To see and visit a volcano is a truly wonderful and rare opportunity. But to also be able to visit a city, get some culture and other urban facilities – is just mind boggling. It is hard to believe how many great, hip cities are built around active volcanoes! See our list of this amazing combo where civilization meets unspoiled nature.
10. Licancabur, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
The small town is surrounded with the world’s driest desert and mountainous landscape. NASA has tested its Mars Rovers in the outlandish looking Valle de la Luna. Licancabur’s gorgeous symmetrical cone is seen from the city: the volcano is active, sometimes producing lava flows.
Why to go there?
The nature is indeed worth exploring here. Various tourist destinations can be found: among the mentioned above Laguna Verde – an impressive lake – lies nearby.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Sylvie Monharoul
Photo by madras91
Photo by Unknown
9. Popocatépetl, Mexico City, Mexico
Also known as the Smoking Mountain, the volcano is situated only 73 km from the capital and sometimes can be seen from here. Despite the fact that it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country, there are various monasteries built on its slopes.
Why to go there?
Tourists usually take a one day tour from Mexico City to this beautiful, culturally and historically significant mountain.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Cristobal Garciaferro Rubio
Photo by Cristobal Garciaferro Rubio
8. Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Portland, Oregon, USA
The stratovolcanoes can be seen from anywhere in the city on a clear day. While Mount Hood is dormant, Mount St. Helens is an active volcano. The citizens are familiar with its ash explosions and pyroclastic flows. The last one took place in 2008. It also holds a record for the most disastrous eruption in the US in 1980.
Why to go there?
Portland is famous for the natural surroundings, mountains, cultural scene and parks within the city.
Photo by David Gn
Photo by Unknown
Photo by David Gn
7. Nea Kameni, Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the the most desirable vacation destination in Europe. The whole island group is a submerged caldera with Nea Kameni in the middle of it. The uninhabited island is active and last time erupted in 1950.
Why to go there?
Have the best holiday in Santorini. Meanwhile visit Nea Kameni and climb to its 130 m high crater.
Photo by Fanis Fphotography
Photo by Dimitris Koutsoulaftis
Photo by Bruce Aspley
6. Rangitoto, Auckland, New Zealand
Rangitoto Island was created only 600 years ago after series of eruptions! It is clearly visible from Auckland and beautifully supplements its panorama. It is also one of the most favorite tourist destinations: the island features great hiking trails and more than 200 species of plants.
Why to go there?
Auckland is a hip city, while Rangitoto is geologically very interesting place, providing numerous activities.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Evgeniy Khomenko
5. Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii
The most famous example of a tuff cone, Diamond Head on a Waikiki beach can be seen from the Hawaiian capital. The volcanic island group still counts numerous eruptions, but this one is not active for about 150 000 years now. It is loved by the hikers – from its rim a wonderful panoramic views open.
Why to go there?
It is always a good idea to visit Hawaii. Diamond Head provides great hikes and views.
Photo by Roger Estelle
Photo by KardanPhotography
Photo by Boyd Brooks
4. Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Italy
This might be the most famous European volcano, known for a total destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum – the Roman cities – in AD 79. Today it is a favorite tourist destination: although the volcano is active, it only produces steam and is considered safe to visit.
Why to go there?
Historically significant place, surrounded with impeccable Italian nature, villages and towns.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
3. Mount Rainier, Seattle, USA
Active volcano is definitely an icon of the city. Its snowy peak can be clearly seen in the city and dominates all the panoramic pictures of Seattle. Mt. Rainier is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth. Adventurers love the challenge to climb it, although it is very difficult due to the huge glaciers.
Why to go there?
Visit Seattle and its unspoiled nature, that is easily accessible from the city. It is a desirable peak for professional climbers.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Protik Hossain
Photo by Thatcher Photography
2. Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Japan
An active volcano lies 100 km from the capital, is the highest and culturally most important site in the country. It is a wholly mountain, that has been inspiring artists for centuries. Tourists love to climb Fuji along with the pilgrims: approximately 300 000 people climb it every year.
Why to go there?
Culturally a significant site, providing beautiful views and activities. Paragliding center offers exciting flights from Fuji.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Anish Adhikari
Photo by Boris Ulzibat
1. Etna, Catania, Sicily, Italy
It is the tallest active volcano in Europe and also one of the most beautiful. It can be seen from the historic city of Catania, that once was an important flourishing cultural center. Etna is known to spit smoke rings and ashes, that create a fertile soil, but also can cause a lot of damage to the citizens.
Why to go there?
Various activities include visiting some of the 400 craters, taking an adventure tour to a waterfall created by lava, speleological tours and climbing Etna. Catania is also a nice place to visit.
Photo by Mario Fagone
Photo by Vincenzo Grasso
No comments:
Post a Comment