2,920m—accessible by bus and cable car—where entry is permitted.
Furthermore, if accompanied by a local guide, you can go even farther. Being able to witness an active World Heritage volcano up close makes Mount Etna very popular with tourists. At its base, a sightseeing railway runs around the mountain (about 100km in circumference), allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy views of its grand scenery.
Another important aspect of Mount Etna is its volcanic ash soil. Rich in minerals, the slopes are extremely fertile and produce wine grapes, pistachios, olives, and other crops.
Name: Mount Etna
Location: Catania, Sicily
Official/related site URL: http://visitaly.jp/unesco/monte-etna
Access to Mount Etna
If there are no direct flights from your country to Sicily, a transfer is required.
The most standard route is via Alitalia Airlines through Rome or Milan to Catania. Other options include Lufthansa or Swiss Air (via Zurich), or Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul).
From Catania to the World Heritage Site “Mount Etna,” first take a bus or taxi to the 1,900m point. From there, a cable car and jeep will take you to around 3,000m.
Recommended Point of Mount Etna ①: Taormina
While Mount Etna can be climbed to observe its dynamic volcanic activity, it’s also a delight to admire its beauty from afar. One of the best places for this is the town of Taormina.
Although there are many spots to view Mount Etna, the reason Taormina is special is because of its stunning “sea and World Heritage collaboration.”
Taormina sits on the slope of Mount Tauro, along the coast, at about 200m above sea level. From this elevated town, you can see the Strait of Messina to the north, the Ionian Sea to the east, and to the south, the majestic Mount Etna and the coastline stretching to Catania.
The most popular viewpoint is from the ancient Greek Theatre ruins. On clear days, you can enjoy the iconic view often featured in travel guides: the ruins in the foreground, the blue sea, and Mount Etna in the background.
In addition, Taormina is a world-famous scenic beach resort town. It is the perfect base for exploring the World Heritage Site of Mount Etna.
Recommended Point of Mount Etna ②: Catania
Catania is the capital of Catania Province on Sicily’s eastern coast and the island’s second-largest city after Palermo. The views of Mount Etna from here are spectacular, but the city itself is also special—it is one of the eight towns included in the separate World Heritage Site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.”
Home to Catania International Airport, the city is known as the gateway to Mount Etna tourism. However, the city was once completely destroyed by the great eruption of Mount Etna in the 17th century and a devastating earthquake that followed. In the 18th century, it was magnificently rebuilt in Baroque style, characterized by striking black-and-white contrasts.
In the early 1990s, Catania became notorious across Italy for violent Mafia conflicts, but after being registered as a World Heritage Site in 2002, its historic district transformed into a clean, safe, and vibrant area.
As both a base for Mount Etna exploration and a World Heritage Site itself, Catania is rich in historical architecture and attractions.
◎ Summary
Mount Etna, a World Heritage Site, continues to erupt actively to this day. Interestingly, when eruptions occur, the number of tourists increases, eager to see volcanic activity up close.
Because its ridgelines are gentle, even if lava flows occur, the slow speed gives enough time for evacuation and response.
That being said, there’s no doubt Mount Etna is an active volcano, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information when visiting.