10 Most Active Volcanoes In The World

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Kīlauea (Hawaiʻi, USA)

Kīlauea, on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, features persistent lava flows and Halemaʻumaʻu lava-lake activity; visitors watch safe viewing points, interpretive centres and frequent glow at night from designated overlooks for safety reasons.

Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi | crystal_mermaid_creations/instagram

Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy)

Mount Etna, Sicily’s active stratovolcano, erupts frequently with lava flows and ash; safe guided excursions, cable-cars and summit restrictions vary with alert levels — experienced guides required for visitor safety reasons.

A view of Mount Etna | headout/instagram

Stromboli (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Stromboli’s continual Strombolian explosions light the Sciara del Fuoco; frequent small blasts, nighttime glow and boat-viewing offer dramatic spectacles under strict exclusion zones and authorised guided tours only.

Stromboli in Aeolian Islands | therealdvf/instagram

Mount Merapi (Java, Indonesia)

Mount Merapi on Java is Indonesia’s most active volcano with frequent dome growth, lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows; follow BPPTKG alerts, view from safe perimeters and guided vantage points only.

Active Mount Merapi | fiklifetrip/instagram

Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

Sakurajima near Kagoshima regularly emits ash plumes and pyroclastic activity; local observatories issue warnings, and visitors can observe from viewing platforms or ferry viewpoints during low alerts with trained guides.

Sakurajima at Kagoshima | mexicoguide/instagram

Popocatépetl (Mexico)

Popocatépetl towers over the Mexico City region with frequent ash emissions, explosions and gas; CENAPRED issues alerts, and observation from safe distances or authorised viewpoints is recommended during heightened activity periods.

Popocatépetl of Mexico | mexicoguide/instagram

Mount Nyiragongo (DRC)

Mount Nyiragongo holds an active, long-lived lava lake; its 2021 flank flows underline hazards. Observe from Goma outskirts, follow authorities' evacuation plans and avoid valley approaches unless accompanied by guides.

Mount Nyiragongo | whitneyformt/instagram

Taal (Luzon, Philippines)

Taal in the Philippines alternates between phreatic and magmatic activity, producing gas plumes and lake disturbances; PHIVOLCS issues warnings and restricts boat access during elevated alert levels for public safety.

Taal in Luzon | trevisoauthor/instagram

Mount Semeru (Java, Indonesia)

Mount Semeru features frequent dome activity, ash plumes and pyroclastic events; PVMBG issues advisories, trekkers should avoid summit approaches and use local guides during periods of unrest.

A shot of Mount Semeru | kevinnyunphoto/instagram

Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu)

Yasur on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, erupts strombolianly almost continuously, offering accessible viewing platforms; follow VMGD restrictions, maintain designated distances and visit with authorised guides only for safety and cultural respect.

A view of Mount Yasur | vanuatuconnect/instagram

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