By Paul Oswell
Virtually all islands were volcanoes at some point and many exotic locations still have smouldering craters at their centres. Here's our round up of exotic locales where you can (safely!) get up close and personal to a real volcano.
Why go? Keen-eyed film buffs may instantly recognise Mount
Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North
Island - it doubled as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
One of the only snow-capped peaks on the island, Ruapehu is one of the holiest
sights for the Maoris, and given its beauty - plumes of smoke often snaking
up from the crater and glaciers trailing down its sides - you can see why. The
volcano last erupted in 1995, but it's mostly peaceful and stands in the outstanding
natural landscape of the Tongariro National Park - easily reachable by train
or bus from Auckland or Wellington. If you're a fan of skiing, winter sees the
park turn into one of the country's best ski resorts.
Top tip: In summer, take the Tongariro Crossing through the park and past Ruapehu - one of the most spectacular hikes in the world.
Why go? Although ten percent of the world's active volcanoes
are in Japan, the dormant Mount Fuji is probably one of the world's most iconic,
its near-perfect symmetry inspiring artists and poets for centuries. Japan's
highest peak has been silent now for 300 years, and remains a revered place
of pilgrimage for thousands of visitors annually. You don't have to be an expert
climber to appreciate Fuji - you can take in the best views with a guided tour
of the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) area at the northern foot, which has its own
hot springs for a relaxing bath after some hiking. Day excursions and three
night tours from Tokyo are available, and Fuji is a highlight on the extended
historical tours of Japan.
Top tip: Mount Fuji is only officially open for climbing in
July and August, but the colder months offer much better visibility
Why go?If it's natural drama you're looking for, the Arenal
volcano is in the world's top ten for activity. Almost continually active, visitors
to the Arenal National Park can be rewarded with some of nature's most stunning
displays, with towering ash columns and molten rocks crashing down the slopes.
Of course, guided tours will keep you safely behind the perimeter fences and
it is one of the few places on earth where it's possible to see such regular
lava flows, crumbling scorched rock and eruptions so close up, but without any
danger. There are several hiking trails around the park, including rafting and
horseback opportunities, as well as natural hot springs. The high-altitude canopy
tour is also a popular way to get some of the most rewarding views.
Top tip: The most dramatic views can be seen at night, when
the glowing lava stands out bright orange against the night skies.
Why go? Actually, this is probably the ONLY destination for a drive-in volcano - as far as we know, there aren't any others! The sulphur fields of La Soufriere make for a fascinating day trip, with your guide driving up to within yards of the bubbling pools before taking you around the park on foot to truly appreciate this unusual phenomenon. The sulphur springs have not erupted for over 300 years, but viewing the crater is still done from a safe distance, and some of the hotter pools show off spectacular colour formations as the various minerals heat up to immensely hot temperatures. Your day trip should also take in the black sand beaches of Anse Chastanet and views of the famous St Lucia pitons.
Top tip: Some of the pools are said to have therapeutic qualities, so take your bathing costume.
Best for: Bragging rights - Reunion
Why go? This island in the Indian
Ocean is one of the world's best kept secrets, and only the French really
go in any number. However, it's worth seeking out - as opposed to its tropical
neighbour Mauritius,
it is much more than incredible beaches. The inland is a dramatic, volcanic
peak, still active, with lava flows trailing safely down the uninhabited south
east tip of the island. In the centre, La Fournais - The Furnace - smoulders
gently, and you can follow the hairpin bends and guided trails up and around
some incredible lunar-looking landscapes.
Top tip: La Fournais gets obscured by cloud for most of the day, so it's worth a particularly early start if you want to see the peak at its best
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Paul Oswell is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for The Daily Mail, Travelmail.co.uk and Luxury Travel Magazine