Volcanoes are among one of the most beautiful natural wonders known to our planet, as well as one of the most destructive and dangerous.

by Lucianne

Volcanoes are among one of the most beautiful natural wonders known to our planet, as well as one of the most destructive and dangerous. A volcano is created when the edges of two tectonic plates push up against each other and rise up above the surface, forming a cone-shaped structure. When a volcano erupts, a substance called magma rises up from the volcanic chamber and through the mouth of the volcano, spilling out over the sides as the fiery red liquid known as lava. There is so much to do on a volcanic site, from hiking to climbing, rafting in the springs and so much more. Read on to discover the top 7 volcanic destinations. Remember to place your vote in the competition!

Reunion Island (Piton de la Fournaise volcano)

The Piton de la Fournaise volcano, translated as ‘Peak of the Furnace’, is situated onReunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world! The Reunion National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike up the side of this volcano, or the Plaine des Sables and Pas de Bellecombe mountain passes. With the scorched terrain displaying stunning hues of orange and brown, shaped by previous eruptions, this volcanic site provides the one of the most interesting adventures that you can imagine.

Is the Piton de la Fournaise volcano your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Italy (Mount Etna)

On the east coast of Sicily in Italy lies the tallest active volcano in the European continent, Mount Etna. Standing at 3, 329 metres high and covering 1,190 kilometres, this majestic stratovolcano is an amazing sight to behold. It has incredibly fertile soil surrounding it, with orchards and vineyards decorating its slopes. As according to Greek Mythology, the monster Typhon was trapped under the mountain by the king of Gods and thunder, Zeus. It is no wonder that this site is a UNESCO world heritage site – take the tour to the waterfall or climb Mount Etna.

Is Mount Etna your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Tanzania (Mount Kilimanjaro)

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is home to three volcanic cones and at 4,877 metres tall is the highest mountain in the African continent. As part of the National Park that surrounds it, the mountain and its surrounds are a great place to go climbing or hiking.

Is Mount Kilimanjaro your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Japan (Mount Fuji)

Situated 100 kilometres south-west of Tokyo in Japan, Mount Fuji is one of the go-to places if you visit Japan.  It is one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains and is a popular pilgrimage site. Depicted in many works of art, it is the icon of Japan. Climbing the 3,776 metres of the volcano can take around 2 to 3 hours.

Is Mount Fuji your favourite volcano site? Vote in the competition!

Philippines (Mayon Volcano)

With its perfect shape due to the symmetrical structure of the cone, the Mayon Volcanois an active volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Folklore tells a story of the volcano being named after the heroine Daragang Magayon, or ‘beautiful lady’. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and the national park that surrounds it provides many wonderful hiking opportunities.

Is the Mayon Volcano your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Costa Rica (Arenal Volcano)

The Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is a young volcano, as it is younger than 7,500 years old. Towering above the earth at 1,633 metres, Arenal was dormant for hundreds of years until 1968 when it erupted suddenly, creating three more craters. The last eruption was in December 2010. As it overlooks a lake, besides hiking the volcano, you can go rafting or swim in the hot springs.

Is the Arenal Volcano your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Iceland (Maelifell Volcano)

Perching on the edge of the Myrdalsjokul glacier, the Maelifell Volcano makes the perfect photograph for your travel collection; it is covered in a layer of bright green moss that grows on cooled lava. You can visit the popular hot springs that are located on the volcanic site.

Is Maelifell Volcano your favourite volcanic site? Vote in the competition!

Which of these stunning volcanic destinations is your favourite? Take part in the competition and place your vote and win some great prizes! Let us know what you think by commenting below and don’t forget to share your pictures with other WAYN users!