Etna's North-East Crater from Piano Provenzana — real-time webcam
North-East Crater of Etna: an active volcano right on your screen
This webcam online broadcasts a panorama of the North-East Crater of Etna — one of the most active and impressive craters of Europe's largest active volcano. The broadcast comes from the territory of the Piano Provenzana ski resort, located on the northern slope in the municipality of Linguaglossa, Sicily. In the frame are snow-covered mountain slopes, coniferous forests, and the majestic peaks of Etna rising into the clouds.
Etna is not just a mountain but an entire volcanic complex. At its summit are five separate craters: the North-East Crater, Voragine, Bocca Nuova, and two in the South-East complex. The North-East Crater is the youngest and one of the most active — it is the one you can observe through this online camera.
Geology of the North-East Crater
Etna is a stratovolcano composed of many layers of solidified lava, volcanic ash, and pumice. Each eruption adds new layers and sometimes destroys previous formations. The North-East Crater formed as a result of a series of eruptions and continues to change actively.
A unique feature of Etna is that its height is not constant. The height changes after each major eruption due to the growth or collapse of the crater; on average, eruptions occur once every three months. By observing the volcano through the webcam, you can notice changes in the landscape — new fissures, steam or ash emissions.
Pizzi Deneri: an observatory on the edge of the crater
Within the camera's field of view is Pizzi Deneri — a volcanic monitoring center located at an altitude of 2,848 m at one of the highest points on the northern side of the volcano. It is not just a viewpoint but a real scientific station.
The Pizzi Deneri observatory holds a special place in the history of volcanology. It was here that two long-base clinometers were first installed to measure ground deformation — the instruments are placed in two 80-meter corridors at a depth of 10 meters beneath the structure. These instruments help scientists track the slightest movements of volcanic rocks and predict Etna's activity.
Piano Provenzana: gateway to the northern slope
Piano Provenzana is a ski resort and a base point for anyone who wants to explore the northern slope of Etna. Unlike the more touristy southern slope, the northern side offers wilder and greener landscapes.
The northern slope passes through pine forests that contrast with the black volcanic rock. This creates a unique visual effect — the green of conifers against a backdrop of dark basalt and white snow.
An important difference of the northern slope: there is no cable car here. The ascent is possible only by off-road vehicles or on foot, which makes this part of Etna less crowded and more authentic.
Northern and Southern Slopes: Two Different Worlds
Etna is a volcano with two faces. The southern slope, where the tourist complex Rifugio Sapienza at an altitude of about 1,900 meters is located, features cable cars, tourist buses, and well-equipped trails. The northern slope via Piano Provenzana offers narrow dirt roads, pine groves, and a sense of untouched nature.
The choice of slope depends on what you are looking for. The southern side is more convenient for family recreation and short excursions. The northern side is for those who want to feel like an explorer and see the volcano without crowds of tourists.
How to Get to Piano Provenzana
Piano Provenzana is located on the northern slope of Etna and serves as a base point for the ascent. You can get here through the towns of Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa. The road passes through picturesque Sicilian villages with views of the volcano.
There is a clear route for ascending the northern slope: by off-road vehicle from 1,800 meters to 2,965 meters, then on foot to 3,380 meters. This allows you to climb almost to the very edge of the crater and see what the webcam broadcasts, but with your own eyes.
Volcanic Lightning and Weather at Altitude
Etna is known not only for its lava and ash. Volcanic lightning is one of the most spectacular and dangerous phenomena that can be observed during strong eruptions. Electrical discharges occur in the ash and smoke column, creating an unforgettable light show.
The weather at Etna's altitude requires special attention. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy at the summit, and in winter — real frost with snow and ice. Clouds often envelop the mid-altitudes, creating dramatic landscapes that are clearly visible through the camera. Before ascending, always check the weather forecast and current safety restrictions.
What You Can See on Camera
This webcam broadcasts a real-time panoramic view of the North-East Crater of Etna from the territory of the Piano Provenzana ski resort. The camera operates in 2K Quad HD format with 30x zoom, allowing you to examine landscape details even at a great distance.
In the foreground is a snowy slope with sparse trees and trails, covered by a coniferous forest of pines and firs. In the background are the mountain peaks of Etna with glacial cover; clouds envelop the mid-altitudes. The sky is blue with white clouds. The view encompasses the Pizzi Deneri area and the northern slope of the volcano.
The frame also shows the logos of La Capannetta (ski café), Weather Sicily (weather portal), and EtnaSci.it (ski portal). The camera is ideal for observing volcanic activity, weather changes, and simply enjoying the grandeur of Sicilian landscapes.
