Few volcanoes in Europe stay as active as Mount Etna. The Sicilian giant erupted again on June 2, 2025, sending ash across the sky and triggering aviation warnings — a reminder that this peak never sleeps, and for visitors or the curious, official sources provide the latest on alert levels and safety tips.
Height: 3,357 m (11,014 ft) — varies with summit eruptions ·
Location: East coast of Sicily, Italy ·
Last major eruption: June 2, 2025 (Euronews) ·
Alert level (May 2025): Yellow (moderate unrest) per Italian Civil Protection
Quick snapshot
- Etna is on the east coast of Sicily, Italy (Italian Civil Protection)
- Active stratovolcano monitored by INGV (GDACS)
- Yellow alert level as of May 2025 (Italian Civil Protection)
- Major eruption occurred June 2, 2025 (Euronews)
- Exact date of next major eruption is unpredictable (Italian Civil Protection)
- No confirmed forecast for 2026 — statements are speculative (Italian Civil Protection)
- Supervolcano waking up (Yellowstone) is unrelated to Etna (Italian Civil Protection)
- July 2024 strombolian activity at Voragine crater – no official source confirmed (Italian Civil Protection)
- August 2024 lava overflow from southeast crater – no official source confirmed (Italian Civil Protection)
- November 2024 paroxysmal eruption with ash plume to 10 km – no official source confirmed (Italian Civil Protection)
- Volcanologists anticipate continued activity (Italian Civil Protection)
- No specific prediction for 2026 — monitoring continues (Italian Civil Protection)
- Travelers should check INGV daily bulletins (GDACS)
Seven key specs that define Mount Etna, from its dimensions to its monitoring status.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 3,357 m (11,014 ft) – variable due to eruptions |
| Location | East coast of Sicily, Italy (Metropolitan City of Catania) |
| Volcano type | Stratovolcano (active) |
| Last eruption | June 2, 2025 (paroxysmal episode) |
| Alert level (May 2025) | Yellow (moderate unrest) |
| Monitoring body | INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) |
| UNESCO inscription | 2013 |
Is Mount Etna still erupting?
Current eruption status (last 30 days)
As of late May 2025, Etna is in a period of mild strombolian activity with occasional ash emissions, according to Euronews (news outlet). The June 2 event was a more intense paroxysm that produced lava fountains and an ash cloud. The volcano frequently has such episodes — it erupts multiple times per year at a low level.
Official sources for live updates
- Italian Civil Protection (government agency) – daily risk bulletins
- GDACS (global disaster coordination) – real-time alerts (first link above)
- INGV (institute of geophysics) – webcams and seismic data
For travelers, the key number is not the eruption frequency but the alert level — and right now it’s at Yellow, meaning moderate unrest but no general prohibition on visiting the lower slopes.
The implication: Visitors can stay informed and adjust plans as needed.
When did Mount Etna last erupt?
Timeline of significant 2024-2025 eruptions
- February 2025: Major paroxysm (southeast crater) (Time Out)
- June 2, 2025: Most recent paroxysm – ash fell on Cesarò and Bronte, access to upper crater forbidden (GDACS)
What does a ‘paroxysm’ mean on Etna?
A paroxysmal eruption is a violent, short-lived event that can produce lava fountains, ash columns several kilometers high, and lava flows. The June 2 eruption began at 3:50 am local time after volcanic tremors started at midnight, with strombolian explosions of growing intensity, as reported by Euronews.
The pattern is clear: Etna will keep erupting. The question is not if, but when the next paroxysm hits and whether it will affect flights or access.
The pattern: Paroxysms are the main event to watch for.
Is it safe to visit Etna right now?
Travel advisory from Italian Civil Protection
As of late May 2025, the Italian Civil Protection maintains a Yellow alert (moderate unrest) – there is no general prohibition on visiting the mountain. However, after the June 2 eruption, access to the upper part of the crater was forbidden (GDACS). The UK Foreign Office updated its advisory for southern Italy noting increased alert levels for Etna and nearby Stromboli (Travel Market Report). The U.S. State Department’s Italy advisory remained unchanged at Level 2 (exercise increased caution).
Practical safety tips for hiking Etna
- Check INGV’s daily bulletin before heading out
- Avoid the summit crater during paroxysmal episodes
- Hire a certified guide – altitude exceeds 3,000 m and terrain changes rapidly
- Carry proper hiking gear (sturdy boots, warm layers, mask for ash)
- Monitor live webcams on INGV’s website
Yellow alert means “pay attention, but don’t cancel.” The biggest risk is sudden ash emission affecting breathing and visibility — not lava flows, which move slowly enough to outrun.
The catch: Yellow alert means vigilance, not fear.
What level of alert is Mount Etna today?
Understanding the Italian Civil Protection alert system
The system has four levels: Green (normal), Yellow (moderate unrest), Orange (high), Red (extreme). As of May 2025, Etna is at Yellow. The previous Red alert was issued in June 2019 during a seismic swarm and eruption. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse (VAAC) initially issued a red aviation warning for the June 2 eruption, later downgraded to orange after the ash cloud dissipated.
Where to check real-time alert level
- Italian Civil Protection Etna page – official alert level (first link above)
- INGV website – seismic and gas emission data
- GDACS – international alerting (first link above)
The implication: Yellow is a watching brief. Travellers and residents should stay informed but need not alter plans unless a new paroxysm triggers an orange or red alert.
Is Etna in Italy or Sicily?
Location on map
Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily, which is part of Italy. Its coordinates are 37.7510° N, 14.9933° E (Italian Civil Protection). It lies within the Metropolitan City of Catania.
Geographic context
Etna is the largest volcano in Europe by base diameter (35 km) and stands about 3,350 m above sea level (Italian Civil Protection). It’s one of the most active volcanoes on the continent.
The pattern: Sicily’s east coast is defined by Etna. Its location means eruptions can affect both Catania airport (south) and the tourist towns of Taormina (north).
Steps to visit Mount Etna safely
- Check the alert level on the Italian Civil Protection website before booking.
- Review INGV’s daily bulletin for any recent seismic or gas changes.
- Book a certified guide for summit hikes – the terrain can shift after eruptions.
- Pack for altitude: temperatures can drop below freezing at 3,000 m even in summer.
- Monitor live webcams (INGV or YouTube) the morning of your visit.
- Have a backup plan: if the volcano enters a paroxysmal phase, shift to lower-slope visits (wine tours, forests) or nearby towns.
What this means: Preparation and flexibility are key for a safe visit.
Eruption timeline (2024–2026 forecast)
- – Intense strombolian activity at Voragine crater (no official source – moved to unclear)
- – Lava overflow from southeast crater (no official source – moved to unclear)
- – Paroxysmal eruption with ash plume to 10 km (no official source – moved to unclear)
- – Major paroxysm at southeast crater (Time Out)
- – Most recent paroxysm; ashfall in Cesarò and Bronte; red aviation warning issued then downgraded (GDACS)
- – Volcanologists expect continued low-level activity; no specific prediction
The implication: Only past events with official sources are reliably documented.
Clarity: What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Mount Etna is located in Sicily, Italy (Italian Civil Protection).
- It is an active stratovolcano monitored by INGV (GDACS).
- No injuries were reported in the June 2025 eruption (Time Out).
What’s unclear
- Exact date or magnitude of the next major eruption is unpredictable (Italian Civil Protection).
- Statements about a specific 2026 eruption are speculative; no confirmed forecast exists.
- Alleged “supervolcano waking up” (Yellowstone) is unrelated to Etna.
- Yellow alert level as of May 2025 (may have changed – see research notes).
- Major eruptions in 2024 and 2025 beyond February and June 2025 lack official confirmation.
Expert perspectives
“The eruption began at 3:50 am local time after volcanic tremors started at midnight, involving strombolian explosions of growing intensity.”
— Euronews reporting on the June 2025 eruption
“Access to the upper part of the crater was forbidden due to the ongoing volcanic activity.”
— GDACS alert summary
“The Volcano is described as the largest in Europe, with an elevation of 3350 meters above sea level and a base diameter of 35 km.”
— Italian Civil Protection fact sheet
Mount Etna remains one of Europe’s most active and best-monitored volcanoes. For travelers, the choice is clear: stay informed through official channels, respect access restrictions during paroxysms, and enjoy the mountain’s lower slopes when the alert level is Yellow or Green — or risk missing one of Sicily’s greatest natural wonders.
youtube.com, etnaway.com, discovermagazine.com, watchers.news, volcanodiscovery.com, volcano.si.edu, filmerogtvserier.com
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Etna eruption usually last?
Strombolian episodes can last hours to days, while paroxysms are often over within a few hours. The volcano may then rest for weeks or months before the next burst.
Can you see lava at Etna without hiking?
Yes, during strong eruptions lava fountains are visible from nearby towns like Nicolosi and Zafferana. Night views are especially dramatic.
Does Etna affect flights at Catania airport?
During heavy ash emission, Catania airport may temporarily close. In the June 2025 eruption, it remained fully operational (Euronews).
What is the difference between strombolian and paroxysmal eruption?
Strombolian eruptions involve mild, intermittent explosions. Paroxysms are violent, sustained fountains of lava and ash.
Is there a live webcam of Mount Etna?
Yes, INGV operates several webcams around the summit. They are accessible on the INGV website and sometimes on YouTube.
How dangerous is Etna compared to other volcanoes?
Etna is relatively safe for a highly active volcano because its lava flows move slowly and are usually confined to the summit area. The main hazards are ash fall and aviation disruption.
Which towns are at risk from Etna lava flows?
Historically, lava has threatened towns like Catania (1669) and Zafferana (1991-93). Today, barriers and diversion channels reduce risk, but lower slopes remain vulnerable during major eruptions.
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Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at Media Grid UK, covering breaking stories and community-sourced tips across the UK.