Italy and Sicily often feature on must-see travel lists, so how to pick which area to visit when you have finite time?

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active and well-respected volcano, provides an imposing and dynamic backdrop for the region around Catania. Standing tall at 3,350 metres, regular eruptions have grown the fertile soil allowing for extensive agricultural produce, while enriching the lives of those living in reverence of this relatively young mountain. Culturally unique with influences from multiple civilisations, easy accessibility, along with exquisitely fresh food and wine means you could easily spend one week exploring the area. Springtime walks in northern forests, refreshing swims in summer heat, mountain harvest festivals in autumn and skiing with a view in winter, here are ten reasons why every traveller should ensure Mount Etna is next on their list.

1. In the presence of a gentle giant

From the oldest pillow boulders of their kind near Aci Trezza demonstrating the birth of this volcano around 500,000 years ago, to the numerous northward-migrating vents, this stratovolcano is a constantly evolving reminder of the power of nature. The volcano is very accessible for tourists. Drive up to Rifugio Sapienza on the southern flank of the mountain cutting across ancient lava fields. From there, be sure to take the funicular or 4x4 buses for walks around the main vents.

2. Walking and hiking

Be sure to bring a sturdy pair of shoes to enable you to enjoy the scenic juxtapositions afforded by this versatile volcano. Apart from guided walks around the main craters, the northern side of the volcano sees you walking through Alpine woods rich with the sounds of nature, while the abrasive lava flows of the southern flanks would have you transported to the surface and maria basins of the Moon.

3. Diverse and unspoilt nature

Parco dell’Etna nature reserve is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, as well as a number of endemic species of birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians across its 56,000 hectares. Walking quietly through the nature reserve means you may be able to spot species not visible anywhere else on Earth, including the shy Etna Fox and Wild Cat. A trip out by boat into the Gulf of Catania and you could spy the striped dolphin frolicking alongside the boat.

4. Mongibello and cultural devotion

Sicilian culture is as unique as the island itself, having been influenced by numerous civilisations. It has been described as rich, dramatic, diverse, cultured, rugged and unspoilt. Unlike other global volcanoes where people live in fear, here locals have a respect and devotion to the volcano which they affectionately call ‘mongibello’, literally translated as the beautiful mountain. As one local resident and agriturismo owner explained, “The mountain may take away, but it gives so much more than it takes.”

5. Simple ingredients, appetising food

It would require considerable effort to find unappetising food in Sicily. Fertile volcanic soil and warm climate results in extensive and varied agriculture, from oranges and olives to almonds and pistachios. Dishes with fewer ingredients remain rich in flavour and pasta with pesto al pistacchio is one example to savour. Tenth largest exporter of pistachios in the world, Italy has granted special government protection to those of Bronte, a village one hours drive from Catania on the western flank of the volcano.

6. Excellent volcanic wines

While most people think of Northern Italy when asked about Italian wine, Sicily is the third largest producer of wine. The slopes of Mount Etna boast no fewer than 110 vineyards, with six particular noteworthy wineries. There are a number of firm island favourites, however the full-bodied blends from the slopes of the Mountain capitulate fertile soils, high elevations and cool temperatures. A one-week stay in the area affords you plenty of time for multiple vineyard and wine-tasting tours.

7. Shorelines, coastlines and turquoise waters

You would be forgiven in thinking that beaches around Catania feature black sands in a similar way to those of the nearby island of Vulcano. 18 kilometres of golden sandy beach are firm favourites for locals and tourists. The pebbly beach at Aci Trezza and Riviera dei Ciclopi, is excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. Legend has it that boulders visible from the shores were thrown by the mountain Cyclops Polyphemus at the fleeting Ulysses, narrowly avoiding his escaping ship.

8. Vivid Instagram-worthy views

From the winding cobbled stones of small mountain villages, the colourful bougainvillea and oleander plants growing across the region, contrasting turquoise seas and imposing mountain sceneries, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots for every budding photographer and influencer. The volcano itself offers diverse panoramic views from all sides. If experiencing the area while the volcano is erupting, you may even be able to witness the amber glow of the lava flow as it meanders down the mountainside.

9. A walk through time

Greek, Phoenician, Norman, Roman and Arab: there is no shortage of historical influences. Witness summertime open-air operas and concerts in the renowned Greek amphitheatre of Taormina. With a natural backdrop of mountain and sea views, it is easily understandable why this particular location was selected in the 3rd century BC. Walking through Catania city centre, take a trip to the contrasting Roman Theatre, along with the partial ruins of 2nd century Terme Achilliane Roman thermal bath complex located near the main Cathedral.

10. Ski on an active volcano

Not only can you ski along the 6.3km of pistes on the southern slopes of Europe’s most active volcano, you can do so while admiring the winter sea on your descent. The stark contrast of the black scoria with steaming fumaroles and the wintry white snow, and the taste of salty sea air or an unwelcome blast of sulfurous gas while you whizz down pristine white slopes between 1,910 and 2,604 metres, is certainly a unique experience.

Have you visited Mount Etna and Catania already? Let me know if there are other reasons you'd list out and share, by commenting below.