4 Volcanoes Safe to Visit

The idea of molten lava erupting from deep inside the earth holds a fascination for all ages. Their terrible force has destroyed entire regions and, most famously, entombed the city of Pompeii for centuries in solid stone. Active volcanoes still spew molten lava or clouds of steam, and, yes, some of these are safe to visit. Here are some to consider for your family travels:

In Hawai’i, 4,091-foot Kīlauea sprang from below the sea more than 200,000 years ago and continues in spectacular eruptions that can be seen at night from Crater Rim Trail; Kilauea Overlook; and Keanakakoi Crater, the closest viewpoint. The view from Uwekahuna Bluff is also excellent, but involves a half-mile walk in the dark and therefore is not the best experience with small children. The entire area, however, shows the results of past lava flows in its dramatic expanses of twisted stone formations

The Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica has not been active since 2010, but a trip there is worthwhile to see the many effects of its previous geothermal activity and plumes of ash that still rise from its almost perfect cone. The area abounds in hot springs and steam vents showing the power of thermal forces that remain, and tours are filled with interesting information about the effects of the volcano on the ecosystem. The popular Lava Flow Trail takes about two hours, with excellent views across the old lava fields. The longer (2.5–three hours) Hanging Bridges Trail goes through the rainforest canopy, with opportunities to spot wildlife.

Europe’s most active volcano is Mt. Etna, on Italy’s island of Sicily. Its constantly smoking cone dominates the landscape, and signs of its recent activity are everywhere. More than 250 volcanic vents are around its slopes. While it’s too dangerous to get too close to its continually active crater, you can ascend the mountain by car or cable car to walk in its ragged and other-worldly landscape. Staying in Taormina, you can watch Etna’s pyrotechnics at night from across the bay.

Not nearly as well-known, but perhaps the best volcano experience for younger children, is Timanfaya, on Lanzarote, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. Signs of past volcanic activity are everywhere, the result of violent eruptions in the 1700s that turned the once-green island into a barren moonscape.

You’ll see the results everywhere, but the highlight is at Islet Hilario, in Timanfaya National Park, where the magma is still close to the surface. Demonstrations by park rangers show both the power and heat that still churns below. A pile of dry brush ignites on the ground, and water poured into a vent explodes back out in a geyser. Cap the experience at the restaurant with lunch of chicken barbecued over the volcano’s heat.