20Volcanic Adventures: Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind

Aso Volcano in Japan's Kyushu region is one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world. The vast caldera is home to a number of hiking trails and stunning viewpoints, as well as the active Nakadake crater, where visitors can safely peer into the fumaroles and witness the volcano's power up close. The surrounding countryside, with its lush fields and small villages, provides a perfect contrast to the volcanic landscape.

Mount Teide, located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is the highest peak in Spain. The volcano’s summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can take a cable car to the top or hike to the summit for stunning views of the volcanic landscape, including lava fields and unique rock formations.

Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, is a dormant stratovolcano in New Zealand's North Island. Its symmetrical, snow-capped peak is one of the most iconic in the country. The surrounding Egmont National Park offers incredible hiking opportunities, including the popular Pouakai Circuit, which provides views of the mountain, surrounding forests, and serene lakes.

Ijen Crater is famous for its stunning blue flames that can be seen at night, caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases. Located on the island of Java, the crater offers a challenging hike to its summit, where you can witness the incredible blue flames and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The turquoise crater lake, one of the world’s largest acidic lakes, is another mesmerizing feature of this volcanic site.

Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is a dormant volcano that towers over Tanzania’s savannahs. Although it isn’t actively erupting, the sight of its snow-capped summit rising above the clouds is awe-inspiring. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging, multi-day trek that rewards climbers with panoramic views of the surrounding plains, glaciers, and unique alpine ecosystems.

This national park, located on Java Island, is home to the famous Mount Bromo, an active volcano that is part of the Tengger Caldera. Visitors can hike to the rim of Bromo to witness the sunrise over the surreal landscape of volcanic craters, vast ash fields, and nearby peaks. The Tengger people, who live in the area, also add a unique cultural dimension to the experience.

Mount Ngauruhoe, located in the Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. It gained worldwide fame as the location for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings. Visitors can hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world’s best day hikes, which offers incredible views of the volcano and its striking crater lakes.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and active volcanoes, offering stunning views and opportunities for adventure. While it hasn’t erupted since 2010, its symmetrical cone shape and surrounding tropical rainforests are still a draw for travelers. Visitors can hike up the slopes of Arenal, soak in natural hot springs, or go zip-lining through the forest canopy, all while taking in breathtaking views of the volcano.

Krakatoa’s eruption in 1883 is one of the most catastrophic volcanic events in recorded history, causing a tsunami and disrupting global climate. Today, the island of Krakatoa remains an active and ever-evolving volcanic landscape. The Anak Krakatoa (Child of Krakatoa) volcano continues to erupt, creating an evolving island landscape that can be explored by boat or during a volcano trek. This destination offers a dramatic and powerful reminder of the earth's geological forces.

Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, frequently erupting and reshaping the surrounding landscape. Visitors to this volcano can take cable cars and off-road vehicles up to the summit, where they’ll find craters, steaming vents, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby Catania. The slopes of Etna are also dotted with vineyards and ancient ruins, making this a diverse and fascinating destination for volcanic tourism.

This dormant twin volcano straddles the border between Chile and Bolivia, towering over the high-altitude Altiplano region. Mount Parinacota offers an unforgettable trekking experience for those brave enough to summit it. The surrounding area is filled with high-altitude lakes, salt flats, and ancient ruins, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural history.

Tungurahua, located in the Andes of Ecuador, is an active volcano that has been erupting intermittently since 1999. The nearby town of Baños, known for its hot springs and adventure sports, serves as a base for exploring the volcano. Visitors can hike to nearby viewpoints for an adrenaline-pumping view of the volcano and its eruptions. The lush, verdant landscapes surrounding the volcano also offer opportunities for hiking, waterfall visits, and zip-lining.

Vulcano, part of Italy's Aeolian Islands, is a paradise for volcanic adventure lovers. The island is home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, with a crater you can hike to in just an hour. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the island, the Mediterranean Sea, and the nearby islands. For those looking to relax, the island also offers sulfurous mud baths and hot springs for a volcanic spa experience.

Located on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in the country and one of the most challenging treks in Southeast Asia. At 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), the climb is strenuous, but the reward is worth it: a stunning crater lake known as Segara Anak, where visitors can camp and soak in the natural beauty. The surrounding terrain, with its lush forests and rugged volcanic features, offers a unique hiking experience.

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, is a revered symbol of beauty and power. Although it is dormant, its majestic, snow-capped peak remains a focal point for travelers and climbers. Every year, thousands of people hike to the summit during the climbing season, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding forests, lakes, and towns. For those less inclined to climb, the nearby Fuji Five Lakes region offers stunning vistas and the chance to soak in natural hot springs.

Located in Washington State, Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 in one of the most significant volcanic events in U.S. history, dramatically altering the surrounding landscape. Today, visitors can explore the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where the surrounding area remains a testament to the volcano's destructive force. Hike up to the crater rim or visit the observatories for stunning views of the active volcano and the dramatic blast zone.

Iceland is home to some of the world’s most active and visually stunning volcanoes, and Eyjafjallajökull is perhaps the most famous. In 2010, this glacier-covered volcano made headlines when its eruption caused massive disruptions to air travel across Europe. Today, visitors can explore its volcanic terrain, hike its slopes, and visit nearby waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, all while witnessing the dramatic power of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Mount Bromo, located in East Java, Indonesia, is one of the most photographed volcanoes in the world, thanks to its dramatic, otherworldly landscape. Known for its vast caldera and the ethereal “sea of sand” that surrounds it, Bromo is particularly striking at sunrise, when the volcano and surrounding landscape are bathed in soft golden light. Visitors often trek up to the rim to witness the sunrise over the caldera, where they can see plumes of smoke rising from the active crater.

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously for decades, offering visitors a rare chance to witness the power of lava flows. Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea's eruptions have created vast lava fields, craters, and steam vents. While the lava flows are a captivating sight, the park also offers serene hikes through rainforests, calderas, and volcanic craters.

No list of volcanic destinations would be complete without mentioning Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano that buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in 79 AD. Today, visitors can hike to the summit of this active volcano for stunning views of Naples, the Bay of Naples, and the remains of Pompeii. The volcano's steep slopes and dramatic history make it a must-see for any traveler interested in volcanic landscapes and ancient history.