Volcano trips in Santorini
Volcanoes in Santorini
Santorini's volcano is a short boat trip from the caldera. Nea Kameni, a small uninhabited island in the middle of the flooded crater, has a rocky trail to the top and vents that puff steam and sulfur. Many visitors add a warm swim in the hot springs nearby, which come from the eruption of 1570. It is one of the most direct ways to see the island's volcanic past up close.
About volcanoes in Santorini
Nea Kameni is a small, uninhabited island of volcanic origin, sitting inside the flooded Santorini caldera in the Aegean Sea. It is still active. Its crater rim and steam vents are the main draw, and the hot-spring isles of Palea and Nea Kameni were formed after the eruption of 1570.
Ferries run from Thira to the island in about 20 minutes. The climb is a rocky trail of 2.6 km with uneven ground and steep sections, so good shoes help. Steam and sulfur vents are viewed from a safe distance. Many boats also stop for a swim of about 30 minutes in warm sulfur water.
- 2.6 km Rocky trail to the crater rim
- About 20 minutes Ferry from Thira to Nea Kameni
- 1570 Eruption that formed the hot springs
Volcano excursions in Santorini
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person. Each trip says where it goes.
Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs
Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia
Caldera Trail Hike and Sunset
Private Group Volcano, Hot Springs, and Winery
Where to go for Volcanoes
Each trip shows where it goes.
Nea Kameni
Climb a rocky trail to the crater rim and look down on steam and sulfur vents from a safe distance.
Hot springs of Palea and Nea Kameni
The springs sit around isles formed after the eruption of 1570. You can also walk the rocky trail on Nea Kameni to the crater.
What to expect
Most visitors start with a ferry from Thira to Nea Kameni, about 20 minutes away. The island is nearly barren and is visited daily by many tourist boats through the summer, so the trail can be busy at midday. A rocky path climbs toward the top of the volcano, 2.6 km in total. Along the way you pass steam and sulfur vents, which you view from a safe distance. Near the top you can walk a full circuit of the crater rim and look down into the smoking crater.
Many boat trips also stop at the hot springs of Palea and Nea Kameni, formed after the 1570 eruption. At Agios Nikolaos Bay in Palaia Kameni, the boat anchors just meters away and you can swim in the warm sulfur waters for about 30 minutes. Some visits go on to the old port of Thirassia. Half-day tours on this theme usually run three to six hours, so the day can be short and simple or fill most of the afternoon. The trail and crater are best suited to people comfortable on uneven ground.
Tour or on your own Either Ferries run from Thira on their own, while the hot-spring swim is usually part of a boat tour.
Time it takes Half a day The ferry out takes about 20 minutes, then the trail, crater rim and a swim can fill a few hours. Volcano tours in the list run three to six hours.
Effort Moderate The 2.6 km trail is uneven with steep sections, so sturdy shoes and a steady pace help.
Who it suits Families, first-timers The short boat ride and clear trail make it a simple first look at the volcano for people new to the island.
Good to know Uneven, steep rocky trail The trail to the top is uneven with steep sections, and the vents must be viewed from a safe distance.
Best months March to January Ferries and tours run across most of the year, and summer brings red succulents on the crater.
Good to know
- Wear closed shoes with good grip, since the trail is rocky and uneven.
- Bring water and a hat, especially in summer when there is little shade.
- Keep a safe distance from the steam and sulfur vents at all times.
- Bad weather can delay or cancel ferries, so check the return time before heading out.
Questions
Can you climb the volcano in Santorini?
Yes. Nea Kameni has a rocky trail of about 2.6 km to the top, with uneven ground and steep sections. You can walk the rim of the crater and look into it, keeping a safe distance from the steam and sulfur vents.
How do you get to the Santorini volcano?
Ferries run from Thira to Nea Kameni in about 20 minutes. Many visitors also go on a boat trip that adds the hot springs at Palea and Nea Kameni, where you can swim in warm sulfur water.
Can you swim in the hot springs near Santorini's volcano?
Yes. Boat trips stop at Agios Nikolaos Bay in Palaia Kameni, where the water is warm. The swim is about 30 minutes, and the boat anchors just meters away.
More to do in Santorini
Sailings that stop in Santorini
873 sailings on 19 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Viking Neptune
Celestyal Discovery
Explora II
Sources: Thira Municipal Port Fund · Santorini Cable Car · Nea Kameni, Wikipedia · Santorini, Wikivoyage
Photo: Jean Housen, CC BY-SA 4.0