Catania - Event

Located in Sicily, the 3320m-high Mount Etna is Europe's biggest and most active volcano. Its geology remains a mystery to scientists, despite being one of the most studied volcanoes on the planet.

Recent scientific studies suggest a gradual change in the nature of Mount Etna's volcanism. The findings offer a better understanding of the volcano's activity, which could help to better predict future eruptions.

The quickest way to glimpse Mount Etna's spitting apex is by the Circumetnea railway, which also takes you through the medieval villages (built from the volcanic lava of earlier eruptions) which encircle the volcano's lower reaches.

The other route involves a climb to the lower craters. It is possible to drive up to 2500m and then hike Mount Etna from there. The road to Milo, where recent lava flows decimated the forests and barns in their path, is eerily dramatic.

It is prohibited to ascend to the top crater, so the fearful will cope okay. Cable cars can replace legs if need be, and during the winter it is even possible to ski on Mount Etna.