Santorini Volcano

Location: Nea Kameni

Santorini Volcano: Santorini is gifted with a unique kind of natural beauty and a wild scenery that was 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 that are known as Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni (the volcano).
Geographically speaking, the small islet complex was the youngest set of islands to emerge from the sea in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Note: The volcano's craters can only be reach with a boat trip.

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In the distant past, a catastrophic eruption which took place 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 one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece, with great geological significance that attracts travellers from all around the world.

The powers of the Volcano of Santorini, however, are not only destructive but also creative.
All the eruption that happened in a time span of thousands of years altered the local morphology by giving birth to Palea and Nea Kameni and 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.
This is 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 and we simply cannot overlook the fact that it is connected to the island’s long history and good reputation in wine production!
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, particularly 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 the warm yellowish waters which contain concentrated amounts of sulfur and are said to be therapeutic.
Palea Kameni also has hot springs that can be reached by boat and are widely known for their health benefits.
They can be approached by boat and many boat tours and cruises include a stop there so that the visitors can jump in and enjoy the hot water for a while.

Volcano boat tour

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 go on a hike along the edge of the volcano’s 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

Tours and activities related to Volcano and hot Springs

• Best Seller

  Volcano and Hot Springs boat tour

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  In this energizing tour, we combine cruising, hiking and swimming elements for a memorable time. 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. Take in the raw, untouched scenery along with magnificent vistas of the Aegean Sea. 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.

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• Best Seller

  Volcano hot springs and Thirassia boat tour

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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.

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• Day sailing cruise with deluxe Catamaran

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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.

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• Morning cruise, winery tour and sunset in Oia village

  Santorini

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  In this unique one-day tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the finest locations in Santorini and discover up close the breathtaking beauty of this mesmerizing destination! Our tour includes a relaxing cruise, visits to renowned beaches, wine tasting and a jaw-dropping sunset at Oia - what more could one ask for?

  11 hours Map

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How to get there

The volcano is located between Santorini and Thirassia island.

Tours: Discover the volcano and the hot springs with an organized tour, starting from 20€.
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 all the other villages of Santorini, by bus or by an online pre-booked transfer service (with a taxi, mini bus 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.