Santorini Volcano & hot Springs

Location: Nea Kameni

Santorini Volcano: Santorini is gifted with a unique kind of natural beauty and wild scenery. That constitutes the result of several volcanic eruptions throughout the years.
Although the massive volcano has been dormant since its last eruption in the 1950s, it is still considered active.
Its islet and the crescent-shaped caldera are one of the most famous places of interest in the Aegean Sea.

The craters of the volcano are located on two small islands made entirely of black lava. Those are known as Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni (the volcano).
In terms of geography, the small islet complex was the last set of islands to emerge from the sea in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Note: The volcano's craters can only be reached with a boat trip.

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In the distant past, a catastrophic eruption during the Bronze Age caused earthquakes and tsunamis that wiped out a large part of the Minoan civilization.
Despite the disastrous consequences of its past eruptions, the volcano turned into an infamous travel destination in Greece, with great geological significance that attracts travelers from all around the world.

The powers of the volcano of Santorini, however, are not only destructive but also creative.
All the eruptions that occurred over a time span of thousands of years altered the local morphology by creating Palea and Nea Kameni. At the same time, they led to the gradual formation of purely volcanic coves and beaches covered with fragments of lava, dark pebbles, and a rare, pitch-black type of sand.

That comprises just one of Santorini’s distinctive features that make it so special. Check out the most popular black sand beaches of Santorini: Perivolos, Kamari, Perissa, and more.

The volcano has also contributed to the local economy for thousands of years. In addition, the fact that it is connected to the island’s good reputation in wine production can not be overlooked. Due to its unique composition, the island’s volcanic solid is rich in nutrients and minerals that help the famous vineyards of Santorini flourish and produce wine of exceptional taste and quality.

Hot springs

Nea Kameni has become a significant pole of attraction for numerous visitors, especially due to the healing properties of its hot springs.
Agios Nikolaos, a small cove on Nea Kameni islet, has been considered a holy grail of health thanks to its warm yellowish waters, which contain concentrated amounts of sulfur and are said to be therapeutic.
Palea Kameni also boasts hot springs that can be reached by boat and are widely known for their health benefits.

The springs can only be approached via crossings. Therefore, many boat tours and cruises stop at the spot for visitors to jump in and enjoy the hot water for a while.

Boat tours

For an even closer look, participate in one of the daily cruises for a chance to walk on solid black lava above the steaming main crater of the volcano and other openings bursting with sulfur steam.
The crater is located in Nea Kameni and you can easily reach it with a 20-minute walk through the lunar scenery.
The area also offers incredible views of the beautiful villages of Fira and Oia hanging above the cliffs of Santorini.

Hiking

The best way to experience the magnitude of Santorini’s neighboring sleeping giant is to hike along the edge of the vast craters.
With a ground rich in iron, lava, and sulfur fumes, the unique combination of earthly colors and smells brings the visitor as close as one can get to seeing an otherworldly moonscape in person -an unforgettable experience, indeed!

Related topics

Mythical Atlantis | Biblical connection to Santorini eruption | Geology of Santorini

Top Tours and activities

• Best Seller

  Boat trip to Volcano, Hot springs & Thirassia island

  Category: Boat Trips

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  This tour bundles up the world-famous volcano of Santorini, the Hot Springs of Palea Kameni and the untouched island of Thirassia. All guests get to enjoy a charming cruise from Fira to the volcanic islets and serene Thirassia, walk up to the crater, swim into the hot springs and wander on the tranquil sister island of Santorini. On the returning route, the boat sails by the picturesque Oia village and passengers can photograph it from a unique angle. The tour concludes once the boat docks on the port of Fira.

  6 hours Map

  from € 30.00

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• Best Seller

  Boat trip to Volcano & Hot Springs

  Category: Boat Trips, Walking Tours

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  Guests will enjoy a boat ride to the volcanic islet, followed by a rejuvenating hike all the way to the rim of the crate, as well as around it. Before returning to Santorini, there will be a refreshing hot spring swimming stop at the bathing bay of Palea Kameni islet. Guests will be able to take photos and dive in the emerald green sea. The water temperature is approximately 35℃, with beneficial attributes and minerals for the body.

  3 Hours Map

  from € 25.00

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• Best Seller

  Luxury Catamaran trip around the Caldera

  Category: Boat Trips

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  Board a deluxe catamaran and set for an amazing, semi-private trip at the caldera of Santorini, the hot springs and the southern coasts. Rich dinner is served on board and snorkeling equipment are also available.

  5 hours Map

  from € 105.00

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How to get there

The volcano is located between Santorini and Thirassia islands.

Tours: Discover the volcano and the hot springs with an organized tour, at the best price!
Some tours to the volcano depart from the port of Athinios and from Gialos, the old port of Fira.
Athinios port is connected to Fira and other villages of Santorini, by bus or by an online pre-booked transfer service (with a taxi, minibus, or private VIP car).
Gialos, the old port of Fira, can be reached by a cable car or on foot from Fira (walking the 588 steps of the old Karavolades Stairs).

Private Boat: You can reach the volcano with a private yacht or a rented one.