Etna Lava Tubes Project was born with the aim of spreading knowledge of little-known or unpublished Etna caves. Natural phenomena among the most fascinating of our volcano. Many texts report that on Etna there are at least 260 known caves. In reality the formation of lava tubes is very common and the number of caves is destined to increase considerably. Below we report a census of little-known caves - for which information is not available elsewhere - or unpublished discovered by our team in particular by the founders of EtnaExcursion.it Dario & Paolo Teri. During an exploratory campaign that began "for fun" in 2018 and still (April 2023), about 70 have been found, not considered in the general count indicated above. Here we report only those considered most interesting from a naturalistic point of view. For the caves already surveyed we recommend a visit to EtnaNatura.it and Mungibeddu.it
Exploration: Only visitable with helmet and lights
Visited by Dario and Paolo Teri (on 15.6.2021)
Notified to the relevant municipality on \\
This is a classic lava flow channel that at the beginning of the ephemeral mouth presents a cave of about 20 meters. We are on the presumed lavas (source latest geological map - Ingv) of 1975. In itself the cave does not present elements of particular importance and interest. The channel in question however has a particular shape that recalls the stylish trails left by a skier on the snow cover. For this reason the name dedicated to the dear friend Alfio Fragalà came to mind, a good freerider skier, passionate about the volcano especially in its winter clothes, unfortunately recently passed away.
Dario Teri 15th June 2021 Unseen & Little-Known Etna Caves No Responses
Do you want to visit the caves of Etna?
We organize cave excursions with expert guides. You could also request a guided tour with those who discovered it! See
Speleological tour in volcanic caves.
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How are volcanic caves formed?
Lava tubes are very common on Etna. They form during an eruption ...
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16th August 2023 – On August 14th there was a paroxysm (a “lightning” eruption) from the summit craters which has already ended. Everything falls within the normal Etna phenomena. There is no danger for the population and visitors. The excursions are taking place regularly. GO TO NEWS