Volcanoes in southern Italy
Italy remains exciting. Sometimes Mount Etna spits high fire fountains into the air in Sicily. Sometimes Mount Vesuvius at Naples makes a name for itself, because the pressure is growing under the volcano. In Italy, there are several active volcanic zones, the cause of which is the continental plates of Africa and Europe to be glided on each other. Mount Vesuvius, probably the most dangerous and unpredictable volcano, is located in the immediate vicinity of the densely populated province of Naples. The biggest activities take place among the phlegrean fields (Campi Flegrei), which range from Pozzuoli under the sea to the island of Ischia.
Experience volcanoes up close
Mount Vesuvius near Naples
The dangerous Vesuvius is less than 12 km from Naples. It is just under 1300 m high. Up to 1000 m you can drive up a serpentine road. The last piece up to the crater rim you have to walk. Once at the top, the view opens into the crater slush.
The Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei)
Another ticking time bomb is in the Gulf of Naples among the towns of Pozzuoli and Bacoli. There is a huge magma chamber under an area of about 160 km², which stretches under the seabed up to the islands of Procida and Ischia. This is a new super volcano.
Mount Etna in Sicily
Mount Etna in Sicily is also known as the good-natured mountain. It is the highest active volcano in Europe. It is quite active, so it happens that Catania Airport has to be closed because of ash clouds. Mount Etna is one of the more recent volcanoes, from which the extremely dangerous pyroclastic gas explosions can hardly be predicted.
Stromboli
The Stromboli is Europe’s most active volcano. Rarely that he does not emit fire fountains. Almost hourly it growls and there is an eruption, which can be observed impressively, especially during a night walk or from the sea.
Vulcano in the Liparian Islands
The small island of Vulcano in the Liparian Islands north of Sicily is determined by the 400 m high volcano Gran Cratere. Constantly, sulfur fumaroles rise around the crater, turning the surrounding lava rock yellow. There is a sulfurous warm mud bath designed to help with skin and women’s problems.