FOSSA DI VULCANO

The crater is reached by a hiking trail, taking your time. The excursion is easy and is done without a guide, preferably in the morning or at sunset. From the port of Porto di Levante, the slope of the volcano is reached by the road to Piano and Gelso. We climb along the Forgia Vecchia on a well traced winding path that passes by the obsidian flow of Pietre Cotte. As you climb, you can already see volutes of smoke rising from the crust of the mountain. We then arrive on a plateau, invaded by eruptive slag, where the vast crater, with a circumference of more than 500 m in diameter, opens. The highest point of the volcanic apparatus is located at an altitude of 391 m on the northern slope. It is possible to walk around the crater in 45 minutes from the south, but it is forbidden to go down there, because the gases released are very toxic.

This is a unique experience, but one for which the greatest caution is recommended: oxygen becomes scarce in some places and too strong gas emanations are sometimes dangerous. Also be careful where you step and don't get too carried away by the enthusiasm that the panorama from above can generate.

Of course you must be properly equipped (hiking boots), equipped with walking sticks (it's better) and equipped with a backpack with the minimum subsistence. It is better to be accompanied by a guide, if you want to go alone and always tell someone about your ascent.