Mount Etna, Sicily

 I was in Sicily in mid May 2022 and was lucky as Etna was active that week, whereas earlier that month there was little activity. I flew into Catania, which is Sicily's second largest city and is located at the foot of Etna. That day the mountain was largely covered by cloud. We stayed on the north coast for 3 nights, then spent the last 4 nights in Giardini Naxos, which is to the north of Catania. Everyday we had a good view of Etna as we went out on tours. At night there was a good view of the lava flows from the hotel roof terrace. Photo taken 7.20 am looking towards the NE slopes -

At times there were 2 distinct plumes of smoke emerging, one white and one black. 

On 15 May we went up Etna. We drove up the south side, through some small villages and past lots of fertile plains with crops such as vegetables, citrus fruits, particularly oranges and grapes for wine. Even Kiwi fruit and pistachios are grown. Further up the yellow broom shrubs were blooming. As we got higher, the vegetation disappeared and we passed through lava fields.

There were many lava caves and tunnels marked on my map. The guide pointed out one, Grotta dei Tre Livelli (Cave of the Three Levels), which is used for adventure caving. It is 1150 m long and the entrance is right by the road. 

We went on up to the huge parking area. I then took the cable car up. Each gondola takes 6 passengers. Our guide told us the cable car is often destroyed by eruptions so is often rebuilt! The departure base is at an altitude of 1900 m (6200 ft.), while the "summit" station is at an altitude of 2500 m (8200 ft.).

Looking up

and looking back down

At the top of the cable car, there was the option of going up further in a large 4WD and doing a crater walk. I hadn't booked this as I was worried about the altitude as I get altitude sickness quite early (at low altitudes). So I just walked around and although I could feel the thinner air it wasn't a problem. I had dressed up warmly expecting it to be cold up there, but the sun was shining and there was no wind, so it was very pleasant.

During late Spring and early Summer, ladybirds migrate towards mountainous areas to mate. This includes Etna. However it was a bit early and I only saw a few mating. The female is larger than the male -

I went back down and walked over to Silvestri crater

This slope is a red colour due to iron minerals - 

That evening the lava flow could clearly be seen

The following evening at dusk -

And the evening after, there was more lava and it had split into 2 channels -

I later checked the eruption updates and it says "small, but intense lava fountains feeding lava flow" and there is a video taken on the 18 May. The text describes how the behaviour has changed and intensified over 24 hours. The fissure vent I could see from the hotel is a new one, it appeared on 12th. So I was lucky to be there at the right time to see it, as this is the most activity since August 2021. 

See more on the eruptions on Global Volcanism Program.