Understanding the Volcano Risk in Italy

Italy is home to a remarkable collection of volcanoes, beautiful in many ways but also rather frightening. The raw power and unpredictable nature of these geological wonders are obvious to anyone who has ever visited Pompeii and seen the results of volcanic hell being unleashed upon the unsuspecting citizens of this once quiet and prosperous town.

So, is there a risk of your vacation city turning into the next Pompeii? 

Well, the risks are absolutely tiny if you are visiting Italy on vacation. With most of these volcanoes, major eruptions only occur thousands of years apart, so they are unlikely to happen during the few weeks you are in Italy.

For me personally, it is not even a consideration when I travel within Italy. In fact, many of the best southern Italian destinations we feature are near volcanoes, and one of the great train journeys we feature on Traveling by Train in Italy is along the slopes of Mount Etna.

However, investing in real estate near these volcanic areas is a little different.

Buying your dream home in Italy can be daunting enough, with all those dubious 1-euro house minefields to navigate and much else too. That is why most people forget about earthquakes and volcanoes.

That's a mistake.

You need a thorough understanding of the associated risks. The stunning landscapes and panoramic views come at the cost of potential vulnerabilities. Lava flows, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows are just some of the hazards that can pose substantial threats to properties and safety. It is essential to take into account the potential impact of volcanic activity on infrastructure and property values.

It is crucial for prospective buyers to conduct extensive research, seek professional advice, and evaluate the volcanic risk factors meticulously. Understanding evacuation plans, monitoring systems, and the historical eruption patterns of each volcano can help make informed decisions while safeguarding lives and investments.

Italy's Most Dangerous Volcanoes

Mount Etna: Majestic and Unpredictable

Rising majestically on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna is one of the world's most active and awe-inspiring volcanoes. Its towering presence, reaching an impressive height of 3,329 meters, commands attention and fascination. Etna's fiery temperament manifests in frequent eruptions, spewing lava fountains and ash plumes into the sky. 

Mount Etna's eruptive history stretches back for thousands of years, leaving behind an intricate landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, and ash-covered slopes. Despite the potential risks it poses, Etna continues to draw visitors who seek to experience the juxtaposition of danger and beauty.

Stromboli: The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean

While the others sleep, Stromboli is wide awake. It’s Italy’s fiery heartbeat, the one they call the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” This isn’t a mountain—it’s a living, breathing, roaring show that never, ever closes.

Forget what you know about eruptions. Here, the earth puts on a performance. It’s a rhythmic, pulsing symphony of fire. Every 20 minutes or so, the crater exhales, tossing glowing red rocks into the black night sky with a sound like God’s own thunder. This is “Strombolian activity”—named after the star itself—and it’s been this island’s dazzling, dangerous signature for centuries.

And yes, you can go up there. Imagine hiking under a canopy of stars, the smell of sulfur in the air, and your heart pounding not just from the climb. With a certified guide by your side, you’ll stand at the edge of the world and watch nature’s most primal fireworks display erupt right before your eyes. It’s humbling. It’s electrifying. 

Vesuvius: The Destroyer of Pompeii

Pompeii

Nestled near the vibrant city of Naples, Mount Vesuvius looms as a reminder of the devastating power that lies dormant within. With its iconic, symmetrical cone shape and commanding presence, Vesuvius stands at the forefront of our collective imagination, forever etched in history due to its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD.

On that date the eruption of Vesuvius buried the bustling Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and volcanic debris. The tragic preservation of these ancient cities offers a unique window into the past lives of their inhabitants frozen in time.  It is both horrifying and a warning: never become complacent if you live with a volcano in your backyard. It is a warning that the locals seem to have ignored, judging by how many people now live in and around Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Though currently dormant, Vesuvius remains an active volcano, monitored closely by scientists to detect any signs of reawakening. There are some good things about living near a volcano: the surrounding region, with its fertile volcanic soil, has been transformed into a thriving agricultural area, producing renowned wines and delicious tomatoes, the tastiest tomatoes on earth.

Villa in Pompeii

Vulcano: The Fiery Heart of the Aeolian Islands

Forget every postcard-perfect island you’ve ever seen. Let me introduce you to Vulcano. This place isn’t just named after the Roman god of fire—it is fire. It is the earth’s raw, simmering power, rising from the deep blue sea of the Aeolian Islands.

This island doesn’t whisper its history; it steams, bubbles, and rumbles with it. Everywhere you turn, the ground breathes. You’ll see hissing fumaroles, craters that smoke, and mud baths that bubble like a witch’s cauldron. And at its heart, the great Gran Cratere stands—a colossal, silent beast of a volcano, its slopes painted in unearthly shades of yellow and red.

The climb to its summit is a pilgrimage. It’s a walk across another planet, with the smell of sulfur thick in the air and your own pulse beating in your ears. But the reward? A view that steals your breath. From the top, you’ll see the entire Aeolian archipelago laid out like jewels on a velvet sea, a sight so magnificent it feels like a secret you’ve been let in on.

But Vulcano isn’t all thrilling danger. After you’ve stood on the edge of the crater, it invites you to sink into its famous, warm mud baths. It’s a paradise of contrasts—where you can test your spirit on a volcanic hike in the morning, and soothe your soul in a natural, therapeutic spa in the afternoon.

Campi Flegrei: A Sleeping Beast Awakens

West of Naples lies the expansive volcanic complex known as Campi Flegrei, or Phlegraean Fields. Stretching over 13 kilometers, this caldera system encompasses a diverse landscape of volcanic features, including volcanic fields, hot springs, and volcanic lakes.

Despite its tranquil appearance, Campi Flegrei is currently under close scrutiny due to its "extremely dangerous" status.

The heightened risk associated with Campi Flegrei stems from its potential for a catastrophic eruption, which could have far-reaching consequences for all of the densely populated Naples metropolitan area.

A new study has revealed the very real danger of an eruption, and highlighted ground uplift and increased seismic activity, indicating the buildup of pressure beneath the surface. Nobody knows if and when it will erupt, but the risk is real. Very real. Such indicators highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared in the face of potential volcanic threats.

Exploring the Campi Flegrei offers a glimpse into the intricate geological processes that shape our world. From the enchanting Solfatara, a geothermal field exuding sulfurous gases and boiling mud, to the mesmerizing Phlegraean Islands scattered in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Which Towns in Italy Are "High Risk"

Taormina, one of the ""high risk" towns

While Italy has several volcanic areas, certain cities and towns are more vulnerable due to their proximity to active volcanoes. Here are some notable locations at risk:

Naples: As mentioned earlier, Naples lies in close proximity to the Campi Flegrei and Mount Vesuvius, making it one of the most at-risk cities in Italy. The metropolitan area of Naples is home to millions of people.

Catania: Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna, one of the most active and famous volcanoes in the world. The city and its surroundings face potential risks from volcanic activity, including lava flows and ashfall.

Taormina: Another Sicilian town at risk is Taormina, situated on the eastern coast near Mount Etna. While the town itself is not directly in the path of volcanic eruptions, it can be affected by ashfall and other associated hazards.

Pozzuoli: This coastal town near Naples is in the vicinity of the Campi Flegrei. With ongoing volcanic unrest in the area, Pozzuoli and its neighboring towns face potential risks such as ground uplift, seismic activity, and volcanic gas emissions.

Aci Castello: Located in Sicily, Aci Castello lies near Mount Etna and is susceptible to volcanic hazards. The town offers scenic views of the volcanic landscape but is also exposed to risks such as ashfall and lava flows.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Disclaimer: The following article aims to provide information about the volcano risk in Italy. It is important to note that while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it should not be considered as professional advice. Before making any decisions regarding investments or living arrangements, it is highly recommended to consult with experts, local authorities, and conduct thorough research.