5 Places to Visit if You Want to See an Active Volcano

Some people go on vacation for the beaches. Some go for the food. And then there are the folks who look at a map and think, Where can I safely get a little too close to a river of molten rock?

If that’s your vibe, welcome. Let’s take a look at five places where volcanoes are not only still active, but totally visitable. Think of it as thrill-seeking with a side of geology.

Mount Etna: Sicily, Italy

Mount Etna has been erupting off and on for about half a million years. Which means if volcanoes had résumés, this one’s would be stacked.

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Etna is Europe’s most active volcano, and one of the most accessible. You can take a cable car partway up, then hop in a rugged vehicle to reach the upper craters. Or, if you’re feeling brave and have solid boots, there are guided hikes that’ll get you up close to the best views. Steam vents, hardened lava fields, and incredible scenes that are somehow both beautiful and slightly terrifying? Check, check, and check.

And yes, it’s still active! Small eruptions happen regularly. You might even see ash puffing out of the summit while sipping espresso down in Catania.

Kīlauea: Big Island, Hawaii

Kīlauea is iconic, powerful, and constantly putting on a show.

Located inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea has been one of the most active volcanoes on Earth for decades. Some years, it takes a break. Other times, it spills lava like it’s on a mission. You can see steam rising from the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and, when conditions are just right, glimpses of glowing lava.

The park has well-maintained trails, drive-up viewpoints, and ranger programs. Just don’t expect to walk right up to flowing lava. The surrounding area is full of lava tubes, crater walks, and other reminders that the ground here means business.

Pacaya: Guatemala

Pacaya is active, approachable, and dramatic in the best possible way.

Located about an hour outside Guatemala City, Pacaya has been puffing, burping, and occasionally flowing since the ’60s. It’s a popular day hike thanks to its moderate trails and epic summit views. On a good day, you can roast marshmallows over warm lava rocks! Lava flows come and go, but the steam vents and glowing spots tend to stick around.

Remember, Always go with a guide. They know where not to step.

Mount Yasur: Tanna Island, Vanuatu

This one’s not just active—it’s dramatic. Mount Yasur is basically yelling 24/7.

It’s one of the few volcanoes in the world where you can stand on the rim and watch magma erupt into the sky. It’s like fireworks, but from the center of the Earth. The ground shakes, the air rumbles, and the sky flickers red. It’s loud, chaotic, and unforgettable.

Visitors can reach the summit by 4×4 and a short hike. Tours are usually at sunset or after dark, when the lava glow turns the crater into something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s as close as you’ll probably ever want to get to the Earth’s molten temper tantrum.

Just be prepared: this is a really remote location!

Mount Stromboli: Aeolian Islands, Italy

Back to Italy! Because when it comes to stylish, photogenic volcanoes that can’t stop erupting, Italy knows what it’s doing.

Mount Stromboli, nicknamed the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” has been erupting pretty much nonstop for the last 2,000 years. It’s a small island volcano that punches above its weight when it comes to spectacle. Bursts of lava shoot into the night sky on a regular basis, and you can watch from safe viewing points near the summit or from boats offshore.

You’ll need a guide if you want to hike to the top, and it’s not a beginner-level climb. But what an incredible story for dinner parties! “I hiked an erupting volcano” – yes!

Ready to Travel?

These places are wild and unforgettable, and they’re unpredictable. Always check the latest safety advisories before you go – follow the rules, book with licensed guides, and respect the fact that you’re visiting a literal fire-breathing mountain.

Have you had the chance to see a volcano? Share your stories and tips with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

Originally from Indiana, Heather believes every destination has a story worth telling and a reason to visit. With a deep love of adventure, history, and psychology, she shares travel trivia, tips, and inspiration to encourage you to explore the world with curiosity and optimism. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Piermanuele Sberni on Unsplash