Etna, delicacies and curiosities to discover. One of the most famous volcanoes in the world, the highest in Europe, still active and spectacular with its jets of lava is Etna.
Inserted for some time in a protected area called “Etna Park”, the volcano and the surrounding area that hosts it are the destination of numerous excursions, which give tourists unforgettable emotions.
There are several activities that can be practiced on the paths of the volcano: walking enthusiasts can choose trekking with an excursion assisted by mountain and volcanological guides; these paths give the opportunity to admire the summit craters of the volcano, after a splendid climb.
For those who love to drive on rough paths and experience the thrill of a fast climb, among breathtaking views, an exciting Quad tour is ideal, always assisted by authorized guides.
Those with a passion for two wheels might think of a mountain bike excursion with pedal assistance.
The most famous destination – regardless of the means used – is the Valle del Bove: a very wide valley, about 18 km in perimeter with mountainous edges, which in some sections exceed 1,000 meters in height. Here you can admire the lava from the 2017 eruption up close.
For those looking for an unforgettable moment, at sunset the excursions are even more romantic and engaging, especially when the volcano is in full eruption: the spectacle of the lapilli silhouetted against the sky illuminated by the colors of the sunset is a unique emotion.
Etna is also the place where mushroom hunters find paradise: the typical destination for those in search of mushrooms is an area called Giarrita, located in area B of the Park. Area B identifies the part of the reserve defined as “General”, where historically man diligently follows the laws of nature, respecting all types of biodiversity. It is the beating heart of the Etna Park.
Etna mushrooms are tasty and full-bodied, they are found at an altitude between 500 and 600 meters, generally they are born and grow after a heavy rain followed by a splendid sunny day. The “muntagna”, as Etna is friendlyly called, is filled with mushrooms of all kinds, starting from the end of August. During the excursions it will therefore be possible to meet not only the tasty porcini but also the chiodini, the ovolo, the drumstick, the pineroli, the black puddings and the cockerels.
Obviously it is also frequent to come across poisonous or inedible mushrooms, which is why knowing how to recognize them is of vital importance: looking for mushrooms requires the possession of the “mushroom picking” card, which is obtained after a course, with relative examination.
