One of the most evocative stages of a journey to discover eastern Sicily is certainly a visit to the volcano; Etna, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is not only the highest peak in Sicily but also the highest active volcano in Europe (3340 m). A muntagna, as it is called by the inhabitants of the villages on its slopes, offers tourists a unique experience of its kind, not only for the types of flora and fauna that it hosts, but for the breathtaking views that can be admired.

Lava flow 1923
The first stage is the great lava flow of 1923 on the northern slope of Etna that reached the town of Linguaglossa (550 m above sea level) and destroyed part of the hamlet of Catena.
Going up the lava flow off-road along a winding dirt road we will arrive at the borders of the Etna Regional Park where we will be able to admire many species of Etna plants, first of all the broom (genista aetnensis) and the remains of small rural settlements, in particular the ruins of a Palmento, a structure used in the past for winemaking.

Lava Front 2002
The next stop is a short stop at the most advanced lava front of the last great eruption of Etna, the lava flow of 2002 which is reached by Jeep along a stretch of off-road road surrounded by chestnut and oak woods. The 2002 eruption lasted from 27 October to 29 January of the following year and is considered one of the most explosive eruptions of the last 100 years.

Piano Provenzana
Then going up the Mareneve road we will reach Piano Provenzana (1800 m above sea level), a ski resort that was the scene of the great eruption of 2002. After a good coffee, a short walk to visit the remains of the Le Betulle hotel, a place where you will immediately realise the great destructive force of nature.