From the ports of Fira or Athinios, you can visit the islands of the caldera. The complete tour lasts 3 hours, costs 20 euros and includes a visit to the island of Nea Kameni, where the active volcano is located, and a dip in the sea in hot sulphurous water.
If you take the boat from Fira, we must bear in mind that you can access the port in three ways: on a donkey, on foot or by cable car. If you have time, go on foot, since the view is spectacular.
Boat to the volcano, Fira, Santorini
The uninhabited island of Nea Kameni (New Burnt), located in the center of the caldera, hosts the “National Geological Park of Nea Kameni” which is the active volcano of Santorini. Park entrance costs 2 euros. The island is devoid of vegetation. The ascent to the summit is about 20-30 minutes on foot. There is no crater, only some hot small depressions containing sulfur and gypsum crystals from which comes the smell of sulfur smoke (smokers). This island has been formed by successive volcanic eruptions, the last of which took place in 1950.
Volcano, Fira, Santorini
Right now the volcano is in a state of tranquility just a few miles below the island. The only thing that testifies to its existence are the vents of hot gases that are seen in the top of the island and some coastal areas of hot sulphurous water.
Hot springs & church next to the volcano, Santorini
Some advices about this tour:
- Since it includes both a walk around the volcano and bathing in hot springs near the volcano, do not forget to bring flip-flops, and sports shoes for walking. It is also very important that you take water because heat is very strong. As for the bathing hot springs, tend to leave quite torn clothing that you use for bathing. This does not mean that the bathroom is bad, but because they have sulfur water.
- As for booking the tour, you can do it well in the same ports of Athinios or Fira, or in almost any lodging and car reservations offices across the island, since they already have agreed with the boat trips and sell tickets. And very importantly, without any commission, you will pay the same price for the excursion at the ports than in the lodgings.
There is an extension of this tour, which brings you to visit the island of Thirasia and then takes you to Oia to watch the sunset, costs around € 40. From here I suggest you go to Oia on your own, because what you are going to enjoy more.
