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Rosaly Lopes has written 9 reviews in 5 countries.
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Volcanoes in Kilauea, United States
If you want to see an active volcano safely and easily, this is currently one of the top choices. I say currently because nobody knows how long this eruption will last. It started in 1983 and, with luck, will go on for a few more years. Kilauea is the best place in the world to see Hawaiian type eruptions, which are generally safe to watch as long as you follow some common sense rules (see Chapter 4 in The Volcano Adventure Guide). Lava flows in tubes from the main vent down to the ocean, and seeing the lava enter the ocean, particularly at night, is a wonderful sight. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tries hard to make eruption viewing safe for visitors. There is currently a trail over rough lava that guides you to the ocean entry site, and beacons that help you to find your way back at night. Best time of year: almost any. Be aware that it can be very wet (Kilauea is on the 'wet' |
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Volcanoes in Aeolian Islands, Italy
The tiny island of Stromboli is the place to go if you want to be sure you will see volcanic fireworks. Stromboli has been doing its show for over 2,000 years, with few intermissions. This volcanic island named a type of eruption, Strombolian, characterized by small and frequent explosions. The volcanic island is also famous as the setting for the Rossellini movie Stromboli (1950), during which the infamous love affair between the director and his star, Ingrid Bergman, started. It is a delightful island, with barely any paved roads and few cars. You can hear the explosions - every 20 minutes on average - from anywhere on the island. To see the fireworks, hike up the cone - it is less than 1,000 m high and it is not a difficult hike. Stay late if you want to see the beautiful red trails of lava against the black sky. The best times to go are Spring and Fall, the Aeolian islands get crowded in summer and bleak in winter. Don't miss the chance to visit other volcanic islands nearby, such as Vulcano (with a steaming cone) and Lipari. Bring a flashlight, sturdy boots, and a weather proof jacket. |
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Volcanoes in Vanuatu
Not many people have been to Vanuatu, but Yasur is one of the best and most accessible active volcanoes in the world. It has Strombolian type eruptions, but you can get here by 4-wheel drive nearly all of the way. The climb up the cone is easy and less than 10 minutes. Hire a local guide and make sure to stay late, the explosions are spectacular at night. Tanna is still a sleepy and remote island and the locals are very friendly. The drive to the volcano is through rough roads cut through jungle. It's quite an adventure and delightful to see the kids running to the edge of the road to wave, making visitors feel truly welcome. Almost any time of the year is good. It can be very wet and get cool at night, so bring appropriate gear. There are not many places to stay in Tanna, the White Grass Ocean Resort has lovely bungalows and is very comfortable. Fly to Tanna from the main island in Vanuatu, Efate. |
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Volcanoes in Naples, Italy
This is one of history's most infamous volcanoes, thanks to the eruption in AD 79 that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum and shook the Roman Empire. It is a volcano best visited in its dormant state, though not all eruptions are as destructive as its most famous event. You should not only visit the volcano (you can drive and then walk to view the summit crater) but also the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Near Naples is the Campi Flegrei, a large caldera with fumaroles fields, also worth visiting. Best times to visit are Spring and Fall. The Naples area is very hot and crowded during the summer. Winter can bring snow to Vesuvius and turn the area cold and bleak. The most pleasant city near Vesuvius is Sorrento. Avoid staying in Naples, a crowded city with a high crime rate, though its museums are worth seeing |
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Volcanoes in Cyclades Islands, Greece
This lovely Greek island was the site of one of the largest eruptions in history, around 1600 BC. Often called the Minoan eruption, its effects have been blamed for a wide range of events from the plagues of Egypt to the end of the Minoan civilization. The ruins of the Minoan city Akrotiri, located on the main island, Thera, are not to be missed. These days, the active part of the volcano is an island in the centre of the Santorini caldera. The island is called Nea Kameni, it still has active fumaroles and could erupt again - its last eruption was only half a century ago. Visitors need not fear, the eruptions in recent history have been very tame and great to watch. Best times to go are Spring and Fall. The Greek islands get incredibly crowded in summer and the weather very hot. The islands are not unpleasant in the winter, but many of the hotels and restaurants will be closed. |
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