10 The Canary Islands start off our top 10 Volcanic Family Island Cheats. This group of Spanish islands in the Atlantic off the North West of Africa are formed of many volcanoes and are some of the very oldest islands on earth created purely by volcanic activity under the sea. Nowadays the Canary’s are among some of the most popular holiday islands in the world throughout the year and especially for winter sun getaways, with a constant flow of sun-loving holiday makers to its black powder beaches. Hot dry winters make it an ideal holiday destination, and we can be comforted by the fact that its volcanoes are currently inactive!
9 Fiji This beautiful Volcanic Island in the South Pacific radiates life and colour, with exotic wildlife and a rich marine life. One of the few benefits of being a volcanic destination, or in this case extinct volcano, means the soil is wonderfully fertile allowing for a flourishing ecosystem around it. Fiji is well known for it’s diving but for those of us that are not the biggest fans of being deep underwater with an oxygen tank strapped on our backs, there is so much to see in Fiji just by snorkeling. There is plenty of coral reef just off the beach in many areas for an array of colourful reef fish and soft coral. Flora thrives in Fiji’s many parks such as the Garden of the sleeping Giant in Nausori, or wildlife in Kula Eco park. The deep white coral sands make Fiji one of our top 10 Volcanic Island holiday destinations.
8 Iceland We all know this Volcano after the chaos it caused in 2010, but can we pronounce it? Eyjafjallajokull, which caused so much travel chaos is just one of Iceland’s many active volcanoes. However this densely volcanic island is still high up on the best holiday destinations. The incredible landscape caused by the volcanic properties has given Iceland some of the most exciting natural attractions such as geysers, steaming blue lagoons, bubbling mud pools, contrasted by dramatic glaciers overseen by ethereal ribbons of the northern lights. Being the largest of our Top 10 Islands it has the big city of Reykjavik as its capital and is a great starting point for discovering this fascinating Island.
7 Dominica This heavenly little island nuzzled between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean has several volcanoes mainly sleeping, with the small chance of an eruption in the next 100 years. Thanks to science we can be warned well in advance of an eruption so we can happily visit this lush green island and enjoy its many natural delights. Visit Dominica’s boiling lake, and natural hot baths and cool off in waterfalls. Get a glimpse of Dominica’s sea turtles in this great snorkeling destination.
6 Reunion Island Far out in the Indian Ocean this French Island has 2 volcanoes, however Piton de Neige is extinct leaving a fascinating crater to explore. Reunion is also home to one of the worlds most active volcano’s, Piton de la Fournaise, the volcano is quite accessible with some fantastic viewing points around it, smoldering away with very recent eruptions leaving the ground around it hot and smoking. Not far from Madagascar and Mauritius this tropical destination can be noted for its many waterfalls sparkling and cascading over the high plateau of the island. One of the Indian Oceans more modern islands with good roads, pretty French towns and a laid back surfing atmosphere. Some of the best surf can be found in St Leu and glorious views of the deep blue Indian Ocean will enchant you while hiking up its steep heights or cycling its many trails.
5 Cape Verde Islands off the West coast of Africa is fast becoming a top holiday destination and makes it into our top 5 of the worlds best volcanic islands. Being much less travelled than the other islands in the top 10 means you won’t find the crowds here yet, but hurry they’ll be here soon! Numerous Volcanoes are dotted around the 10 islands, and the most active being on Fogo Island sitting right on a volcanic hotspot, with eruptions as recent as the mid 90’s. Its fertile soil surrounding it provides a rich growing space for coffee and vine plantations. You’ll find plenty of culture here both African and Portuguese, and being a fairly new holiday spot you’ll find some very new modern hotels and all inclusive resorts. Both black volcanic sandy beaches and pristine white sandy beaches line the shores, and one of its biggest activities – windsurfing, thrives on its aqua waters. Cape Verde is an important nesting ground for loggerhead turtles and much is being done here to protect this endangered species.
