General Travel Information

Tips on best sites for volcano voyeurs

(BUSINESS WIRE)—Blasting billions of tons of ash and lava 10,000 feet into the atmosphere, Iceland’s unpronounceable volcano – Eyjafjallajökull – wreaked havoc on European airspace, grounding thousands of flights for more than five days.

But where are the best places for lava lovers to see volcanoes up close? Here are some picks from the Skyscanner travel search service:

Stromboli, Italy

After all of the Icelandic volcano drama cools, your first stop should be Italy. The Aeolian Island volcano Stomboli has been attracting global lava lovers for years.

It is known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” due to its spectacular night explosions. Eruptions are so regular that the word “Stromboli” is now used to mean “small explosion” and its shape means you can get remarkably close to the action – just 200 metres above the active crater!

Kilauea, Hawaii

There are some reasonably cheap flights from San Francisco that take you to Kilauea. On Hawaii's big island, this volcano claims the title of the "world's most active volcano" – so a visit here is likely not to disappoint.

You'll need to take a boat ride to see one of its most spectacular sights – red hot lava oozing into the ocean, which causes the sea to boil and vaporize into white plumes of steam.

Etna, Sicily, Italy

This fiery Italian mountain boasts the title of being Europe's most active volcano. In a state of almost constant activity, it erupted most recently in April. Take a four-wheel drive excursion to explore Etna's lava fields, volcanic caves and tunnels, and eruptive fissures, but don't get too close!

Teide, Tenerife, Spain

If you prefer your volcanoes a little less active, for safety’s sake, hop on a flight to the Canary Islands and visit Mount Teide, which hasn't erupted since 1909. At 3718m tall, it's the highest peak in Spain and easily visible from flights to Tenerife. Take the Mount Teide cable car to the summit to enjoy the view, but don't forget to apply for a permit first.

Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand

As part of the “Pacific Ring of Fire” it's no wonder that New Zealand is home to many active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu is the country's highest and one of the world's most active, having last blown its top in 1996. In winter its slopes become the North Island's largest ski areas offering snow sports at the Turoa and interestingly named Whakapapa resorts.