WHAT TO SEE ON ETNA AND WHERE TO TAKE WONDERFUL PHOTOS
With its breathtaking panoramas and scenery, Etna offers some of the most spectacular views of the whole of Sicily, which is why it is one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourists, enthusiasts and photographers.
In this article I want to tell you about what to see on Etna, where to find the most beautiful panoramic points and I want to give you 4 tips for taking truly unique photos of Etna, which will help build indelible memories in your mind.
Let’s go!
What to see on Etna: The most suggestive places not to be missed
Etna itself is the greatest marvel to see, even if it would take several days to see it all and appreciate much of what the highest active volcano in all of Europe has to offer.
If your goal is to take a half-day tour of Etna, then it will certainly be useful for you to know which are the most beautiful places on the volcano, the ones that you absolutely cannot miss and where you can take incredible photos.
Who better than an Etna guide who experiences the volcano every day can give you these tips?
The first place I want to advise you to visit on Etna is called Piano Provenzana, it is one of the most famous ski areas on Etna and offers a truly suggestive panoramic view of the northern slope of the volcano.
From here it is also possible to admire the lava flows of the 2002 eruption and the majestic pine forests that surround the area and offer a touch of color that is truly pleasing to the eye.
The Silvestri Crater, located at about 2000 meters above sea level, is another place that I strongly recommend you visit, as it is perfect for admiring the beauty of Etna in all its grandeur and making you feel part of something much bigger than you .
This area also offers an excellent view of the lava flows of past eruptions and which allow you to discover more about the history of mother Etna.
Another place that I recommend you to see are the Monti Sartorius: located at about 1700 meters above sea level.
The Sartorius Mountains are a complex of extinct volcanoes located in the Etna Nature Reserve, rich in history and able to offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the lava flows of when the anchors were active.
If you want to take a half-day tour of Etna, your excursion cannot do without a visit to the Sapienza Refuge!
Located at about 1910 meters above sea level, the Rifugio Sapienza is a panoramic area on the east coast of Etna from where it is possible to have a panoramic view of the Valle del Bove and the surrounding mountains.
Last, but not least, are the Etna caves.
Etna is full of caves and those due to lava flow are probably the most spectacular!
If you really want to discover these evocative ravines of Etna, I suggest you book a tour with a private guide, who will surely take you to visit these suggestive caves during the excursion.
The panoramic points of Etna to take breathtaking photos
Etna offers an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes, viewpoints and photographic subjects!
If you are a photography enthusiast or want to post photos that will make your followers fall in love, then I suggest you take out your equipment or your smartphone at the Sapienza Refuge, from the Belvedere of Silvestri Craters and from the panoramic points over the Valle del Bove.
From Rifugio Sapienza you will be able to take beautiful photos of the Summit Craters and immortalize the vast expanse of black lava that surrounds the mountain.
From the Belvedere of the Silvestri Craters you will be able to admire the inactive craters in detail in all their beauty, while admiring the Valle del Bove will allow you to photograph their characteristic amphitheater shape, as well as enjoying the scenery offered by the canyon and the lava flows.
4 Tips for taking unique photos on Etna
Now that you know what to see on Etna and which are the places not to be missed, complete with panoramic points, I want to give you some advice for taking photos that are truly unique, that will impress your followers and that you will be happy to watch yourself!
1. Plan your excursion to Etna based on the weather conditions
Inform yourself on specialized sites or, if you can’t find detailed information, write to your guide who will be able to advise you on the ideal weather to enjoy an excursion to its fullest potential and which will allow you to have a clear and profound view from the panoramic points that you will choose to make your photographs.
2. Choose the right time
Etna already has magnificent colors and iridescent scenarios, but the time also has a substantial impact on changing the potential of the panoramas of the photos you will take.
Some of the best times to take unforgettable photos are sunrise and sunset, when the colors of Etna are particularly beautiful and intense.
Furthermore, the soft light of the early morning and late afternoon hours can create very suggestive shadows that will enrich your shots.
3. Experiment with different angles
To get unique shots, try to experiment with different angles and points of view!
For example, you could photograph Etna from the base or top of a crater, trying to capture the immensity of the volcano and its majesty, or use trees, rocks or other objects as contour elements or natural frames for your photos that will thus be even more natural and immersive.
4. Get advice from the guide
Your tour guide will be able to tell you which are the best places to take unique photos, which are the most active craters and which are the safety precautions to take.
Furthermore, if you have chosen a guided tour, you will be able to access areas of Etna that would otherwise be off limits, so you will not only have the possibility of accessing exclusive viewpoints but also the lighthouse in complete safety!
Conclusion: What to see on Etna, the most beautiful views where you can take magnificent photos
As you will have understood, Etna, a UNESCO heritage site since 2013, offers an immensity of panoramas that would take days, perhaps weeks to be seen all.
In this article therefore, based on my experience, I have recommended the places not to be missed on Etna and the panoramic points from which to take your photos, also giving you some advice for taking photographs on Etna that are unique and never banal.