Europe is not only a cradle of history and culture, but also a continent with active and extinct volcanoes. Due to the movement of tectonic plates, both active and dormant volcanoes can be found in our region, which attract travelers with their impressive landscapes, geothermal phenomena and the opportunity to see the power of nature up close. Therefore, for those who want to see active volcanoes, we would suggest traveling to Italy or Iceland, although eruptions occur in the latter country almost every four years.
Italy – the kingdom of volcanoes
Italy is one of the most active volcanic areas in Europe, as it is located at the junction of the African and Eurasian plates. Volcanoes in Italy can be seen in the following places:
- Etna (Sicily Island) – it is the highest and one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. It constantly spews lava and ash, so visitors can observe volcanic activity up close.
- Vesuvius (Near Naples) – this volcano is famous for destroying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. Although it is now inactive, you can climb to its peak and admire the view of Naples. panoramaHowever, it is only a matter of time before it erupts again and poses a huge threat to the millions of people living in Naples.
- Phlegraean Fields (Campi Felgrei) – “burning fields” near Naples – a huge supervolcano complex located near Naples, hiding an active magma source underground. This is not a single volcano, but a vast area with numerous craters, fumaroles (steam and gas erupting from the depths) and hot springs. We can say that these fields are a small JAV A version of Yellowstone Park, under which lies a great danger for all of Europe.
- Stromboli (Liparo Archipelago, Sicily region) is one of the few volcanoes in the world that erupts almost continuously. At night, you can watch spectacular explosions of lava glowing.
- Volcano - this active volcano in Italy, existingIn the Lipari archipelago (Northern coast of Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea). It is considered one of the most dangerous in the volcanic region due to its active eruptions of fumaroles (steam and gas). Incidentally, it is from this volcano that the very word "volcano".
Iceland – the land of fire and ice
Iceland is famous for its unique landscapes, shaped by constant volcanic activity. Locals joke that they can measure time accurately because the volcanoes erupt every four years.
- fagradalsfjall – The volcano, which erupted in 2021, became a popular tourist destination because it was easily accessible and safe for observation.
- Hekla – one of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland, often called the "gates of hell".
- Eyjafjallajokull – this volcano became famous in 2010 when its eruption disrupted air traffic across Europe.
Spain – Canary Islands volcanoes next to the African continent
The Canary Islands are part of an active volcanic zone, so you can see both old and recently erupted volcanoes there.
- Teide (Tenerife) – is the highest point in Spain (3715 m) and the third largest volcanic mountain in the world (counting from the ocean floor). It is part of the Teide National Park, and its summit can be reached by cable car or on foot. The landscapes here are reminiscent of the Moon or Mars.
- Cumbre Vieja (La Palma) – This volcano became famous in 2021, when its eruption destroyed hundreds of buildings and covered much of the island with lava flows. Today, the area attracts visitors who want to see the lava fields and newly formed territory.
- Timanfaya (Lanzarote) – this island has a national park where you can see frozen lava, geothermal springs, and even a restaurant where food is cooked using natural volcanic heat.
Greece – a heritage of breathtaking historical events
- Santorini – this Greek island is the result of a giant eruption that occurred around 1600 BC. It is said that this eruption may have destroyed the legendary Atlantis. Not only was the island destroyed, but the islanders suffered the same fate as the city of Pompeii. Today, you can visit the island of Nea Kameni, where fumaroles and hot springs can still be seen. True, there was a mass exodus from the island tourists and residents, when a series of earthquakes began to shake the island in 2025. More than a month later, the Greek tourism minister assures that it will be safe to return to the island in the second week of March and that a volcanic eruption is not expected.
- Columbus (or Columbus) - this underwater volcano, existingabout 8 km northeast of Santorini island. It is one of the most active underwater volcanoes in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the same Aegean volcanic arc as the famous Santorini volcano. 2022 research showed that Magma levels are rising faster than thought, which may indicate that a new eruption is possible in the future.
- Kos Island – although there is no active volcano here, the island has many hot springs, which are associated with the Aegean volcanic arc.
Portugal – Volcanoes of the Azores and Madeira Islands
- Pico Volcano (Azores) – is the highest mountain in Portugal (2351 m) and an active volcano, which you can climb and admire the panorama of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Furna (San Miguel Island, Azores) – this area is famous for its hot springs and geysers.
France – Volcanoes of the Auvergne region
- The Puys Chain (Chaîne des Puys)Although these volcanoes are extinct, their conical landscape is unique and protected by UNESCO. This area is a great choice for hiking and nature exploration.
So Europe is a great place for volcano enthusiasts, with both active lava fountains and spectacular extinct craters to see. Whether you travel to Iceland, Italy, Spain, Greece or Portugal, each of these places offers a unique opportunity to experience the Earth's powerful forces up close.
