Today we have driven from Syracuse to Naxos Giardini, which is just south of Taormina. Now we have almost rounded Sicily and pretty soon it's time for us to head over to Calabria on the Italian mainland. But not quite yet! First, of course, we will look around in Taormina and in Giardini Naxos. Today, on the road between Catania and Taormina, we have also seen the mighty volcano Etna from a distance.
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ShareEtna - Europe's most active volcano
Etna is Europe's highest (3331 m), largest and most active volcano. According to Wikipedia, the volcano is often in a "mild eruption state", which sounds a bit dramatic to me. There are usually a few years between eruptions when Etna sprays lava and the last one was in October 2013.
Sometimes there have also been very special ones smoke rings from the volcano. One of the more serious and explosive eruptions occurred in 1669, when several villages and towns were completely destroyed. Recent eruptions have not been as severe, although they have resulted in the closure of the airport due to ash clouds and the like.
Living next to a volcano
How do you dare to live next to an active volcano? I guess you get used to it, like everything else. In fact, I lived next to the active volcano Eldfell (one of the most active Iceland's volcanoes) on the Icelandic island of Home Island during a year in the 1990s and it was not something I thought much about. But on the other hand, it feels like Etna is more often on the way ...!
More to see and do in Sicily
There is of course much more to see and experience around Sicily. Below you will find lots of reports with inspiration and tips.
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Katarina Wohlfart says:
Yep Giardini Naxs we stayed in so we took the local bus up to Taormina. Thought it was very nice. 🙂
07 August 2015 - 18:28
Mr Steve says:
Getting close to a volcano is a bit scary. At least that's what I think.
I look forward to following your journey along the 'boot'.
07 August 2015 - 19:10
BP says:
So I wouldn't voluntarily settle near a relatively active volcano, but as you say, it's not something you'd really think about....
Fantastic that you have now made island number 3.
07 August 2015 - 20:18
Matts Torebring says:
Cool but full of respect for the forces of nature, I would think.
07 August 2015 - 20:25
Vackralillavardag says:
We drove up to Etna when we were there. Unfortunately, it was so cloudy that you couldn't see almost anything at all and the child was so whiny so we never got up with the cable car. But at some point I will probably still go up there! Have you thought about taking a closer look at Etna?
07 August 2015 - 20:44
admin says:
Katarina, nice to see this part of Sicily. I think a lot of tourists are here. We will see more tomorrow!
Steve, we have some new plans. Will tell you soon!
BP, yes it goes fast. Maybe a little too fast.... 😉
Matts, it's probably healthy to have a little respect for nature 😉.
Vackralillavardag, no it probably won't be. There's so much to see and it's so hot now... But I do think Etna is fascinating!
07 August 2015 - 21:23
snort says:
We liked Taormina a lot but also Giardini/Naxos. Hope you have a good time in the heat!
07 August 2015 - 22:55
admin says:
Znogge, glad you were here and liked the place! We have a good time even if it's a little TOO hot 😉.
08 August 2015 - 9:08
Ama de casa says:
I remember Taormina as super nice. When we were in Sicily in the mid-80s, lava flowed along the edge of Etna, you could see how it glowed in the evening. Volcanoes are incredibly fascinating! And scary, of course, when there are big eruptions. The huge lava fields were great to see in Hawaii, but how close they were to the villages. Wouldn't really want to live that close....
Then they can cause trouble far away too. Who doesn't remember the "effnajöckulknöckul" in Iceland that effectively stopped air traffic last year? I remember it very well - except for the name (which I never learnt even then... 😉 ).
08 August 2015 - 9:52
admin says:
Ama de casa, oh how many exciting volcanoes you have seen! and I love your spelling of Eyjafjallajökull (maybe I find it extra funny because I speak Icelandic;)).
08 August 2015 - 13:29