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When a mountain rises from the sea floor, an island is formed. This usually happens when there’s volcanic activity. The lava from the sea floor erupts and builds upon the sea bed. Over the course of a thousand years, it will keep piling up until it gets so high and breaks through the surface of the water.
Many islands were formed this way, including all of Hawaii and many South East Asian countries. Many of these volcano islands usually still have active volcanoes. And while the volcanoes may be dangerous, it doesn’t make them any less stunning and majestic.
Below we list down 10 of the most stunning volcano islands around the world, and why you need to see them.
1. Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines
Mt. Mayon forms a symmetrical cone. It’s your classic volcano. This is an active volcano that last erupted in 2013. It spit ash and rock and clouds formed 500 meters from the peak. While very dangerous, it’s still one of the loveliest volcanoes in the world. Adventurers will no doubt appreciate the perfect cone. As long as it’s not in the middle of an eruption, Mt. Mayon can be visited all year round.
2. Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Japan
One cannot talk of visiting Japan without mentioning Mount Fuji. The active volcano is also beautifully symmetrical. And for a few months each year, the summit is covered in snow, adding to the picturesque look. Routes to the summit, like Kawaguchiko, even has huts where climbers can stay and rest. The more scenic Yoshida route, meanwhile, has old shrines and tea houses. The best time to climb Mount Fuji is between July and August.
3. Mauna Loa, Hawaii
The island of Hawaii was actually formed by 5 volcanoes that erupted in close proximity to each other. Eventually the land merged together and became what it is today. Mauna Loa, in Hawaii, has the distinction of being the biggest volcano on Earth. It’s the most awesome way to experience volcanic power.
4. The Maelifell Volcano, Iceland
This is a volcano situated at the edge of a glacier. Covered with moss, the Maelifell has a green surface and a perfect cone and makes for one rather surreal landscape. Going in late June is best as the snow has already melted and the roads are dry.
5. Etna, Catania, Sicily, Italy
Easily Europe’s most popular volcano, Etna is still active and spitting fire, ash and lava. It’s a beautiful volcano with hundreds of craters and even a waterfall created by lava. A trek to the summit will take a whole day and best done during the months of April to November.
6. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Located at the Kilimanjaro National Park, this volcano is popular to climbers as it’s not very difficult to climb. It’s Africa’s highest mountain. If you’re up for the adventure, then pack your bags and go during the dry season between June and October
7. Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, East Java, Indonesia
These two volcanoes are located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. They’re also both very much active. Semeru constantly expels smoke. Bromo fumes. They’re like being in a different planet.
8. Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Of the Aeolian Islands (off the coast of mainland Italy), Stromboli is the most dramatic. This is because the entire island is actually an ancient and active volcano. It rises spectacularly from the Mediterranean and has attracted tourists, film makers and style jet setters. Small settlements have already sprung along the coast. Tourists have been known to toast the lava spurts with sweet local wine. Stromboli has been dubbed the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” and even gave birth to the term “strombolian”.
9. Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro National Park is actually a World Heritage Park and home to 3 active volcanoes. The landscape is desert-like but the area does get regular snowfalls during winter. It also gets most of the ski fields in the North Island. Of the three volcanoes situated here, Mt Ruapehu is the largest and last erupted in 1996. Mt Ngauruhoe is conical and famous for a one-day trek called the Tongariro Crossing.
10. Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is home to many ancient volcanoes. In Tenerife, you can find Mount Teide. It’s Spain’s tallest mountain and the third highest volcano in the world. Here you can also find the Cañadas del Teide, calderas formed by the collapsing land after the volcano erupted. This makes the landscape one of the most unique in the world, almost looking like the surface of the moon.
Volcanoes are one of nature’s most majestic creations. It would be a waste not to see at least one of the many beautiful ones on this list. Just make sure you check with the locals that they’re perfectly safe when you go.
