volcanoes Archives

The ruins of Pompeii in Campania, Italy.

Pompeii Archaeological Park, Italy: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Parco Archeologico di Pompei in Pompeii, Campania, is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world — the buried Roman city that has been under excavation since 1748 and continues to yield extraordinary discoveries today. This guide was updated in…

The Funivio dell'Etna cable car at Mt Etna, Italy.

Funivia dell’Etna, Sicily: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Funivia dell'Etna is the only cable car on the southern flank of Mount Etna — Europe's highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lifts visitors from 1,923 metres to 2,500 metres above sea level on a spectacular 15-minute ascent from Rifugio…

Rangitoto Island as seen from Mt Victoria in Auckland.

Auckland to Rangitoto Island ferry: times, fares and how to book – plan your crossing

The Fullers360 ferry connects Pier 13 at Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal with Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island and scenic reserve approximately 8km northeast of the city. This guide covers departure times, ticket prices, how to reach the terminal, pest-free island rules, what to expect on…

The view from Mount Eden in Auckland, New Zealand.

Mount Eden, Auckland: Ticket prices, hours & volcanic cone visitor guide

See Auckland’s highest volcanic cone. My Mount Eden visitor guide covers access tips, walking trails, and breathtaking views of the city. When I first climbed Maungawhau — Mount Eden to most — what struck me wasn't the 360-degree views, though they're spectacular. It was the…

View of the obelisk on top of One Tree Hill, Auckland.

One Tree Hill, Auckland: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide

Planning a trip to One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)? Discover the best views in Auckland with my guide to ticket prices, hours, and summit tips. The first time I climbed One Tree Hill in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the Coast to Coast Walk, I…

Snorkelling in the Silfra Fissure, Iceland.

8 bucket list activities to pack into your Iceland trip

What Iceland does best is natural experiences you’ll not encounter anywhere else in the world. And here are eight of the most extraordinary. Snorkel the Silfra Fissure Once you’re in the water – and its temperature is only a smidge above freezing point – you…

Climbing volcanoes in Guatemala – Pacaya and Chicabal

Plan your ascent with this guide to climbing volcanoes in Guatemala. Examine the terrain of Pacaya and the crater lake at Chicabal. Booking a Guatemala volcano tour Head here for a guided climb of Volcan Pacaya and here for a trekking tour to Chicabal’s lake.…

The view on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Mt Doom, Emerald Lakes & the Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

On the North Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s best day walk – and you might recognise the volcanoes from Lord of the Rings. Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing The blackened, rough-sided rocks sprawled across the horizon make it pretty obvious that the…

The steps out of Vidgelmir, Iceland's lava cave.

Inside Vidgelmir – Iceland’s giant lava cave

In Iceland, tours head inside a giant tunnel cave carved out after a volcanic explosion. Darkness inside Vidgelmir “If you can see your hands in front of you, then I have bad news,” says the guide. “You are crazy.” We’re about 500 metres inside Vidgelmir,…

Crater San Fernando on Volcan Masaya, Nicaragua.

Exploring Volcan Masaya: A Top Managua Day Trip

Volcan Masaya offers thrilling day trips from Managua, showcasing its active craters and rich cultural history linked to Spanish colonists.