Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia

Climb aboard a boat for an adventurous journey to the world-famous Caldera. Three thousand five hundred years ago, Santorini witnessed an awesome volcanic explosion in the Aegean Sea, which created a huge depression over a mile deep. This depression covered by water is called the Caldera. The Santorini caldera is approximately four miles in diameter. On the other side of the Caldera is Nea Kameni, an impressive volcano. This is your destination! The ride is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During the short trip, the multilingual escort on board will give passengers some basic information about the volcano and the time to be back on board.

A free leaflet with a presentation of the volcano is available ashore at the entrance of the volcano site. You will be provided time to explore the volcano's slope and, for the more adventurous, to climb to the crater on your own. The terrain is often compared to a foreign planet, given its barren nature and extremely unique features and colors. Those choosing to climb to the crater will be rewarded with incredible views of Santorini and the Mediterranean Sea.

After your volcano visit, you will re-board your vessel and sail along the spectacular lava rock to a protected harbor where you will anchor in deep water. From here you can relax and enjoy the majestic views, or swim ashore to enjoy the natural hot springs. Geologists believe the hot springs have concentrated iron and manganese which are good for the body and have curative properties.

Your boat will then take you to Thirassia Island. Thirassia is the largest and the only inhabited island in a chain of very small islands from the ancient Strogili (before the volcanic activity). Its main village, Horio, is a pretty place with whitewashed houses that provides a glimpse into the past, revealing how Santorini had been before tourists discovered the island. The island is a quiet and beautiful place, with only 150 inhabitants, and is hardly visited by tourists. You will have free time to explore the island and its many charms.

From Thirassia, you will board your vessel for the short trip back to the Fira port, where you can pick up the tender to your ship, purchase a cable car ticket or donkey ride up to Fira town, or if you are feeling up to the challenge, climb the 500 or more steps.

Please Note: For those wishing to enter the volcano, there is a supplemental fee of 5 EUR per person to be paid at the site. Boats used on the tour hold up to 150 guests and are shared by several tour groups. Tours are given in multiple languages. Crowds are to be expected at the volcano.