One of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second-largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna (now mostly a regional park) dominates the east coast of Sicily. Standing over 10,000 feet tall, it has erupted five times this century alone

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One of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second-largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna (now mostly a regional park) dominates the east coast of Sicily. Standing over 10,000 feet tall, it has erupted five times this century alone but is mainly safe for visitors—skiers even swoosh down its slopes. The mountain covers an area of 460 square miles, and its fertile volcanic soils support lush vineyards and orchards. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. Nowadays, summer hikers see it as a realm of adventure, with trails winding through oak, pine, birch, and beech. The mountain is full of wild fauna, including turtles, lizards, foxes, hares, hedgehogs, falcons, porcupines, and the occasional golden eagle. The northern flank is thickly forested and a lot prettier and cooler than the southern side, which is marked by old lava flows. There are several roads into the park, and even a railway line from Catania to Riposto, as well as bus service from Catania.

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