Volcano Tourism - Adding a bit of Drama to your Holiday

Delays courtesy of Iceland, not France

If you were caught up in the chaos that followed the eruption of Iceland's infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano back in 2010 then you may not be too keen on the V word. That such a natural phenomenon could disrupt flights to a level even French Air Traffic Controllers could only envy was admittedly impressive. However, if it has piqued your curiosity to visit one, read on. 

Mt Puu-oo in Hawaii gets lively

What exactly is the appeal of getting up close and personal with an active volcano? It generally involves a strenuous and steep climb, you are immersed in an aroma of rotten eggs from sulphurous emissions and it could erupt sending rock and 1,000C lava your way. Not the components of most dream holidays. But, it is an exciting and unique experience to break up the monotony of the pool and all those cocktails.

Mt Tiede - no eruptions since 1909

So for a taste of Volcano life, where should you go? Iceland is an obvious choice but not an ideal summer destination unless you find the UK weather stiflingly hot. In Europe, the Canary Islands have their share of Volcanic peaks including Mt Tiede on Tenerife at an impressive height of 3,718m which means it gets cold on top and is snow-capped in the winter. It is active although the last eruption was in 1909 which is probably a relief for the Cable Car operator which can take you most of the way to the top with minimal effort.

Mt Etna letting rip

Probably Europe's most well known (and easiest to spell) Volcano is 3,328m Mt Etna on Sicily. This is one of the more active you will find and there is a good infrastructure in place for day trippers to see Etna when it is in a good mood. It is popular and a combination of Cable Car, 4x4 and guided walks are possible in between eruptions (the last was in December 2015.

Mt Arenal - all quiet since 2010

  

If you are serious about your volcanoes then you have to visit somewhere on the Pacific Ring of Fire. As the name suggests, this is the most active belt. Ecuador and Hawaii are top volcano spots as is Costa Rica which features volcano climbs amongst its many active tourist pursuits not to mention Pacific and Caribbean coastlines for post volcano relaxation. Mt Arenal (once the most active in Costa Rica but dormant since 2010), Mt Poas and Mt Irazu are amongst the most popular for guided trips of varying difficulty through the rain and cloud forests.

Lava-ly Java-ly on Mt Bromo

Across the Pacific and Indonesia is perhaps the best place for a full on experience. Home to more active Volcanoes than anywhere else. The trips are more challenging here often involving overnight camping and infrastructure is more basic but the rewards are accordingly magnified. Mt Bromo (last eruption in November 2015) in Java at 2,629m is one of the most popular trips from nearby Surabaya. It can be combined with a stay on Bali a short flight away.






On the other side of Bali is the far less developed island of Lombok with empty beaches and high standard accommodation. It is also home to 3,726m Mt Rinjani (last eruption October 2015) which is a challenging but spectacular journey with a stunning cobalt blue crater lake at the top. A trip here can be combined with the beach resorts, offshore Gili islands or Bali, a short flight away. Pristine coral reefs and Komodo island are other attractions in this region.


PRACTICALITIES AND GETTING THERE: 
Trips to visit any of these Volcanoes can be arranged in advance or on arrival in an area. Local advice should always be followed to make sure it is safe to visit and a guide is essential for any excursions away from recognised tourist infrastructure. There is of course an App that will keep you updated with volcanic activity: Volcano App.

Tenerife: visit any time of the year 

Tenerife for Mt Teide: 
FLY from across the UK to Tenerife North or South with Monarch, EasyJet or BA. 
STAY in Costa Adeje or Puerto de la Cruz for best hotels and beaches.  
IDEAL anytime; Tenerife has a year round climate

Sicily: the food's not bad either

Sicily for Mt Etna:
FLY to Catania (BA, EasyJet) or Palermo (EasyJet, Ryanair)
STAY in Taormina for the beach or historic Catania or Palermo for city life.
IDEAL most of the year outside European winter time

Costa Rica: Which sea to choose?

Costa Rica for Mts Arenal, Poas, Irazu and many more:

FLY direct to San Jose with British Airways or Liberia with Thomson, both from Gatwick
STAY on Caribbean (for swimming) or Pacific (for surfing) coasts or both - it's a 3 hour to drive across the country. Stay inland for national parks - wildlife and volcanoes.
IDEAL in the dry season from December-April. Avoid wettest months of September and October  

Lombok: A busy day on Gili T

Indonesia: Java for Mt Bromo, Lombok for Mt Rinjani:
FLY to Bali or Lombok via Jakarta with Garuda or via Singapore with Singapore Airlines, both from Heathrow. Flights from Bali to Surabaya and Lombok with Garuda.
STAY in Bali or Lombok for best hotels and beaches. Also Twin centre and Singapore stopovers. Laid back style in Gili islands and basic live aboard boat options for Komodo. 
IDEAL in dry season from April-September. Lombok is best avoided between disruptively wet December-February.


Contact me for a tailor made package to visit any of these locations. Or anywhere else for that matter. For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
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Remember, the World revolves around you!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
12 February 2016