Mongibello, or ‘Beautiful Mountain’, that is what the Sicilians lovingly call Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe.

As it has developed it has gradually taken over more and more land. Today the Etna Massif measures more than one thousand seven hundred and fifty square kilometres. Due to the extremely fertile volcanic earth this area contains an abundance of plant life and each of its numerous vegetation zones has its own unique charm.

Huge quantities of carbon dioxide are emitted from the snow-covered summit although the white smoke from its craters is usually quite harmless.

Even during its most destructive and dangerous moments the fire spitting Mount Etna, or Mongibello as it is often referred to by the local population, indeed lives up to its reputation of being a truly ‘Beautiful Mountain’.