Mount Etna Erupts Again, Making Volcano Tourism Trendy Once More

Volcanoes have a way of grabbing attention, for good reasons and bad. They can ground flights, bury landscapes in ash, and wipe out entire villages. An eruption is nothing if not a powerful reminder of nature’s force.

Still, volcanoes also draw visitors from around the world. Increasingly, these fiery mountains have become a major attraction for travelers looking for an experience that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Take Mount Etna in Sicily, for example. This volcano, Europe’s largest, has been erupting again since early Monday. Despite warnings and raised aviation alerts, Catania International Airport nearby is still open, allowing some tourists to come and go.

“It’s gotten really easy to visit,” says Thomas Walter, a geoscientist from Germany. “There are bus tours that run straight from the hotels.”

Walter stresses that volcanic tourism needs to be responsible. Visitors should stay informed about the situation on the ground and not take unnecessary risks.

However, the chance of tourists getting hurt by an eruption is relatively low compared to other travel hazards.

“People often underestimate the dangers of altitude and bad weather,” Walter points out.

Official travel advisories support this. For instance, the UK’s Foreign Office hasn’t warned against flying to Sicily yet, but advises travelers to check in with their airline or airport before making plans.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Civil Protection Department offers its guidelines. They warn that during crises, misinformation can spread quickly and interfere with rescue efforts.

Smoke rises from Mount Etna as tourists rush to escape its latest eruption.

Worldwide, there are about 1,500 active volcanoes. With global travel becoming more common, volcanic eruptions affect tourists more often than before.

Volcano trekking is popular not just in Europe but also in Central and South America. The Andes mountain range is dotted with volcanoes towering over 5,000 to 6,000 meters. Chile alone has 80 active volcanoes.

Cotopaxi in Ecuador is a standout, a stunning volcano that still erupts from time to time. Its ash clouds have even reached the capital city, Quito.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to roughly 450 active volcanoes, including 127 in Indonesia. In 2010, Mount Merapi on Java sent ash 18 kilometers into the sky. Fortunately, the area had been evacuated in advance, saving thousands of lives.

Giuseppe Distefano/AP

Walter explains that Merapi is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

So why do people find volcanoes so fascinating?

“They show us the earth’s power in action,” says Walter. “You can’t see tectonic plates moving, but you can see a volcanic eruption.”

He adds that there’s something primal about fire; it’s been a source of curiosity for humans since ancient times.

The Allure of Volcanic Tourism

Dr. Simon W. Carn, a volcanologist at the University of Pittsburgh, highlights that volcanic eruptions serve as a captivating reminder of nature's power and unpredictability. His research indicates that the dramatic landscapes formed by eruptions draw tourists seeking unique experiences.

In his blog, he emphasizes the significance of responsible tourism, especially in active volcanic areas. Visitors must respect safety guidelines and local regulations to ensure their safety while minimizing environmental impact.

Engaging with local experts and guides can enrich the experience, offering insights into volcanic activity and the surrounding ecosystem, making for a more educational visit.

Mount Etna erupted in 2024.

Mount Etna itself stands about 3,350 meters high and erupts several times a year. Its activity is closely monitored by experts. Most eruptions are Strombolian, meaning they shoot out glowing lava and create spectacular fountains that attract crowds.

Recently, Italy’s Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported a pyroclastic flow on Etna’s southeast crater, basically a fast-moving avalanche of hot ash, gas, and rock. Luckily, it stayed within a remote and uninhabited area called Valle del Leone.

The INGV also noted that the eruption intensified into a lava fountain, with liquid lava shooting from the crater. They recorded increased earthquakes and ground shifts around the volcano’s crater, signaling heightened activity.

Salvatore Cavalli/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

For travelers, seeing an active volcano like Etna up close is a unique opportunity to experience a powerful natural event few get to witness firsthand. However, this kind of adventure calls for careful attention and respect for the forces at play.

Keeping yourself informed about current conditions and following guidance from experts ensures you can enjoy the spectacle safely, making the visit both memorable and secure without taking unnecessary risks.

Volcanic eruptions, like those from Mount Etna, offer valuable lessons in disaster preparedness. Dr. Barbara S. Miller, a disaster management expert, advocates for proactive measures like community education and emergency drills.

According to her research, communities close to volcanoes can significantly reduce risks by developing evacuation plans and ensuring access to real-time information about volcanic activity.

Using social media to disseminate timely alerts can also keep residents and tourists informed, helping them respond quickly to any changes in volcanic activity.

Such preparedness not only protects lives but also enhances the overall experience for visitors, allowing them to appreciate the power of nature safely.

Practical Steps for Healing

The fascination with volcanoes goes beyond their eruptions; it encompasses the lessons learned from their formidable presence. Experts like Dr. Simon Carn and Dr. Barbara Miller remind us of the importance of responsible tourism and community preparedness.

By engaging with local experts and implementing effective safety measures, both tourists and residents can coexist with these natural wonders. Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of volcanic activity increases appreciation for these majestic forces while ensuring safety and sustainability in tourism.