‘Someone cooked a sausage on a lava rock': Mount Etna's growing problem with tourists

Telegraph

21-02-2025

Sicilian mountain police are urging people to keep their distance from Mount Etna 's lava flows and to follow the local rules, as tourists flock to the volcano to witness its ongoing explosive eruption.
Giuseppe Distefano of Etna Walk has been leading groups up Etna for 23 years. Since Europe's most active volcano started erupting on February 8, he has observed a worrying deterioration of tourist behaviour.
'During these 12 days of eruptions, we have seen so many absurd situations. There are some walking to the lava flow with plastic bags on their feet so as to not wet their shoes with snow and ice,' he says.
Restrictions require people to stay at least 500m (1,640ft) away from the lava flow. Skiing is also banned, but there is footage showing people ignoring this rule. Some ill-prepared tourists are getting into trouble on the volcano due to the foggy and icy conditions.
'There have been several injuries, including someone who broke their ankle,' says Distefano. 'Some have got hypothermia, some have got lost.'
Part of the problem, says Distefano, is that during the beginning of this latest eruption there was no guard at the entrance to the Pista Altomontana (the main track on Etna) to discourage or prevent those who were poorly equipped, or who were walking without the help of a guide.
As a result, Distefano says there has been a rise in tourists attempting to get close to the lava flow to capture photographs and carry out bizarre stunts.
'Someone roasted a sausage on a lava rock, and another guy I know brewed a coffee with an Italian coffee maker,' says Distefano. Obviously there was no shortage of fierce criticism for the total lack of respect.
'The day after these images circulated online, [local police] put the prohibitions on approaching and the obligation of a guide. So those who previously could see the eruption for free and in complete freedom now have to pay from €50 to €85 for a mandatory guide.'
It has been a busy period for mountain rescue on the volcano. Marshal Angelo Previtera, who works for alpine rescue of the Guardia di Finanza, says: 'Since the lava flow is easily reachable, because it has already crossed the high mountain track, many people venture out dressed inappropriately, as if they were in Catania centre.
'These last rescues that we did, we noticed that people were coming with tennis shoes in unsuitable clothing. We always recommend relying on qualified people, such as mountain guides or volcanological guides. For those who know the area, you must definitely equip yourself with a head torch and appropriate clothing. And always communicate where you are going.'
Distefano was born in Sicily in 1979 and now leads groups on Mount Etna, primarily photographers, journalists and film-makers working for international news agencies. But he receives requests from all sorts of prospective clients.
'There are many people who, when Mount Etna is erupting, will book a flight. If I check my email during an eruption longer than one day, I will have dozens of emails from people wanting to visit Etna,' he says.
'I received a request from a wine producer. He wanted to photograph a bottle of wine next to the lava flow and then wait and photograph the destruction [of the bottle] at the hands of the lava. I did not accept, despite the large sum offered. I have received other requests, like people who want to walk on a lava flow. One guy wanted to cook something on a lava flow with me, but I said no.'
Distefano says that some of his clients have large social media followings.
'Some people try to have the best video to share on social media. If you say: 'We need to stop here,' they will say: 'I can give you €1,000 more – can we go there?' I will say 'No, if we go there you will take an incredible video, but tomorrow you will go away and I will stay here, and it will create big trouble for me. Here is perfect, another 500m won't change your incredible picture.''
While social media has exacerbated the problem on Mount Etna, Distefano says the volcano has always attracted crowds during eruptions.
'I remember the 1983 eruption, when I was four years old. It was an important eruption, because it reached around 1km (0.6 miles) from my village, and it was the first attempt to [redirect] the lava flow.
'I remember the dark. I was with my parents, and I remember this wall of rocks, red, moving closer and closer. All of the people reached the lava flow and it was like a party. Now we have a lot of restrictions.'
But those restrictions have not dampened the local affection for Etna.
'In mid-August in Italy there's a holiday called the Ferragosto. Nobody works during the evening. Last year, the erupting volcano was crowded with people. It was like a circus. It was really strange. They had their umbrellas up because it was raining ash. When people come in far from Sicily and see the videos they say: 'Maybe you are crazy.''
Distefano stresses that ascending Mount Etna can be extremely dangerous, even if you are assisted by an experienced guide with decades of experience. Aside from the lava explosions, there can be fractures in the ground, and ice is a significant challenge on the mountain, which reaches 3,404m (11,165ft) in altitude.
'We have a lot of injuries on Etna, and a lot of people die on the volcano. In 1979, nine people were killed by an explosion,' he says, adding that Etna has become more dangerous in the past decade with a higher frequency of explosive eruptions.
'During 2017, I was with a crew from the BBC and there was an explosion close to a lava flow. It was a big one with 10 people injured, but nobody was killed, luckily.
'Another big problem is thunder. There are no trees, meaning you are the tree on the top. Ten years ago, during a thunderstorm, I felt it on my skin and hair. The lightning was around me. You can feel the energy around you, because your hair quickly moves. This was a clear sign to run away.'
In late February, Distefano is due to go up in a helicopter with the Guardia di Finanza Alpine Rescue to survey the new lava flow.
'I have a big respect for the volcano,' he says. 'This is the most important thing.'