Spectacular footage of lava cascading down the slopes of Mount Etna has lured throngs of tourists to Europe’s tallest active volcano, sparking anxiety among local guides.
The ongoing eruption, which has spewed ash and lava for days, forced the closure of Catania Airport, a primary entry point for visitors to Sicily.
Operators offering nighttime treks to view the eruption up close report being inundated with inquiries.
“They all want to come and see the lava flow; everyone is drawn to this unique beauty,” said Daniele Perricelli, a 41-year-old local guide, on Wednesday.
Perricelli’s company, Guide Etna, typically escorts a few dozen visitors up the volcano each evening but is currently fielding roughly 300 requests daily—triple the average summer volume.
Fellow guide Ernesto Maria Magri described the event as a “touristic eruption” that attracts “many people” because it can be observed in relative safety.
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