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Parks and Reserves
 Sicily’s landscapes are dominated by the mountain ranges that form the back bone of the island. The mountains shaped over thousands of years by the ravages of time and the elements stand majestically over the island and its people.
Sicily’s most famous resident is of course Mount Etna (3323m and ever growing), the active volcano that towers over the eastern side of the island. Situated above two continental plates Etna has grown over the last 35,000 years of volcanism and is part of a chain of volcanic centres sweeping from Italy through the Aeolian Islands.
Since 1987 it has been designated a national park, the Parco Naturale dell’ Etna in an effort to protect the fascinating natural environment created by the volcanic activity. Its smoking summit can be seen as far west as the Madonie on a fine day. With its last eruption in 2001 it is one of the world's most recently active volcanoes. The history of the surrounding area is full of reports of eruptions, earth quakes and the devastating effects on the local towns and people. However the volcanic soil is perfect for growing the grapes, fruit trees and local produce that are waiting to tempt visitors to the area.
 Etna is not the only volcano on Sicily. The islands of Vulcano and Stromboli are both formed by active volcanoes. These are located in the beautiful Aeolian Islands located off the north east corner of the island. The mud baths on Vulcano are a relaxing by-product of all this volcanic activity.
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