Etna Park – Sicily: craters, woods and lava in the clouds of the highest active volcano in Europe. The Etna Park, established in 1987, extends for over 58,000 hectares around the famous Sicilian volcano. From the forests of the north side to the black flows that graze the foothill villages, it offers a changing and fascinating landscape, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. It is a must-see destination for those who love nature, geology and extraordinary views. 🌋 Craters, lava and lunar paths: Etna looks like an imposing and living giant. Its summit craters, accessible with mountain guides, offer a unique spectacle, including fumaroles, flows and secondary cones. The landscapes change at every altitude: from the lava desert at high altitudes to the woods and vineyards below. 👉 Tip: Take a guided hike to Crater Silvestri or reach the summit craters from Rifugio Sapienza or Piano Provenzana, depending on the season and volcanic activity. 🌳 Amazing nature and biodiversity: The park is home to an extraordinary variety of environments: beech, chestnut, holm oak, Etna birch, broom and ferns populate the slopes depending on the altitude. The fauna is also rich: foxes, martens, hedgehogs, buzzards, hawks and at high altitudes the rare kestrel. 👉 Tip: Explore the nature trails of Milo or Monte Nero degli Zappini to discover the vegetation and the "young" lava flows in the middle of the greenery. 🚶 Trekking, snowshoeing and volcano active all year round: The Etna Park can be experienced in every season: trekking in spring and autumn, off-road excursions in summer, snowshoeing and alpine skiing in the winter months. Many trails are also suitable for families or inexperienced walkers. 👉 Tip: Bring layered clothing and hiking shoes: even in summer, temperatures at high altitudes can be low and the ground is often unstable. 🏘️ Lava villages and piedmont hospitality: The slopes of Etna are dotted with suggestive villages such as Zafferana Etnea, Linguaglossa, Randazzo and Nicolosi. Here you can breathe a culture linked to the land and the volcano, including lava stone houses, wine bars and gastronomic traditions. 👉 Tip: Stay overnight in a refuge or in an Etna farmhouse to wake up with Etna in front of your eyes and savor the typical cuisine of the area, including honey, mushrooms, pistachio and DOC wines. 🍷 Wine, flavors and Etna handicrafts: The volcanic soils give rise to excellent products, including Etna DOC, a mineral and structured wine, perfect to pair with local dishes. There is no shortage of cheeses, cold cuts, honey and desserts linked to tradition. 👉 Tip: Stop at a winery on the north side, between Castiglione di Sicilia and Passopisciaro: you can taste Nero Mascalese and Carricante with a view of the terraced vineyards. Climbing Mount Etna is like crossing a world of lava and light, where every step tells of the strength of the earth and the beauty of a nature that never stops transforming.