Mount Etna guides protest new restrictions after recent eruptions

Guides who lead tourists to view Sicily’s Mount Etna have expressed strong opposition to tighter restrictions imposed by local authorities following a series of eruptions in recent weeks. The new measures have prompted the guides to stage their first strike in decades, significantly limiting tourist access to the volcano’s lava flows.

Authorities in Catania have either suspended or severely restricted excursions near active lava fronts, citing safety concerns. In response, dozens of guides demonstrated on Wednesday at the gate leading to the lava flow area, calling the rules excessive and unnecessary. They argued that the slow-moving lava can be safely observed, as has been done for years under professional supervision.

“These measures effectively cancel our role, stripping us of our expertise, responsibility, and professional purpose,” the regional board of volcano guides said in a statement.

Under the new regulations, excursions are permitted only until dusk and must maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres (660 feet) from the lava flow. Authorities are also strictly enforcing an existing rule limiting groups to 10 people, using drones to monitor compliance.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active and largest volcano, rises about 3,350 metres (nearly 10,990 feet) and spans roughly 35 kilometres (21.7 miles). It is a major draw for hikers, backpackers, and tourists, with particularly dramatic views visible from the Ionian Sea. While eruptions are frequent, they are closely monitored by volcanologists.

The latest restrictions were introduced after a renewed eruption began on Christmas Eve. According to local authorities, the most advanced lava front reached around 1,360 metres (4,460 feet) above sea level before stopping and entering a cooling phase after travelling approximately 3.4 kilometres (about two miles). Experts have confirmed that the lava poses no threat to nearby residential areas.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said this week that the eruption remains ongoing, though lava fronts are cooling and no longer advancing.

“This lava flow is moving extremely slowly and has reached a flat or semi-flat area,” said Dario Teri, a member of Sicily’s association of alpine and volcano guides who joined the protest.

Tourists have also been affected by the restrictions. Claudia Mancini, a visitor from Palermo, said her guided excursion had been cancelled. “Unfortunately, we received the news that all activities were suspended,” she said, adding that she sympathised with the guides over a situation that “isn’t making anyone happy.”

The guides say they plan to continue their strike in the coming days while seeking a compromise that balances visitor safety with the survival of their profession.