Santorini Volcano

The basics

Nea Kameni is sometimes called the "Santorini Volcano." The island's rocky crater continues to rumble and puff out steam. Boat tours depart from the town of Oia, the Old Port of Fira, or the Athinios Port on Santorini's main island. Once on the island, you can hike up to the crater's rim and take in the views across lava fields to Greece's Aegean Sea. 

Volcano tours may also stop on Thirasia, the second-largest island in the archipelago, and at the volcano's hot springs on Palea Kameni, where boats moor at Erinia and you can swim to the springs beneath the tiny church of Agios Nikolaos. Santorini volcano and hot springs tours get big crowds in high season, so opt for a small-group guided tour or catamaran tour if you would prefer a more personal experience.

Things to know before you go

• If you plan to walk to the crater's rim, be sure to wear hiking-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.

• Don't forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to guard against the Mediterranean heat.

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

• Visiting the volcano requires about 30 minutes of uphill hiking, so may not be suitable for young children or those who are not strong walkers.

• Some believe the volcanic eruption may have spawned the legend of Atlantis.

How to get there

You can reach the volcanic activity on Nea Kameni by boat on a private tour or a larger group cruise departing from Santorini.

When to get there

Santorini volcano tours are most crowded in summer, when it can also be uncomfortably hot during the peak hours of the day. Opt for an early morning or late afternoon departure, or plan your visit for the spring or fall.

Santorini sunsets

Santorini boasts gorgeous sunsets, and the archipelago has the Thira volcano to thank. Its cataclysmic eruption scooped out the once-circular island’s center and west coast, creating the sea-filled caldera ringed by the sheer cliffs of the Santorini archipelago’s main island. Today the caldera provides a low-lying, obstruction-free observation point along Santorini’s west coast, perfect for watching the sun sink into the sea. Consider booking a romantic sunset tour by boat in the late afternoon to savor this famous sunset.

How long does it take to walk the Santorini Volcano?

Technically, Santorini is one giant volcano. But what most people mean by the Santorini Volcano is the volcano that steams away on the islet of Nea Kameni. That’s about a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) round hike, which takes most people about 30 minutes climbing up and about 20 coming down.

Is Santorini Volcano worth seeing?

Yes. If you’re expecting fountains of lava and eerie tectonic rumblings, you’ve come to the wrong place: While active, the Santorini Volcano is not currently erupting. But the boat trip is lovely, the hot soil and gouts of steam are impressive, and the views from the top are stunning.

Can you walk on the volcano in Santorini?

Yes. But be sure to book a boat trip that allows you to hike to the top and back down again: not all Santorini cruises include a stop at Nea Kameni or time to wander the Santorini Volcano. Visiting early in the morning can make walking easier.

What should you wear to visit the Santorini Volcano?

Nea Kameni is very exposed, so you’ll need a hat and sunscreen. Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip to protect against sharp rocks and grit; sneakers are fine. Most Santorini cruises also stop at the Santorini Hot Springs. Wear older swimsuits in darker colors as minerals can stain.

How long is the Santorini Volcano tour?

Nea Kameni is about a 10-minute boat trip from Santorini Old Harbor (Fira), so tours that only cover the Santorini Volcano last about two hours, with 1.5 hours exploring the volcano. However, most travelers visit on a half-day or full-day cruise that visits the Santorini Hot Springs and more.

How hard is the Santorini Volcano hike?

The peak of Nea Kameni stands around 417 feet (127 meters) above sea level. The path is not too steep, and most find the walk takes under an hour, so the Santorini Volcano hike is of moderate difficulty. Wear protective shoes, though, as the lava rocks can be very sharp.

Ways to explore

Nea Kameni is uninhabited, so to see the Santorini volcano, you’ll need to charter a boat or join a cruise. They typically also visit the Santorini Hot Springs off Palea Kameni. Once on the island, you can hike up to the crater's rim and take in the views across lava fields to the Aegean Sea. Santorini volcano and hot springs tours draw big crowds in the high season, so look for a small-group cruise if you would prefer a more personal experience.

Accessibility

Boat tour passengers need to be agile enough to board and disembark boats, and the ascent to the volcano requires hiking over sharp stones.

Age limits

Visiting the volcano requires about 30 minutes of uphill hiking, so it’s not suitable for most children under 5.

What to pack

Bring dark-colored swimwear if you plan to take a dip in the hot springs, as the sulfur may stain whites and pastels, plus cash for the volcano entrance fee (most tours do not include it). You’ll also want to bring sunblock and plenty of water.

What to wear

If you plan to walk to the crater’s rim, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a hat.

Not allowed

Don’t panic if you feel an earthquake: It’s unlikely to signal an incoming eruption.

Amenities

None

Address 

Santorini volcano is on Nea Kameni island in the Santorini caldera, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) west of Santorini’s central coast. There are no bridges or car ferries to the island, so you can’t drive, but boat tours depart from the towns of Oia and Fira.

Driving

If your tour meets in Fira, there is a public parking lot a roughly 12-minute walk from the Santoini Cable Car, which connects to the Scala Pier; many tours depart from here.

Public transportation

Those who don't have a car can book a tour that includes pickup at their accommodation. Some tour operators offer this option to travelers staying in Fira, Oia, Kamari, and Akrotiri.

Best times to visit

Santorini volcano tours are most crowded in the summer, when the peak hours of the day can also be uncomfortably hot. Opt for an early-morning or late-afternoon departure.

Best days to visit

There is no bad day to visit Santorini volcano, but weekends tend to be busier.

Best months to visit

Shoulder seasons (late April to early June and mid-September through October) mean fewer crowds than high season.