At approximately 3,350 meters , it 's Europe 's highest and most active volcano . Living up to its volatile reputation , Mount Etna blew its top again over the weekend . Etna eruptions are relatively frequent -- the past 12 months have seen a string of powerful lava fountains , flows and ash emissions . The result : a landscape that constantly changes as lava hardens , craters collapse and , in some cases , are created . A trip to the top section of Etna is a bizarre experience -- from near the stunning peak it 's easy to understand why the volcano is one of Sicily 's most popular tourist destinations . More : 10 things to know before visiting Sicily . It 's tricky to line up a visit when the volcano is spewing fury like an angry goddess ( Aitna , or Aetna , was the Greek goddess of the volcano ) , so most Etna tourists end up with the saner , sober version . The images in the gallery above are from one such lava-less visit . Yet even on calm days , the Etna landscape is otherworldly -- it only takes a bit of imagination to picture James Tiberius Kirk stumbling about with his tricorder looking for life . Bleak yet stunning . With black lava sand , volcanic gravel and rocks that crunch underfoot , the volcano is a world apart from the classic beaches and hilltop Baroque towns that dot Sicily . For hikers who start from the amenity-packed base at 1,800 meters , the scenery varies little . The walk up can be monotonous . Another way up is via a cable car from the base that connects with a 4x4 bus to take visitors to the 2,800-meter mark . A guide meets each vehicle and leads a walk around the area -- this is a good way to see some of Etna 's numerous craters . Total trip time : up and down in two hours , including lots of photo opportunities . For most visitors , it 's the easier , more efficient way to see the volcano . You can get closer to other parts of the volcano by signing on with one of many authorized Etna expedition tour outfits . Cable car , 4x4 and compulsory guide fees cost about €57.50 ( $ 80 ) per adult . Cable car only is €27.50 . At almost three kilometers above sea level it is n't always exactly gelato weather on the mountain . Layered clothing is a smart idea . The volcano turns into a no-frills ski resort that operates December to February , depending on snowfall . Getting to Etna . In peak summer months , Etna traffic gets busy . The easiest way to get the mountain is via public bus from Nicolosi or other nearby towns . In less hectic periods , driving is ideal . The windy road on the south part of the peak that crisscrosses old lava flows is a nice teaser for the scenery to come . Comprehensive driving directions can be found on the Etna administrative headquarters website . Maps , expedition operators and more details can also be found at the Etna administrative headquarters . Mount Etna is open daily , all year ( when not erupting in a life-threatening way ) , 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ( last cable car ) ; in winter to 3:30 p.m .
Mount Etna is open to visitors every day of the year unless they consider it too dangerous . An ascent that includes a cable car , 4x4 bus and a walk is the easiest way to explore the volcano . The volcano 's peak is actually a series of craters , some more active than others .