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 and the crescent-shaped caldera is one of the most famous places of interest in the Aegean Sea. In addition to the main island, the caldera of Santorini includes two other small islands made entirely of black lava that are known as Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni or 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.

✔ DISCOVER THE VOLCANO AND HOT SPRINGS WITH US!
Discover the available Tours or get there with your own car rental, starting at 14€ per day.
You can also discover it the with a Jet Ski tour!

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, 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. 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. In addition, 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.

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!

Whilst enjoying the untamed beauty of the volcanic landscape, make sure you try a glass of Santorini’s finest wine, which can be found in one of the local wineries.

You can also explore the area around caldera with a jet ski tour that will give you the opportunity to get adventurous in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and get to approach the awe-inspiring volcano!

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.

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

Tours and activities related to Volcano

• Best Seller

  Jet Ski Safari to the volcano

  Santorini

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  Discover the beautiful island of Santorini by Jet Ski and live a unique and unforgettable experience!

  3 Hours Map

  from € 370.00

  Book now
• Best Seller

  Volcano and Hot Springs boat tour

  Santorini

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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.

  3 Hours Map

  from € 20.00

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• Best Seller

  Volcano hot springs and Thirassia boat tour

  Santorini

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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 € 26.00

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• Day sailing cruise with deluxe Catamaran

  Santorini

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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 island.

Tours: Discover the volcano and the hot springs with an organized tour of Santorini, starting from 20€.
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 Santorini 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.