The Top 7 Most Stunning Volcanoes In The World
We’re all looking at ways of making our long-awaited 2021 holiday truly memorable. So what could be better than adding a frisson of danger? Why not visit one of these spectacular volcanic landmarks!
Dangerous, active, powerful and beautiful… volcanoes are some of the most awesome destinations in the world. If you are an adventure-seeking traveller, there are few things more thrilling than standing at the edge of a smoking crater.
To help you decide, the experts at Property Turkey have narrowed a very long list down to the top 7 must-see volcanoes in the world.
Mount St Helens, USA
Located in the Pacific Northwest of the US, Mount St Helens is an active stratovolcano well known for its ash explosions and pyroclastic flows.
While it has been more than 30 years since this volcano last erupted, Mount St Helens is famous for its 1980s explosion which severely damaged the US economy and killed President Harry R. Truman. Within 15 minutes, a vertical plume of volcanic ash rose more than 80,000 feet and a volcanic ash cloud remained for 15 days after.
Although challenging, this climb can be achieved by people in good physical health and will take 7-12 hours.
Mount Etna, Italy
One of Sicily’s most famous attractions, Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano. While it is not Europe’s highest, at just 3350 metres, it has the largest base circumference of around 150km.
Studies have found that this volcano has been active for over 2.6 million years, supporting surrounding agriculture and vineyards with its fertile soil.
The hike to the first main crater only takes 1 hour 30 minutes. You can also take a four-wheel drive trip through Mount Etna’s volcanic caves and lava fields if you prefer not to climb.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Eyjafjallajökull (pronounced ay-yah-fyad-layer-kuh-te) is a glacier volcano situated amid the raw, rich beauty of Iceland. Famed for the chaos it caused to European travel following its 2010 eruption, this stratovolcano is 1661 metres high and its crater is 4km wide.
Taking around 8 hours to climb, this is an all-day excursion. However you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the South Coast and Þórsmörk valley in the Highlands.
Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius was formed in Naples by a collision between two tectonic plates (the African and the Eurasian).
Although it has not erupted since 1940, Vesuvius still poses a very real threat to the two million people living around it. Vulcanologists state that its volcanic activity is difficult to predict. If this volcano were to erupt randomly, it could wipe out the entire city of Naples.
Despite this, thousands of tourists visit the volcano every year to witness the lava flows which have scarred the slopes.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji is the second highest volcano in Asia after Mount Kerinci, with a height of 3376 metres. Famed for its perfect cone-shaped peak, it is a sacred mountain for many Japanese.
It is a relatively easy climb to the top. However the entire trip to the peak will take 2 days with a 5-8 hour ascent and a 3-5 hour descent. It is recommended to climb the mountain between July and September. Then the weather is relatively mild and the mountain’s stunning clouds will be easier to navigate through.
Mount Ararat, Turkey
The larger peak of Mount Ararat (Armenian: Masis) seen from Yerevan, Armenia. Pic: Serouj Ourishian
Mount Ararat is a beautiful mountain with two peaks. It is mentioned in the Bible as the location where Noah landed his Ark. While this is a dormant volcano, with its last explosion in 1840, its magnificent height of 5137 metres and its snow-capped peaks make it a sight to see.
However, this is a climb for experienced hikers only. The total trip can take 5-8 days to complete. Crampons are also needed to tackle the snow and steep areas. This climb should not be taken lightly – ‘Ararat’ does translate to ‘Mountain of Pain’ after all!
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Located in the fertile lowlands of north-western Costa Rica, Arenal is the country’s most active volcano. With an abundance of lava, gas and ash being emitted, visitors are never left disappointed.
It’s prohibited to climb Arenal Volcano. However visitors flock here to admire its perfectly symmetrical shape and enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery of greenery, lakes and rivers.
While walking round the base of the volcano, you can pass through the rainforest and multiple old lava fields. Experience a true natural phenomenon!
This piece was brought to you by the experts at Property Turkey.
