Published 7th Jul. 2022
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Our wonderful Earth’s crust is scattered with holes and openings, known by some as gateways to hell and simply as volcanoes to others. Some are active and unpredictable, while others are the shells of their former selves, now home to lush greenery and wildlife rather than magma. Whether it is the uncontrollable spewing of fiery red lava that intrigues you or perhaps the challenge of scaling the vertiginous flanks of one of Earth’s most epic escarpments, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most wild and wonderful volcanoes to visit around the world…
Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii is known as the ‘Aloha State’ or the ‘Paradise of the Pacific’, but don’t be fooled by its beauty, as it is also a playground for those wanting to flirt with danger. Formed over 30 million years ago by a group of underwater volcanoes, Hawaii is one of the most volcanic places on earth and is brimming with spectacular volcanoes to visit. The Big Island is made up of five volcanoes - Kohala, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea (which just happens to be the most active volcano in the world). Head out on a tour of the Volcano National Park through extinct lava tunnels, over shark tooth-like serrated rocks and past billowing fumaroles. With its name aptly translating to ‘spewing’, Kilauea is in a near perpetual state of eruption and is constantly spouting its volcanic insides, so head to Kapoho Bay after dark to witness the luminous lava flows that pour out of the earth into the ocean.
Indonesia
Ever heard of a blue lava volcano? Well, Kawah Ijen in Indonesia is home to one of the most breathtaking and thrillingly elemental volcanic phenomena. When the Sulphur found at this dazzling spectacle reacts with the fiery volcanic temperatures, it burns, creating the illusion of electric blue lava and there is no other place in the world quite like it. Head out on a hike to the crater’s edge where you can explore the Jurassic-esque terrain on foot and catch a glimpse of the milky aquamarine waters of the otherworldly crater lake.
Sicily, Italy
Being one of the most active volcanoes in the world comes with its perks, and Mount Etna’s explosive activity is no exception. Whether enjoyed from afar in a bar in Sicily’s pretty town of Taormina, or up close and personal after a somewhat strenuous climb up one of its lung-busting inclines, Etna is spectacular however you see it. Venturing up the brooding volcano during the day is one thing but heading up on a night tour is like nothing else. When she’s quiet, Etna is perfect for exploring during the daytime. Clamber over ashy mounds, admire the 180-degree sea view and even spread your daredevil wings and hike to the crater’s edge. When she’s grumbling, one of best ways to experience Etna is at night, as the blushing mouth of the crater provides an unforgettable natural firework display as lava erupts in spews and spirts into the midnight sky.
Guatemala
The gentle stream of smoke pluming from Pacaya’s peak can often be seen for miles across Guatemala, but don’t be fooled by its demure demeaner; below the plume is a fiery pit of molten magma, bubbling and brewing and heating the surrounding lava fields. Although the volcano itself is pretty spectacular, it is the Pizza Pacaya Pizzeria that has caught our attention. Chef David Garcia is, as far as we know, the only person cooking pizzas using lava flows atop a volcano, making this a must-stop when exploring Guatemala. Once your legs are weary from clambering up the ashy mountainsides, head into Guatemala City to explore its many museums and unwind with evening drinks in an authentic old bar where you can brush shoulders with locals and watch the setting sun paint the city amber.
Iceland
Thanks to its worldwide travel-halting eruption in 2010, Eyjafjallajökull has become a household name (even if you struggle to pronounce it) despite being one of the least reactive volcanoes in Iceland. Situated under a thick layer of glacial ice, Eyjafjallajökull is a real natural wonder and is a must-see when exploring Iceland’s otherworldly landscape. For the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment, head out on snowmobiles and gaze across the glacier-covered volcano and surrounding wilderness. As the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is one giant geological hotspot full of volcano-themed activities to fill an adventure with. Head to the Blue Lagoon for a wonderfully weird soak in the Arctic blue waters or live out a geography afficionado’s dream by being lowered 700ft down into the dormant magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur volcano.
Tanzania
As the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain on Earth, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has got a lot going for it. Although it’s not actively spewing lava like many of its explosive counterparts across the globe, Kilimanjaro is one of the most spectacular volcanoes to visit thanks to its bucket-list topping reputation. 35,000 people try to summit this incredible volcano every year, but only a third reach the cloud-topped peak. If hiking is your thing, venture up the lofty flanks that are draped in exotic flora and hardened lava until you reach Kilimanjaro’s inner crater. Once at the top, a beautiful, brilliant white blanket of stratus clouds hang over Earth like an ethereal tablecloth, creating a true top-of-the-world feeling. If you’d prefer to stay a little closer to Earth, the surrounding savannahs and golden grassy plains make for the perfect safari adventure under the shadow of one of the most impressive volcanoes on Earth.
New Zealand
People come from all over the world to tackle the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand. Unfathomably vast mountains loom over the crossing and the route is dotted with ancient lava flows, billowing steam vents and emerald-coloured lakes. The area is known as the volcanic plateau and is thought to be the most volcanic area in New Zealand. Wander past peaks that kiss the clouds, jagged volcanic rock formations seen in Lord of the Rings and lakes so spectacularly green they may be mistaken for grass, until you reach the steaming fumaroles and Sulphur-scented air of Mount Tongariro’s central crater. This is undoubtedly on the most beautiful volcanoes to visit, and the perfect place to appreciate the raw majesty of the Earth.
Written by Immy Kelly
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