The top 22 volcanoes around the world

There are about 1,500 volcanoes in the world, but not all are the same. Here, we’ve gathered some of the most interesting ones. Known for their size, amazing views, or hiking trails, all our top 22 volcanoes give a fascinating look into the power of nature.

1. Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala

In the Antigua region of Guatemala, the impressive Acatenango volcano offers one of the best hikes in Central America. If you’re looking for an adventure that takes your breath away, climbing Acatenango is a must.

The hike to the summit is challenging, but it will leave you with unforgettable memories, like stunning views of lava flows and explosive eruptions.

Good weather will make your trip even better. Check out our guide to the best time to visit Guatemala for a comfortable travel experience.

2. Mount Fuji, Japan

With its perfect cone shape and snow-capped peak, Mount Fuji is Japan's most popular tourist attraction and one of the most famous volcanoes worldwide. It’s currently active but last erupted in 1707-1708, so it should be safe to climb, especially in the summer months. You might want to visit Japan during cherry blossom season when all the beautiful blooms are out.

3. Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland

In April 2010, Eyjafjallajökull, one of Iceland's famous volcanoes, caused major problems for the aviation industry. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, and thousands of travelers were stranded because of ash clouds. By October, the eruption was officially declared over, but there's no telling when it might happen again. In May 2011, a nearby volcano called Grímsvötn erupted too, so keep an eye on this area. As of 2023, there have been no big eruptions from Eyjafjallajökull, but Iceland is still a hotspot for volcanic activity.

4. Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawaii

Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa is the world's largest volcano. It's very active, with 33 eruptions since 1843. Neighboring Kilauea is smaller but just as lively. You can drive around the summit, as long as there are no active lava flows. In 2022, Mauna Loa erupted for the first time in 38 years, showing its potential power. Kilauea has also been active, with eruptions in 2021 and 2023.

5. Mount Etna, Italy

Sicily is home to Europe's tallest active volcano, Etna, near the city of Catania. Visitors can go to the steaming, smoking summit with a guide. Be warned that the temperature at the top drops a lot, so bring a few layers. Mount Etna erupted in February 2021, covering Catania in ash, proving it's one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It continued to erupt in 2022 and 2024, showing its constant geological activity.

6. Pico de Fogo, Cape Verde

“Fogo” in Portuguese means fire, which is a perfect name for an active volcano. People still live in the small village of Cha das Calderas, located inside the 9km-wide caldera. They have to leave whenever the volcano is about to erupt. The last eruption happened in 2014-2015, causing a lot of damage and forcing the villagers to evacuate.

7. Pacaya, Guatemala

Pacaya is a popular spot for tourists, standing tall above Guatemala’s major city, Antigua. Visitors can often see lava here. The climb to the top is a bit challenging, but the views are amazing, making it one of the top volcanoes to visit. Pacaya is still active, with frequent eruptions. The latest significant activity was in 2021, providing a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for visitors.

8. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

Mount Vesuvius is one of Italy's most famous volcanoes. Known to be very dangerous, it has a dramatic history. In 79 AD, it completely destroyed the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1906, new lava flows killed 218 people. Another eruption in 1944 destroyed nearby towns. Today, visitors can hike to the top and look into the now calm-looking caldera. However, looks can be deceiving. Although currently dormant, Vesuvius is closely watched because it could still pose a threat to the crowded areas around it.

9. Villarrica, Chile

Villarrica is a place where you can ski in the winter and climb in the summer. It's one of Chile's most active volcanoes. Reaching the top is challenging, but the view of the sparkling lakes—Calafquen, Panguipulli, and Pelleufa—is unforgettable. Villarrica is closely watched because it erupts often, making it a popular spot for adventure seekers and scientists. It's one of the most popular volcanoes in the world.

10. Shishaldin, Alaska

Shishaldin is a stunning volcano covered in ice and snow, standing out in the remote Alaskan landscape. It's not very active and mostly attracts local climbers who often ski back down. Recently, it has shown some increased activity, catching the interest of scientists. However, it's still a tough climb meant for experienced adventurers. Shishaldin offers a unique climbing experience.

11. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo is a spectacular volcano overlooking the desolate Sea of Sand. At sunrise or sunset, you might see the amazing red smoke phenomenon, where sunlight makes the smoke look blood-red. Recent improvements have made it easier for visitors to access Mount Bromo and enjoy its breathtaking views and unique natural phenomena. It's a famous volcano that attracts tourists from all over the world.

12. Stromboli, Sicily

Stromboli is a small island near Italy, but it's famous for its big, active volcano. Saying it's "active" is an understatement because it's been erupting for 2000 years! This constant activity has earned it the nickname "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean." Watching its fiery explosions at night is especially amazing. Recent reports say Stromboli is still one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with regular eruptions that you can safely watch from a distance.

13. Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

Mount Ruapehu is the tallest mountain on New Zealand's North Island and was a beautiful setting for the Lord of the Rings movies. Besides being home to mythical creatures like orcs and hobbits, the volcano also has two ski hills. The ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa, are still open, offering a unique experience for winter sports fans on an active volcano.

14. Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi is a famous volcano south of Quito in the Andes mountains. It's a must-see in Ecuador. Its cone shape attracts climbers who use ice axes, crampons, and ropes to reach the top, while also dealing with high altitude. You might even spot a high-altitude hummingbird up there. Cotopaxi is still a popular climbing spot in Ecuador, known for its beautiful views and challenging climbs.

Good weather is important for climbing and exploring. To make the most of your trip, check out our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador. Recent climate patterns suggest that the dry season, from June to September, is the best time for climbing and exploring.

15. Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Isabela is the name of a Galapagos Island that has not one but six interesting volcanoes: Sierra Negra, Alcedo (pictured), Cerro Azul, Wolf, Darwin, and Ecuador (Ecuador is not active). Their calderas are home to wild tortoises – let’s hope they can move away from the lava flows quickly. This island is home to some of the most popular volcanoes in the world.

16. Mount Mayon, Philippines

Mount Mayon is a classic cone-shaped volcano on the Philippine island of Luzon. Recently, it has been acting "unusual" by puffing out fumes and showing a glowing crater. Locals are on high alert, which is wise, as on May 7, 2013, seven people (four of them foreign visitors) were killed while climbing it. If you're looking to explore more, read up on the guide to the best islands in the Philippines. Mount Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

17. Krakatoa, Indonesia

If you had been in Perth, Western Australia, on August 26–27, 1883, you would’ve heard the massive explosion of Gunung Krakatoa. It was so powerful that the noise traveled all the way from Indonesia. It is recorded as the most violent volcanic explosion in modern history. Krakatoa Island is also home to smaller Anak Krakatoa, which started erupting in 2008. The latest significant eruption was in 2018, which was huge, triggering a tsunami that killed at least 426 people – the deadliest volcanic eruption in the 21st century. As of 2023, Anak Krakatoa continues to be active, with frequent eruptions, reminding us of its volatile nature. Krakatoa remains one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.

18. Agung, Indonesia

Bali's Gunung Agung has a very deep and large crater, even though from a distance, the summit looks neat and cone-like. An eruption happened in 1963–1964, which sadly killed over 1,500 people. More recently, at the end of 2017, Agung erupted five times, causing many people to evacuate and disrupting air travel. Today, the mountain offers a challenging and beautiful trek. In 2019, Agung continued to show activity with several eruptions, reminding everyone of its ongoing volcanic threat. This makes it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

19. Poás, Costa Rica

Poás is a visually interesting volcano with a bubbling sulphuric pool, exploding geysers, and a beautiful blue-green lake around the main crater. It’s a great day trip from San José for those who want to explore the surrounding forests and exciting wildlife, as well as experience the strong sulphuric smells. In 2019, Poás National Park reopened to the public after being closed for 16 months due to volcanic activity, with new safety measures to protect visitors.

20. Mount St Helens, Washington

Mount St Helens is known for the most catastrophic eruption in the US. In 1980, the side of the mountain exploded, destroying miles of timberland, towns, highways, and bridges, and killing over 50 people. Steam still rises from the ice-covered crater rim, a reminder of its potential power and ongoing activity. Recently, the area around Mount St Helens has become popular for hiking and scientific study, as researchers keep an eye on its volcanic activity. This makes it one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.

21. Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

The last volcano on our list is Mount Yasur on Tanna Island. Here, you can get very close to the fiery insides. Watching the magma bubble and pop deep within the earth is both exciting and scary. Being that close can be dangerous, as tourists have learned over the years: flying debris and intense heat can be deadly.

22. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

Climbing the majestic, forested Mount Rinjani (3726m) and seeing the stunning Danau Segara Anak crater lake is the most challenging and rewarding trek on Lombok. Most climbs start from Senaru or Sembalun Lawang on the northern slopes. However, two new starting points have opened at Aik Berik, near Benang Stokel waterfall, and Timbanuh, both on the southern slopes. Please note that as of 2023, access may be restricted due to environmental conservation efforts and volcanic activity, so it's important to check current conditions and regulations before planning your trek.