Basically, volcanoes are incredible and I think we can all agree that when it comes to these magnificent beauties – no other structures come close in comparison.
To celebrate these natural wonders, we’ve compiled a list of the world’s most breathtaking volcanoes. Sit back, relax and read.
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Tongariro is a stunning force to be reckoned with. Hikers, mountaineers and film fanatics alike will recognize this famous peak from the Lord of Rings trilogies. If you’re up for the challenge, you can complete the 8-hour hike through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from December to February.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t carry any life-altering rings with you on this epic journey.
- Height: 6,490 ft / 1,978 m
- Last Eruption: 2012
Mount Batur, Bali
Bali tops many bucket lists, but it’s more than just a lively culture that inspires travellers to visit. Nestled between stunning landscapes and endless rice fields, you will find Mount Batur (Gunung Batur), Bali’s second tallest volcano. Visitors from around the world frequently stumble up the side of the volcano in pure darkness just to witness the impressive sunrise from the top.
- Pro-Tip: If you plan to brave the trek up Mount Batur, be sure to wear sturdy shoes or pack hiking poles.
- Height: 5,633 ft / 1,717 m
- Last Eruption: 2000
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Kilauea Volcano stands as one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Over half a million year old, Hawaii’s youngest and smallest volcano is just 1,247 metres tall. Proving that size doesn’t matter, Kilauea has been emitting slow-moving lava continuously since 1983. Lucky for you, calamity is not Kilauea’s style, but picturesque (albeit dangerously hot) lava fountains are.
- Pro-Tip: Visit at night to see a light show like you’ve never seen before.
- Height: 4,091 ft / 1,247 m
- Last Eruption: 1983 – Present
The landscape of Hawaii is vastly different from our home in Mississippi. To visit an ACTIVE volcano was such a surreal and incredible experience. The crater and lava fields looked otherworldly to us. The highlight, absolute grandest moment, was actually witnessing an eruption of red-hot lava. Numerous emotions ran through me…from fear to complete awe.
We believe the best way to get a good overview of Hawaii is to visit multiple islands via cruise ship. A rental car on Oahu will get you to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can view Kilauea. Don’t forget a jacket! Those high altitudes can get chilly! – Jennifer, Just Chasing Rabbits
Thrihnukagigur, Iceland
If you happen to be driving along Iceland’s iconic ring road make sure you stop by the one-of-a-kind volcano, Thrihnukagigur. The now dormant volcano answers one of life’s most treacherous questions, what is it really like inside a volcano? Take the short 6-minute journey and find out for yourself.
- Pro-Tip: Leave your phone at home and wear as many layers as possible. This fiery abyss is seriously cold (think: 6 degrees celsius year-round), not hot.
- Height: 100 ft / 35 m higher than its surrounding area.
- Last Eruption: 4,000 years ago
Mount Etna, Italy
It’s no easy feat being Europe’s highest active volcano, but Mount Etna rocks the title with grace. Situated between Messina and Catania in Sicily, Mount Etna sits on the African and European tectonic plates, making her somewhat of an international force of nature. Though Etna’s last eruption was on March 16th, 2017, her longest recorded eruption lasted 13-years beginning in 1979. Surrounded by crisp black sand beaches and volcanic rocks, Mount Etna’s otherworldly appearances will not disappoint.
- Pro-Tip: Check the weather and eruption conditions before attempting to conquer this beautiful beast.
- Height: 10,922 ft / 3,329 m
- Last Eruption: 2017
Mount Vesuvius, Italy
If you have never heard of Mount Vesuvius you must have skipped or slept through every history class in grade school, because when it comes to famously dangerous and dangerously famous volcanoes – Vesuvius takes the cake. Found in the Gulf of Naples, this volcano’s devastating eruption ended the lives of 2,000 people in Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving their remains for years to come.
- Pro-Tip: Grab your camera and pack some extra batteries, because you won’t want to miss out on this epic photo-op.
- Height: 4,203 ft / 1,281 m
- Last Eruption: 1944
Mount Fuji, Japan
Dominating the horizon at 3,776 metres above sea level, Mount Fuji (or Fuji-san) is Japan’s highest peak. The iconic snow-capped peaks are not just admired around the globe, they’re also a pretty big deal in Japan as well, as one of the country’s three most sacred mountains.
- Pro-Tip: Take advantage of the rest stations, you won’t regret it!
- Height: 12,388 ft / 3,776 m
- Last Eruption: 1707
Santorini, Greece
Not many people actually know that this bucket-list-topping island is actually a part of the remains of a previously active volcano. Mind-blowing, right? But there’s more – this island was infact the site of one of the largest eruptions in recorded history. Rumor has it that this eruption is what caused the city of Atlantis to sink into the ocean. But don’t fret, your favourite Greek island volcano hasn’t been active for centuries and is currently registered as dormant.
- Pro-Tip: Go deep-sea diving and find out if Atlantis really is down there!
- Height: 1,850 ft / 564 m
- Last Eruption: 1,650 B.C.
Arenal, Costa Rica
When you think of volcanoes, you probably think of tall, symmetrical mountains sitting on the horizon or picturesque beauties like the Arenal volcano. A mere 3-hour drive outside of San Jose, Costa Rica in the Arenal Volcano National Park, this mighty mountain is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It also offers a wide range of activities for travellers of all ages and interests, not to mention, it also supplies 40% of the country’s hydroelectricity. You could say that Arenal’s beauty isn’t just skin deep.
- Pro-Tip: Spend a full day at the national park to experience everything Arenal volcano has to offer from waterfalls to jungle trekking.
- Height: 5,480 ft / 1,670 m
- Last Eruption: 1968 to 2010
