Italy’s Mt. Etna is the tallest volcano in Europe and the  most active volcano in the world.  It dominates the northern skyline of Catania on the Ionian Sea and has probably been active for about 500,000 years. Mt Etna lies over the African and Eurasian plates and now has 4 craters. The last major eruption was in 1992 but in 2021 there were over 50 eruptions necessitating the cleanup of streets and buildings often.  Coarse black gravel-like pebbles are everywhere, along the streets as you head up to hike the volcano. We were able to hike up to about 7500 feet of the 11000ft volcano above which groups are prohibited.  

A local said of the volcano, “here more than anywhere else on Earth, you strongly feel the force of nature, we are so used to natural disruptions that, on one hand they make you admire nature, but on the other you turn to the High, the Most High.”

Taormina is one of the top summer destinations in Sicily aided by its lofty perch and spectacular views of the Ionian Sea.  The Greek and Roman theater, Teatro Greco sights Etna in one direction and the turquoise sea in the other. An evening summer concert here would amaze.