10 Active Volcanoes You Can Actually Visit

The moment we hear about active volcanoes and lava, the only thing that pops in our head is that they are too dangerous and life-threatening.  But to be honest, there’s nothing as such. Today, active volcanoes and traveling is a combination that tourist pick to discover and explore these spewing spots. It’s nothing but a natural and beautiful phenomenon that the earth faces undergoing new changes and formation. Over the past few years, the sight of volcanic mountains and flowing magma has become a tourist interest.

VolcanoCountry
Kilauea Hawaii
Mount Etna Italy
Mount Aso Japan
Eyjafjallajökull Iceland
Erta Ale Ethiopia
Mount Bromo Indonesia
Whakaari New Zealand
Vesuvius Italy
Pacaya Guatemala
Sakurajima Japan

Also, you need not worry as it is safe at a distance to watch and enjoy the warm weather and springs around these volcanic mountains. During the time of the high alert, your guard will never take you for a visit or trek.

Also see: Best and Beautiful Natural Wonders of the World

Here’s a list of 10 active volcanoes that you can actually visit and witness the warmth and beauty safely.

1.Kilauea (Hawaii)

Kilauea (Hawaii)
Image by Tommy Beatty from Pixabay

Kilauea is one of the most spectacular volcanic spots in Hawaii. The place has been spewing lava ever since 1983 and continues to spew some. It rises below from 4100 ft and is a shield volcano. People have certain historic beliefs with this lava, for some, it is an earthly form of Goddess Pele. This is another reason which has made more people attract to the site.

Also see: Islands to Visit in Hawaii

2.Mount Etna (Italy)

Mount Etna (Italy)
Image by Tibor Janosi Mozes from Pixabay

This place is still one of the active spots of volcanic eruption yet the visitors can have a close look via hiking through the rugged flanks. But on an honest note, the place has some extremely beautiful views to offer for its viewers and visitors. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2013 for its unusual volcanic activities. Under certain circumstances and on permissible days, you can also take a cable car or shuttle bus to the summit. If you truly love adventure, then this is a must-visit the place to feel the offbeat experience. 

3. Mount Aso (Japan)

Mount Aso (Japan)
Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay

Mount Aso is one of the greatest volcanic spots in Japan. It is situated in the Aso Kujū National Park which is 1592 meters above the sea level. Travelers here can enjoy the view and warmness of the place well. They are also allowed to camp at a safer distance so it is indeed a good spot to camp in winters of your planning to do one in Japan. The hot springs here are warm and calming.

4.Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland)

Well, it is difficult to pronounce the name but we all know this volcanic site. The massive eruption that took place in 2010 made this place a famous spot ever since then. The huge giant ash caused many flights to get rescheduled. People have now opened up this region for pretty many purposes. Jeep tours, helicopter tours or even hikers at a distance can view it. 

Also see: Why Is Iceland Also Known As “The Land Of Ice And Fire”?

5. Erta Ale (Ethiopia)

Erta ale in Ethiopia is indeed one of the active spots of the volcano, but with that, it might need a little extra precaution as well. The Erta Ale is a basaltic shield volcano that has been erupting and active from the past few decades. It is 613 m high and 40 km in diameter with some gentle slopes. You can go trekking to this spot and trust us you’ll love it. The place has become one of the most visited tourist spots in Ethiopia.

6.Mount Bromo (Indonesia)

Mount Bromo (Indonesia)
Image by Sharon Ang from Pixabay

Mount Bromo is one of the most daring spots to visit among the list of active volcanic spots. The Bromo mountain is surrounded by a sea of sand to avoid any harmful effects. The viewers are allowed only on particular guided tours and under strict precautions. There is a frequent eruption from this spot and few of the recent ones were in 2010, 2012 and the other recently in 2015. 

7.Whakaari (New Zealand)

Whakaari (New Zealand)
Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay

Whakaari also is known as the white island, is an active volcanic site situated 48km from the coast of the north island of New Zealand. This conic volcanic spot has been built up due to the continuous volcanic activities over the past 150000 years. Though the land is privately owned, you can still visit to view this spot via launch or helicopter. The experience to visit this something amazing as you are given hard hats and gas masks to cover yourself while visiting the spot.

8.Vesuvius (Italy)

Vesuvius (Italy)
Image Source

It is believed to be one of the world-famous volcanic spots but getting close to that point, this place hasn’t erupted since 1944. Vesuvius is situated in the most densely populated volcanic regions which lurk menacingly over Naples. There’s a deep history to the place in which you’ll find that a whole was lost in the volcanic burst of somewhere between AD 799. The old remains were found later sometime in 1599.

9. Pacaya (Guatemala)

19 miles away from Guatemala City, is the Pacaya mountain. This spot is not one of the closest spots to view the volcanic mountain, but for sure is one of the great ones not to miss. It has been continuously active for centuries and has a history of destroying the city of Antigua into ashes. You can easily view the mountain through the Pacaya National Park.

10. Sakurajima (Japan)

Japan seems to have many volcanic sites but, Sakurajima mountain is one of the main and most active volcanic spots in Japan. The soil here is extremely volcanic rich and the springs remain always warm. People are just allowed to view this spot at a certain safe distance even though it has erupted here majorly from 1914. The place still keeps emitting smoke and has some small eruptions several times a day. But one thing is for sure, you can find many scenic spots here to take photographs and enjoy the natural view.

Also see: Japan Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Where can you visit active volcanos?

A. There are several active volcanos you can actually visit. We have already made a list of 10 active volcanoes you can visit. SO, refer to the list for details.

Q. Can you see lava flowing in Hawaii?

A. Yes, you can. Kilauea is an active volcano in Hawaii. You can go near to it and see the burning lava.