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Boat trip · Fira, Egeu Meridional
Nea Kameni e Palea Kameni
Boat trip around the caldera to the volcanic islets: a hike to the crater of Nea Kameni and a swim in the warm, iron-rich waters of Palea Kameni.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Nea Kameni e Palea Kameni
In the middle of Santorini's caldera are the two islets of the volcano. Nea Kameni, the larger, about 2 km in diameter, is the newest part of the island: it formed from successive eruptions over recent centuries, the last in 1950. It is a protected geological park, with a gravel trail up to the craters at the top, about 120 meters up, where hot vapors and a smell of sulfur come out. From the rim you can see the whole caldera, with Fira and Oia on the cliff.
Palea Kameni, the neighboring islet, is older and has the bay of Agios Nikolaos, with thermal springs in the sea: the water is warm, greenish and iron-rich, and people swim from the boat to them. The rust stains light swimwear.
Tours depart from the old port of Fira, at the foot of the cable car, and from Athinios and Ammoudi, on wooden boats or catamarans. The most common routes combine the climb to the volcano and a dip in the hot springs in 3 to 4 hours; longer versions include the island of Therasia and the sunset. The walk on Nea Kameni is entirely in the sun, over dark rock, and takes about an hour round trip.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 3 to 4 hours for the basic tour (volcano and hot springs); up to a full day with Therasia and the sunset.
Best time
From May to October, when boats run daily. Early morning the trail is cooler. On very windy days the tour may be cancelled; confirm the day before.
How to get there
Most boats leave from the old port of Fira, at the base of the cable car; some depart from Athinios or Ammoudi in Oia. Tickets are sold at the agencies in Fira and at the port.
Tip
Bring sneakers, a hat and water for the volcano trail, and dark swimwear for the hot springs, which stain. There is an entrance fee for the Nea Kameni park, separate from the tour; check at boarding.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nea Kameni e Palea Kameni
Is the Santorini volcano active?
Yes, it's an active, monitored volcano. The last eruption was in 1950; today hot vapors come from the craters of Nea Kameni, which is open to visitors.
Where do the boats to the volcano depart from?
Mainly from the old port of Fira, at the foot of the cable car. There are also departures from Athinios and from Ammoudi in Oia, depending on the season.
Can you swim in the hot springs?
Yes, at Palea Kameni. The boat stops in the bay and people swim to the warm, iron-rich water, which stains light-colored clothing.
Is the walk on Nea Kameni difficult?
It's a gravel climb of about 20 to 30 minutes to the craters, entirely in the sun. Wear sneakers, a hat and bring water.