Europe’s Most Active Volcano Is Erupting: Sicily Tells Tour Guides To Stay Away
Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna in Sicily, has entered a new eruptive phase, sending ash and incandescent material from its upper craters and prompting tighter safety rules on the summit. Local authorities have advised tour operators and licensed guides to stay away from restricted high‑risk areas while monitoring continues.
Key takeaways
- Access to Etna’s summit craters is restricted; avoid rim areas and closed trails.
- Tour guides have been told to pause high‑altitude excursions until conditions improve.
- Ash fall may intermittently affect nearby towns and flight operations at Catania.
- Always follow official bulletins; conditions can change quickly.
What’s happening on Etna
Etna’s activity often cycles between Strombolian bursts, ash plumes, and occasional lava flows from vents near the summit. Even “moderate” phases can intensify without warning. That unpredictability is why authorities are reinforcing no‑go zones for the top sections and advising guides to stand down from summit tours.
Official guidance and closures
- Summit access: Restricted to protect visitors from ash, ballistic ejecta, and sudden explosions.
- Trail status: Upper‑elevation routes are subject to rolling closures; lower viewpoints remain accessible when declared safe.
- Monitoring: Italian Civil Protection and volcanology institutes continue real‑time monitoring and will update alert levels as needed.
Travel impact: what visitors should expect
- Flights: Ash can trigger runway cleaning or delays at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Check airline and airport notices before departure.
- Roads/towns: Light ash fall is possible downwind. Drive cautiously; ash reduces traction and visibility.
- Guided hikes: Commercial summit treks are paused where restrictions apply. Safer alternatives include lower‑altitude viewpoints and official observation areas.
Safety tips if you’re in Sicily now
- Respect closures and posted advisories; do not approach crater rims.
- Carry a mask or scarf if ash is present; protect eyes and electronics.
- Park in covered or protected areas if ash fall is forecast.
- Monitor local bulletins and your airline’s alerts.
Background: why Etna matters
Rising above Sicily’s east coast, Mount Etna is one of the world’s best‑studied volcanoes. Its frequent eruptions are typically managed through well‑established alert systems and temporary access limits that balance safety with daily life in surrounding communities.
What to watch next
- Changes in volcanic tremor and plume height from observatories
- Airport NOTAMs and airline advisories for Catania and nearby hubs
- Civil Protection bulletins on access restrictions and public safety
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Sicily right now?
Yes, most of Sicily functions normally during Etna’s routine activity. Follow local guidance, avoid summit zones, and plan flexible itineraries.
Are flights canceled?
Flights are not automatically canceled during eruptions, but ash can cause delays. Always check your flight status and allow extra time.
Can I still see Etna?
Yes—from designated lower‑altitude viewpoints when permitted. Avoid closed trails and summit rims until authorities lift restrictions.
For authoritative, real‑time updates, consult:
- Italian Civil Protection (Protezione Civile)
- INGV – Osservatorio Etneo (Catania)
- Catania Airport flight status and airline notices
Last updated: 2026‑01‑09