Santorini Hot Springs

The Basics

Most visitors reach the hot springs by way of a boat tour departing from the town of Oia or the Old Port—which sits beneath the town of Fira—on the main Greek island of Santorini. Tours may also stop on neighboring Nea Kameni, where you can hike up to the active volcano for panoramic views across lava fields to the Aegean Sea, and on Thirasia, the second-largest island in the archipelago. Boat trips to the springs moor in the rocky inlet at Erinia, and from there it is a short swim to the shallow, orange-streaked water overlooked by the tiny whitewashed church of Agios Nikolaos and bordered by vast lava boulders. For a more private experience, you can opt for a small-group catamaran tour or a romantic sunset cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The distinctive sulfuric odor of the hot springs can persist for some time after a swim, and the rust-colored water may stain light-colored swimwear.

• Don’t forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to stave off the Mediterranean heat.

• Boat tour passengers must be agile enough to board and disembark boats, so travelers with limited mobility should confirm accessibility before booking.

• The hot springs are accessible only by taking a short swim, so are not recommended for young children or those who are not confident in the water.

How to Get There

You can reach the hot springs on Palea Kameni (also called Palia Kameni), just off the coast of the larger volcanic island of Nea Kameni, by boat on a private tour or a larger group cruise departing from Santorini.

When to Get There

The Santorini hot springs are most crowded in summer, but some days in late spring and early fall are warm enough to take a soak in the hot springs without having to share them with the summer crowds.

The Santorini Volcano

The massive explosion of what is now known as the Santorini volcano around the 16th or 17th century BC formed the enormous, water-filled caldera around which the dramatic Santorini archipelago is grouped. Repeated volcanic eruptions of ash and lava over the millennia have formed the Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands, now popular destinations for tour boats ferrying visitors to the active crater for a volcano tour and to the nearby hot springs.

Ways to explore

Most visitors reach the hot springs by way of a boat tour departing from the town of Oia or the Old Port—which sits beneath the town of Fira—on Santorini. Tours may also stop on neighboring Nea Kameni, where you can hike up to the active volcano for views across lava fields to the Aegean Sea, and on Thirasia, the second-largest island in the archipelago. Boat trips to the springs moor at Erinia, and from there, it’s a short swim to the shallow, orange-streaked water. For a more private experience, opt for a small-group catamaran tour or a romantic sunset cruise.

Accessibility

Reaching the hot springs requires swimming or wading from a boat anchored offshore.

Age limits

There are no official age restrictions, but children should be strong swimmers and comfortable in open water.

What to pack

Waterproof bag or dry bag for valuables, underwater camera, towel, water shoes for rocky seabed, water bottle, change of clothes

What to wear

Dark-colored swimsuit (the sulfur-rich waters can stain lighter fabrics) and breathable, easy-to-change clothing

Not allowed

Don’t wear anything valuable, such as jewelry, that you want to stay in good condition.

Amenities

There are no facilities at the hot springs themselves—amenities are limited to what's available on your tour boat.

Address 

The Santorini Hot Springs, located in Palea Kameni's volcanic bay, are only accessible by boat from the main island. It’s easiest to get there via guided tour.

Driving

Drive to ports in Fira (Old Port via cable car or steps), Ammoudi Bay (below Oia), or Athinios Port, then board a boat tour. Parking can be tricky to find in summer.

Public transportation

Take the KTEL bus to Fira or Athinios Port, then join a scheduled boat tour—most hotels and tour operators also offer pickup services as part of hot springs excursions.

Best times to visit

Mid-morning tours are great for the balance of warmth and manageable crowds—avoid midday when the sun gets intense.

Best days to visit

Check cruise ship schedules to avoid arrival days, as they bring significantly more boat traffic to the area.

Best months to visit

May–June and September–October provide comfortable air and water temperatures with slightly fewer tourists than the height of summer.

Special events

While there aren’t specific festivals related to the hot springs, plenty of events happen in Fira and Oia, such as wine harvests and Easter celebrations.