The Best Volcanoes to Visit Safely

Volcanoes have long captured the human imagination with their raw power and breathtaking beauty. While some are too dangerous to approach, others offer safe and awe-inspiring experiences for travelers. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, these carefully selected volcanoes provide the perfect blend of accessibility and wonder.

1. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous—and safest—volcanoes to visit. Though its eruption in 79 AD buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, today it is closely monitored, with well-maintained hiking trails leading to its crater. The panoramic views of the surrounding coastline make the climb well worth the effort.

2. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, USA

Home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, this park on the Big Island of Hawai’i offers a surreal landscape of lava fields, steam vents, and glowing calderas. The park’s trails and visitor centers ensure a safe experience, and if you’re lucky, you might witness molten lava flowing into the ocean under the night sky.

3. Pacaya, Guatemala

Pacaya is one of Central America’s most accessible active volcanoes. Guided tours lead visitors up its slopes, where they can roast marshmallows over volcanic vents and walk across recent lava flows. The moderate hike is suitable for most fitness levels, and the views of neighboring volcanoes and Lake Amatitlán are spectacular.

4. Mount Fuji, Japan

An iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano that attracts thousands of hikers each year. The official climbing season (July to September) ensures safe conditions, with well-marked trails and mountain huts for rest. At sunrise, the view from the summit is nothing short of magical.

5. Teide National Park, Spain

Spain’s Mount Teide, on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is the highest peak in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cable car takes visitors most of the way up, leaving only a short hike to the summit. The otherworldly volcanic landscape resembles something from a sci-fi film.

Traveling Safely to Volcanoes

While these volcanoes are considered safe for visitors, it’s always important to check local conditions, follow park regulations, and consider guided tours for the best experience. Nature’s power is humbling, and witnessing it firsthand is an unforgettable adventure—when done responsibly.

Would you dare to stand at the edge of a crater? These volcanoes offer the perfect opportunity to do just that—safely.