Valle del Bove, Caldera on Mount Etna eastern flank, Sicily, Italy
Valle del Bove is a collapsed crater on Mount Etna's eastern side, forming a large valley ringed by steep walls. The valley floor is covered with recent lava flows, and two vegetation-covered rock formations stand alone within the barren volcanic landscape.
The valley formed through repeated collapses of ancient volcanic craters thousands of years ago and has been reshaped by multiple lava flows since then. These geological events have continuously altered the landscape we see today.
Local communities in the surrounding villages have adapted to life on volcanic soil and grow fruit and vegetables that benefit from the mineral-rich earth. This farming tradition shapes how people in the area work and connect with the land.
The best way to explore the valley is on a guided walk starting from nearby villages, which takes several hours. Visitors should prepare for sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection, as the ground is volcanic and exposure is significant.
Two remarkable rock formations, Rocca Musarra and Rocca Capra, rise from the otherwise barren valley and shelter a variety of plants. These green islands feel surprising in the otherwise stark volcanic landscape.
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