With a growing trend in geotourism and adventure travel, more and more people are adding volcanoes to their bucket lists of vacation destinations. Regarded as an adventure experience of a lifetime, seeing an active volcano up close offers an opportunity to witness nature at work, to see the Earth come alive and to view amazing sights including beautiful vistas, unique landscape features and exciting activity, often all at once. Plus there's the thrill of being present at one of nature's most powerful and unpredictable events.
With more than 1500 active volcanoes around the world, we've narrowed down the list to some of the hot spots most worth seeing. From the world's tallest, widest, most symmetrical and most active, to subaerial, historical, most notorious and most accessible, these 21 volcanoes are sure to make fantastic destinations for an exciting vacation.
- Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
- Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, USA
- Mount Aso, Japan
- Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia
- Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
- Mount Etna, Italy
- Mount Fuji, Japan
- Mount Mayon, Philippines
- Mount St. Helens, USA
- Mount Stromboli, Italy
- Mount Vesuvius, Italy
- Mount Yasur, Vanuatu
- Piton de la Fournaise, Indian Ocean
- Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico
- Quilotoa, Ecuador
- Sakurajima, Japan
- Teide, Tenerife
- Thrihnukagigur, Iceland
- Whakaari / White Island, New Zealand
- Yellowstone National Park, USA
Traveling to a volcano is not without risks, so take caution. Be sure to check advisories or warnings before visiting any active volcanoes, be mindful of the possible dangers, travel with knowledgeable guides familiar with the particular location and follow all safety guidelines. You'll be rewarded with a unique experience and thrilling memories at any of these stunning volcanoes.
