Tourists Warned to Stay Away Amid Safety Concerns

It has created a dangerous situation for everyone.

On the east coast of Sicily, spectacular scenes are unfolding as Mount Etna erupts with ash and lava in a striking display. However, officials are warning overenthusiastic travelers to stay away—tourists are blocking essential services and injuring themselves in their attempts to witness the phenomenon.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, began its latest activity on February 8. Since then, thrill-seeking tourists have flocked to the volcano from across Italy and beyond, hiking dangerously close to its mouth to see the dazzling spectacle. Over the weekend, social media posts of hikers getting up close to the volcano went viral. In one TikTok video, a skier is seen descending the snow-laced mountain with bright orange lava flowing in the background.

Tourist interest, however, has created a challenging situation for the region. On Monday, eight people got lost and had to be rescued by the fire brigade. On Sunday, a 48-year-old man fractured his foot after falling on ice, and earlier, four tourists went missing. Another woman, who was unprepared for the conditions, suffered a panic attack and required rescue.

Related: Why Does Anyone Risk Their Lives for Adventure Travel?

Until February 15, hiking the mountain was permitted, but the mayors of nearby towns Adrano, Belpasso, and Biancavilla have since banned access to the lava flow. Despite the decree, many tourists have ignored the restrictions. Salvo Cocina, Sicily’s head of regional civil protection, described the situation as “wild and dangerous” in a February 16 Facebook post. He noted that day-trippers are parking vehicles along narrow streets, blocking essential services. “As darkness falls, the situation becomes extremely dangerous, with rising risks of falls and people sinking into the snow,” he said.

Cocina told CNN that while many tourists are accompanied by professional alpine and volcanological guides, thousands are “wildly parking and hiking up the edge of narrow roads, blocking the circulation of rescue vehicles.” Rescue workers, including ambulances and off-road vehicles, are stationed in the area to assist those working on-site and guiding tourists. However, the congestion caused by visitors is creating a hazardous situation for everyone. Local municipalities are working to manage the crowds and improve traffic flow, but the influx of tourists has overwhelmed the area.

Carlo Caputo, mayor of Belpasso, expressed concern over videos showing people dangerously close to the lava flow. “Though visually striking, it exposes them to serious risks, as the lava, interacting with the snow, can instantly vaporize it and, with the thermal energy released, may violently hurl fragments or rocks,” he said.

Despite the eruption, it is still safe to visit Sicily. The activity is occurring at the Bocca Nuova (New Mouth) crater on the southeast side of the volcano. Catania Airport, located at the foot of the mountain, was temporarily closed due to reduced visibility from ash but has since resumed operations. While Mount Etna erupts frequently, it poses no threat to nearby towns, which are well-equipped to manage any disruptions.

Visitors should heed local warnings—avoid traveling close to the lava flow and ensure you are not blocking essential services. Sicily is already grappling with issues related to overtourism, so it’s important not to overwhelm the region during this critical time.

Related: Sicily Is Turning Away Tourists This Summer