Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, but the 1669 eruption remains one of the most dramatic and destructive in its history. A lava flow that lasted four months, submerged entire villages and reached the city of Catania, changing the face of eastern Sicily.
Where the 1669 eruption occurred
The eruption began on March 11, 1669, with the opening of a long fracture on the southwestern flank of Etna, near Nicolosi. The lateral craters, now known as the Monti Rossi, are still visible and are a site of great interest for hikers and volcanologists.

Phases of the eruption
- March 11, 1669: Beginning of eruptive activity with strong seismic shocks and lava fountains.
- March 15–20: The lava flow destroys Mompilieri, a village now completely buried.
- End of April: The lava reaches Catania, overflowing the city walls.
- July 15, 1669: Volcanic activity ends after 122 days.
Damage: Buried Villages and Land Changes
The 1669 eruption destroyed 12 villages and submerged over 40 square kilometers of land. Lava reached as far as the Castello Ursino in Catania, which today lies much further inland from the sea due to the advance of the lava front.

The Visible Legacy Today
Today, it is possible to walk on the 1669 lava flows at various points on the southern slope of Etna. Among the most evocative places:
- The Monti Rossi in Nicolosi
- The Simeto Valley
- The lava fields near Misterbianco and Mascalucia
- The Mompilieri Lava Museum (dedicated to the eruption)

Recommended excursions
If you want to relive the history of this powerful eruption, we recommend:
- Historical-naturalistic tour of the Monti Rossi
- Trekking to discover the 1669 lava flows
- Visit to the Volcanology Museum in Nicolosi
All excursions are available with a specialized guide. Contact us at www.etnahiker.com for an immersive experience combining science and nature.

Interesting Facts
- The 1669 eruption is documented in numerous historical paintings.
- It was also observed by foreign travelers on the Grand Tour.
- It is estimated that approximately 600 million cubic meters of lava were erupted.

Conclusion
The 1669 eruption of Mount Etna was more than just a geological event: it was a collective trauma that left an indelible mark on the culture, memory, and landscape of Sicily. Today, walking on those same lava flows reminds us of the incredible force of nature... and the resilience of the Etna communities.

Access to the summit area of Mount Etna from Piano Provenzana (North side) is now permitted again, as per the new ordinance issued by the Municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

All our hikes are carried out in full compliance with current safety regulations, and led by certified volcanological guides constantly monitoring the volcano’s activity.

Book your safe and unforgettable experience now – explore craters, lava fields and lunar landscapes!

Departure: Piano Provenzana – Etna North

Daily tours available (reservation required)

Download the ordinance of the Municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia

Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and eruptions are events that attract a lot of attention, both from volcanology enthusiasts and from tourists curious to witness such a spectacular phenomenon.

Etna returned today, * July 21, 2025 *, to show its liveliness with the resumption of the Strombolie * activity * of the Southeast crater, one of the most dynamic of the volcano. The explosions, currently sporadic and of modest intensity, are * clearly visible * from different observation points, offering a suggestive show.

What is Strombolie activity?

Strombolie * activity is characterized by intermittent explosions generated by the ascent of gas in the volcanic canal. It is a typical phenomenon of Etna and, although it can evolve in more intense activities, it often manifests in a spectacular form but * contained and at the origin from afar *.

Where can you observe safely?

The phenomenon is * observable in safety both on the north side and on the south side of the Etna *, in particular by panoramic points or authorized paths, always accompanied by volcanological guides. Visibility is excellent at these hours, also thanks to favorable weather conditions.

A signal not to be underestimated

The Strombolian phases represent one of the most frequent expressions of ETNA activity. They can * precede more energetic developments *, but they are also precious to monitor the state of the volcano and collect useful data. Today's event confirms that the southeast crater remains active and evolving.

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To experience this emotion in terms of security and with the support of certified volcanological guides, * Book Etna Hiker - Excursion excursions from Etna

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* And discover the authentic Etna closely.

The Salinelle di Paternò are a unique geological site in Europe. Extremely interesting because they are linked to the internal activity of Etna and a striking expression of the dynamism of the Etna area. They can tell us whether the volcano is preparing something or not, as if to say something is cooking, and above all they represent a natural spectacle that leaves you spellbound, a developing tourist attraction.

Although it has always been considered by the people as a "Good Volcano" whose eruptive manifestations are mainly of an effusive nature, Etna has recorded an increase, in recent decades, of explosive eruptions from its Summit Craters, or perhaps today the easier documentation of such events, brings more and more to everyone's eyes, the dynamism of this giant.