It is worthwhile to visit Italy's volcanoes

Significant volcanic activity can be seen on the Apennine Peninsula and surrounding islands. In Italy, there are four active volcanoes (including the Ferdinandea undersea volcano), eight dormant volcanoes, and four extinct volcanoes, with two more entities whose condition is unknown. Although some pose a serious hazard, their beauty makes it impossible to ignore them.

The very idea of the power of these places attracts tourists like a magnet. And if we add to this the mysterious beauty of the volcanic landscape, we get one of the greatest of all the local attractions. Tourists’ attention will not escape the stunning volcanic phenomena — some of the cones emit smoke all the time, and every few minutes there is a small eruption of pyroclastic products. Below we describe the most interesting volcanoes in Italy.

Etna

Our list opens with the largest volcano in Italy and at the same time — the largest in all of Europe. Stratovolcano Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily. It covers an area of about 1250 square kilometers, and its circumference exceeds 135 km.

The process of Etna formation began about 500 thousand years ago. In 2021, the cone reached a height of 3357 meters, and the significant activity of the volcano indicates that this value will increase.

Currently, the volcano consists of four active craters. The oldest — the northeast crater — was formed in 1911. The next two follow eruptions that took place in 1945 and 1968. The youngest crater — the south-east crater — was formed in 1971. It should be noted that in addition to those mentioned, the volcanic cone has more than 270 side craters, which remain inactive.

Etna has the most unpredictable character in the world, in other words this volcano is the most active. In 3500 years, it has erupted more than 200 times. In 2021, a significant increase in volcanic activity was recorded. A new phase of activity began in mid-February. By November, more than 50 eruptions were recorded. The most powerful took place in October, when the ash plume was elevated to a height of 7.5 km.

Despite the significant threat, during periods of relative calm Etna is accessible to tourists. Buses arrive at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. Another 500 m can be overcome by cable car. Hiking trails lead to the summit. Alternatively, you can get there by off-road vehicle.

The area of the volcano is partially protected. In 1987, the Etna Regional Park was established, which covers an area of 580 sq km. Since 2013, the volcano is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Vesuvius

We move to the area around the city of Naples, which is dominated by the majestic Mount Vesuvius. Active stratovolcano reaches a height of 1281 m. The diameter of the crater exceeds 500 m, and its depth is 230 m.

Vesuvius is one and only active volcano in Europe (continent). The current form of the cone was formed following the eruption of 79, which buried Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabie and Oplontis. The last eruption occurred in 1944. Although Vesuvius currently shows no dangerous signs of activity, it is still listed among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, and the processes occurring in it are subject to constant monitoring. This is due to the fact that it is only 9 km from Naples, and the area around the volcano is inhabited by more than 3 million people.

Vesuvius is open to the public. To the crater itself leads not too demanding path, which can be overcome in a few minutes (height difference between the gate located at the parking lot and the summit is about 250 meters). From the top there is a stunning view of the Gulf of Naples, and from time to time small clouds of smoke rise from the crater.

More than 220 species of wildlife and over 600 species of plants live at the foot of the volcano. In 1995, the Vesuvius National Park was established, which includes the cone and much of the surrounding area.

Phlegrean Fields

Super volcanoes cause the most excitement. A large part of this is due to the stunning Yellowstone Caldera, which at all times poses a real threat to humanity. However, you do not have to fly to the USA to see the mighty ring of the caldera with your own eyes. Located near Naples, the Phlegrean Fields have a diameter of 13 km. There are 24 craters and cones in the caldera. You can admire geological phenomena typical of super volcanoes, such as geysers and solfatars.

Some scientists believe that the great eruption of the supervolcano 40,000 years ago contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals, who lived in the area of today’s Europe.

Stromboli

Listing active volcanoes in Europe and the most beautiful volcanoes in Italy, you can not miss our next proposal. In the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the Aeolian archipelago, there is a small island of Stromboli (12.4 square kilometers), located north of Sicily. It is formed by an active volcano, which rises from a depth of 2300 m and reaches a height of 926 m.

Interestingly, the eruptions of stratovolcano Stromboli have a serial form. At intervals of several minutes, ash, volcanic bombs and lapilli are released from the crater, and a trickle of smoke is a permanent element of the local landscape. The last strong eruption occurred in 2019. Although the volcano remains an active entity, the island remains inhabited at all times. About 600 people live on Stromboli.

The island is well connected to the insular and mainland parts of the country. The summit of the volcano can be climbed only with the assistance of a guide.

Monte Amiata

While in Italy, don’t just focus on active and dormant volcanoes. Extinct volcanoes are just as beautiful, and their summits offer an equally amazing panorama. Reaching a height of 1739 m, Monte Amiata is the highest mountain in Tuscany. From the summit there is a stunning view over the Maremma plain and the Val d’Orcia valley.

On the lower floors of the extinct volcano are located numerous vineyards and olive groves. The peak is covered with chestnut and beech forests. In the summer season there are many hiking trails. In winter, Monte Amiata has excellent conditions for winter sports.

Epomeo

Our list ends with a dormant volcano, located on the largest island in the Gulf of Naples — Ischia. The last eruption of the volcano took place in 1300. Since then, it has remained dormant, but is subject to constant monitoring. This is due to the fact that we are talking about an entity that, among all Italian volcanoes, has potentially the highest eruptive power. What is important, scientists are of the opinion that more and more magma is accumulating under Mount Epomeo, so awakening of the sleeping beast is only a matter of time.

It is worth visiting this place, not only for the stunning views, but also for the numerous attractions. Among the largest should be mentioned hot springs, which on the island is more than 100.