Etna is one of the most active and famous volcanoes of the world and it’s an outstanding example of geological evolution and volcanic formations. The stratovolcano shows almost continuous eruptions from its summit craters and pretty frequent lava eruptions from the flank craters and cracks. This exceptional volcanic activity has been documented by humans for at least 2,700 years – which makes it one of the longest documented examples of historical volcanoes in the world. It is a top destination for research and education, for the presence of diverse and accessible volcanic elements, such as summit craters, cinder cones, lava flows, lava caves and the Valle del Bove depression.
The Etna Regional Park has been divided into four zones. The zone A is an integral reserve with the highest level of protection; the aim of the Park is to preserve nature with the minimum human intervention. The Zone B is a general reserve area and is composed of small cultivated fields and beautiful ancient farmhouses; therefore, the protection is combined with the development of traditional economic activities. The 14,000 hectares area before the park, the zones C and D, is a protected zone with a controlled development and a strong presence of people, where tourism is allowed, always preserving landscape and nature. The idea of creating the Etna Park was born in the ‘60s to protect the priceless heritage for its people and for future generations. With an area of ​​59,000 hectares, the primary task of the Park is to protect a unique natural environment and the landscape surrounding the highest active volcano in Europe, the world’s most popular together with the Japanese Fuij Jama.