Though there are many volcanoes around the world, did you know can visit some of the most beautiful peaks that remain active today? Whether you’re cruising through Italy, hiking through Bali, or visiting Iceland (The Land of Fire and Ice), you’ll find an active volcano that can provide beautiful, inspiring views.
Mount Etna – Catania, Sicily
One of the world’s most remarkable active stratovolcanoes looms over Sicily’s eastern coast, creating a gorgeous backdrop in cities like Catania, Taormina, and Messina. When we say Etna is active, we mean it erupted just last year (August 2023), forcing closures at the nearby Catania airport and sending heavy clouds of smoke over the surrounding region along with hot lava into the air near the volcano’s mass. Etna is a massive figure in eastern Sicily’s long history, and today plays a similarly pervasive role in the region’s tourism, wine production, and natural beauty. You can visit this volcano and tread along its narrow paths of ashy rock and feel like you’ve been transported to the moon. When you visit, be sure to stop by a winery to get a taste of authentic Sicilian wine from grapes grown in ashy soil, which gives each a unique taste you can’t find anywhere else. At the foot of the volcano you’ll find a great many beautiful resorts waiting to offer you some of Sicily’s best views and luxurious experiences.
Mount Vesuvius – Naples, Italy
One of the most famous historical attractions is Pompei, a preserved ancient city near Naples that was once destroyed by the wrath of Mount Vesuvius. Up close and personal, Vesuvius appears like any old green pastured mountain, but as you move farther and farther away, you see how it towers over the surrounding coastal Campania region. Journey to Sorrento, Capri, or Naples and each will give you a slightly unsettling view of the active volcano responsible for killing up to 16,000 people. The last time Vesuvius erupted was in 1944
Mount Fuji – Honshū, Japan
The tallest mountain in Japan and an active volcano commonly referred to as Fuji-san, Mount Fuji has been a pilgrimage destination throughout history. Mount Fuji is perhaps most famous for its snow-topped appearance which contrasts with the bright green of the forest below it. The volcano, which last erupted in 1707, sits between major cities Kyoto and Tokyo near a town with its namesake: Fujinomiya. Fuji is actually composed of several smaller volcanoes, two of which are called “Old Fuji” and “Young Fuji.”
Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica
This stratovolcano is located in Costa Rica’s northern Alajuela province near the small popular tourism town of La Fortuna. Arenal was inactive for almost 400 years when it began erupting again in 1968 and continued to spew rocks, lava, and ash until around 2010. Today, it remains one of Costa Rica’s main tourist attractions, where many outdoor activities can be enjoyed including, hiking through surrounding rainforest, horseback riding, ziplining, and relaxing in hot springs heated by the volcano’s geothermal heat. Arenal stands at roughly 5,000 feet tall, and cannot be missed on a trip through Costa Rica’s central region.
Mount Batur – Bali, Indonesia
This volcano attracts visitors from all over the world to view it’s grandeur above the clouds on the popular Kintamani hike. The is the perfect spot to catch a morning sunrise and is known to be a great, simply hike for beginners. Batur, now designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, last erupted in 2000 and in 2012. If you decide to wake up early to complete the hike, your view of the mountain may be framed by low flying clouds, creating a misty and gorgeous scene. Also in view, you’ll be able to see the Mount Abang, Rinjani, and Agung volcanoes. Eruptions from Batur have been documented since the early 19th century.
Mauna Loa – Hawaii, United States
Hawaii is known to have several active volcanoes, but Mauna Loa is one of the most recognizable by name. The largest volcano on the planet, it rises over 13,000 feet above sea level and its name means “Long Mountain.” It last erupted in November of 2022 and lava flows lasted a few weeks before stopping on December 13. Climbing Mauna Loa is possible, but it is considered difficult with challenging terrain. Visitors need not worry, however, the simple sight of the enormous peak is rewarding enough.
Mount Hekla – Iceland
Iceland has 32 active volcanoes, and the most active also doubles as one of country’s most beautiful natural sights. In Iceland, it’s hard to find vistas that don’t offer jaw-dropping views, but one of the most surreal and picturesque images is that of Mount Hekla from a distance. This volcano sits amongst a volcanic ridge in Southern Iceland and throughout history Hekla has seen 20 recorded eruptions, being closely monitored by geologists as a result. The surrounding land and the volcanic mountain itself is a popular hiking destination with trails that lead all the way up to the summit. These take around three to four hours to walk and visitors can even ski around the rim of the crater in the spring. However, as is with all active volcanoes, an eruption could occur at any time so take care when planning your visit. For more about Iceland’s 32 active volcanoes click here.
Featured Image: People watching the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupt on Iceland (Photo by Olivier A. A. Vandeginste)
