Traveling by bike

Traveling by bike intoetna

The idea of traveling by bike or taking part in tourist itineraries by bicycle is an interesting holiday alternative not only for those who love cycling in their daily lives but also for those who love to spend their holidays in Nature, moving at different paces. slower than those typical of mechanical vehicles and who want to savor every travel experience in every single sensorial aspect.

In fact, the bike can be suitable for use in any territory but we at intoetna believe that the bike in the Mediterranean area and Sicily allows a particularly intense and interesting experience, due to the mild climate and the landscape and environmental variety.

Traveling by bike – Nebrodi. Tour in bike Into Etna

How to approach traveling by bike

Obviously, traveling by bike, for those who have never had this type of experience, may seem complex but what you need to know for those who intend to start are only two things: having an adequate travel plan and having the will to apply it.

To have an adequate plan, it is advisable to contact someone who is expert in using bikes, especially if dirt paths are involved, and who knows the area and the itineraries to follow well. In this sector intoetna represents excellence in the Etna area.

The willingness instead depends on the personal propensity for adventure and contact with Nature.

Furthermore, it is worth underlining that, although traveling by bike is not an extreme activity, it can prove tiring if our body is not used to the stress of pedaling. It is therefore advisable to prepare to travel by bicycle, perhaps carrying out some training during the period preceding the trip (if possible even 3 or 4 months before departure, at least 2 or 3 times a week), to make the most of your holiday.

Furthermore, it is advisable to contact those who know the area to have the opportunity to choose the tour in bike option best suited to your physical preparation, with levels of difficulty suited to all needs. Fort this reason Intoetna organize tour in bike with differents difficult levels, thinking for all people and all needs.

Can you see our tours in bike at the following link

Traveling by bike – Nebrodi Tour in bike Into Etna

Traveling by bike on Etna

You might ask yourself why you should decide to travel by bike on Etna.

The answer is that the bike is that tool which, with a slow but not too slow pace, is able to offer those who use it a detailed vision of the splendid places and panoramas it passes through.

In fact, we at intoetna c believe that the landscapes, scents and culture of Sicily can be better savored if they are experienced through the rhythmic pace of a ride. nd we offer you these routes, with different levels of difficulty, which you can choose from at the following link.

Etna end bike

The territory of Sicily lends itself to many fascinating itineraries to travel by bike. Here we show you four, which allow you to explore the various areas of Sicily, and they are also those indicated in the e-book “Sicilia in bicicletta. Arte e cultura” by BikeItalia.

These four itineraries can take you east to discover the cities of Sicilian Baroqueend west to the remains of theMagna Grecia civilizationsif you love cultural itineraries. While for those who prefer nature trails in the Madonie park and on the high mountain slope of Etna. We at intoetna offer you various routes on Etna in particular which you can find at the following link.

Through the bike trip you will have the opportunity to discover Etna in a unique and fascinating way, outside of the usual stereotypes. By exploiting all the potential of the bike, you will have the opportunity to live unforgettable and exciting experience

All we have to do is wish you a good trip!

For any information do not hesitate to contact us on this link .

Etna eruption of 1669

Eruzione dell’Etna del 1669.

Intoetna – Guided excursion Etna – Mount Etna Hike – Etna bike tours – E-bike tour Etna

The eruption of Etna in 1669 was the most devastating of which we historically have documentation and testament.
It was such a destructive event that the Etna population of the period therefore defined 1669 as “the year of the great ruin“.

The places of the eruption
This eruption of Etna had such a strong collective impact because it involved many Etna municipalities and caused damage to both the cultivated areas and the urban fabric of the territory. ven though there were no deaths, the large lava flow devastated streets and homes.
The lava buried the municipality of Malpasso (today’s Belpasso) and the ancient Misterbianco, of which only the church bell tower remained visible. A flow submerged the sanctuary of Mompilieri without damaging it (Yo can see more about link to the il vulcanico). It also reached the city of Catania and flowed into the sea.
Even today it is possible to visit and admire the places that characterized that environmental disaster, with excursions on foot or to bike starting from Montirossi ascending towards craters or with dedicated bike intoetna .

Figure 1 – The lava flow of 1669 illustrated in the painting by the painter Giacinto Platania, an eyewitness of the event.

It was found that the historic eruption of Etna in 1669 was so intense that it influenced the development of residential area in the following centuries, also influencing the following evolution and relocation of productive and economic activities, which were diverted (è il termine giusto?) to areas that could be considered safe place .

The phases of the eruption

As often happens, the eruptive activity of the Etna volcano was anticipated by some violent earthquakes which, starting from 25 February 1669, damaged the surrounding municipalities. Testimonies report the collapse of the roofs of numerous houses in the towns of Nicolosi, Pedara, Trecastagni and Viagrande.
hese earthquakes culminated in the opening of a series of fissures on the sides of the volcano from which the incandescent magma began to escape. The numerous lava flows in fact started from seven vents and were interspersed with a prolonged activity of expulsion of gas, ash and lapilli. The violent emissions of fragmented magma (ashes, lapilli and bombs) were in some cases particularly dangerous due to their unpredictability. While the rapid evolution of the lava flows represented an extraordinary and at the same time distressing spectacle for eyewitnesses.
The eruption of Etna continued for 122 days, until July 1669 and ended with the cooling of the lava fronts and the final degassing of the volcano.

More changes to the Etna territory next the eruption

It is fascinating to observe how from a naturalistic point of view this eruption modified the surrounding environment, on the entire southern slope of Etna and even on the coastline south of the city of Catania.
The lava flow filled some differences in height between the hills of the southern slope, forming real “lava plains”, like today’s Piano Tavola. Moreover, the historic lake of Nicito which had formed in Roman times disappeared and for a long period not even the Amenano river which bathed the perimeter of Catania was visible anymore.
The traces of that ancient and fascinating lava route can all be retraced with excursions on foot or to bike starting from Montirossi ascending towards craters or with dedicated bike routes intoEtna .

Figure 2 – Anonymous drawing of the 1669 eruption of Etna preserved at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (from Abate & Branca 2016), Evolution of the flow towards the end of March.

The charm of Etna

The eruption of Etna in 1669 was an event that still today reminds the local population of the power with which the strength of the volcano can be manifested, its immense capacity to interact with the human condition and to influence collective and individual activity .

The presence of Etna is in fact not just a landscape element like many others but a living natural entity of great value for the inhabitants of the area. For us at intoetna who consider the connection with Nature as a unique and engaging experience (link to who we are), the trekking or biking routes that lead us to revisit and relive those places modified by ancient lava flows represent a way to establish a dialogue with Etna, with the evolution of its profile and its appearance, with its bursting energy and its breathtaking beauty.__

To learn more about the topics of this article:


https://www.ct.ingv.it/index.php/ricerca/i-vulcani-siciliani/etna/le-eruzioni-dell-etna-impatto-sul-territorio


https://ilvulcanico.it/mompileri-storia-arte-religione-a-355-anni-dalla-grande-ruina-il-giorno-del-dolore-e-della-speranza/


https://www.ingv.it/stampa-e-urp/stampa/comunicati-stampa/5508-etna-1669-a-catania-la-presentazione-del-libro-sulla-grande-eruzione


https://www.google.com/amp/s/ingvvulcani.com/2019/03/07/la-grande-eruzione-delletna-del-1669-tra-vulcanologia-e-storia/amp/

Bibliographical references:

  • Francesco Ferrara, Storia generale dell’Etna – 1793
  • Giuseppe Recupero, Storia naturale e generale dell’Etna – 1815
  • Bonaventura la Rocca – Relatione del nuovo incendio fatto da Mongibello – 1670
  • Carlo Mancino, Narrativa del fuoco uscito da Mongibello il dì undici di Marzo del 1669

5 things to know before getting on your E-BIKE

Until recently, getting on a mountain bike and tackling peaks, climbs and dirt paths was an experience reserved only for very slack people. The arrival of E-MTBs, electric mountain bikes, have made this wonderful experience accessible to all, making mountain excursions finally “democratic”.

Today, with our tours, anyone can discover the wonders of the highest volcano in Europe thanks to the comforts of E-MTBs that do not exclude adrenaline from the experience, but make it – for those who want – just a little more comfortable . The only requirement is to know how to ride a bicycle, then you don’t need any particular athletic training skills.

Although it is a more accessible experience than in the past, there are still some things to pay attention to when preparing for an E-MTB excursion on Etna. Of course, all the necessary information will be provided by our guides, but – in the meantime – here are some recommendations that are worth knowing.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
For every person, there is the right E-MTB! Precisely, you need to find the one that suits your size, height and weight. You must always adjust the saddle properly and make sure you have a suitable bike in your hands. There are our guides to help you!

GLOVES AND HELMET
If wearing a helmet, fastened well, is almost obvious, the same cannot be said for gloves. Our advice is to bring gloves (not wool) which will not only protect you but also ensure a better grip on the handlebars.

THE SUN CREAM
A concept that seems linked only to the sea, but which is also important in the mountains. Take it with you along with water and a windbreaker.

A CHANGE, WHY NOT?
Usually it is never necessary, but if you want to be more comfortable, consider changing the fabrics in contact with the skin such as socks or cotton t-shirt.

HAVE A GOOD TIME!
This is perhaps the most important piece of advice. You are about to live a unique and unforgettable experience: enjoy it!

Etna: the record numbers of a world legend

It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places on the entire planet as well as the highest active volcano in Europe. As if these primates weren’t enough already, here are some incredible numbers on Etna that will make you better understand the privilege of being able to live it.

600 thousand are the years in which you have to go back to witness the birth of Etna. At that time, in that place, there was a large gulf but the first eruptions laid the foundations and the following ones made the volcano grow in size.

3320 meters is the height, from sea level, reached by the highest point. An altitude that undergoes continuous growth variations due to the accumulation of pyroclastic material that is formed following the various eruptions.

135 are the kilometers of the perimeter of Etna. A real good giant!

The longest eruption of Etna in its history lasted 10 years: from 1614 to 1624.

Today the main craters of the summit apparatus are 4: the north-east one (formed in 1911), the “Voragine” (1945), the Bocca Nuova (1968) and the South-East crater (1971).

The numbers for an unforgettable experience are all there!