We stopped and picked up a picnic lunch before making the ascent. Etna is a place of remarked contrasts. In some places there is nothing but a sea of black basalt with no vegitation. You'll find a memorial to the major eruptions and a small house that is nearly covered to the roof with basalt.
As you go up to the north peak, the vegitation grows more and more lush, a sign that it's been a while since the area was assaulted by lava.
The basalt is very hard to walk on as it shifts under your feet, so wear good hiking boots!
Etna is very active and as you walk up, you can hear her rumbling and can see puffs of smoke from the main crater.
You can't go up to the main crater during the winter because of the snow, but you can see other parts of Etna during that time. It's worth the trek!