Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia

Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia Tour (Caldera, Nea Kameni, Mediterranean Sea)
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Read 4 Reviewsor
Excursion Highlights:
  • Embark on an unforgettable journey to the world-famous Caldera and Nea Kameni volcano, promising unique views of Santorini and the Mediterranean Sea
  • Immerse in the thrill of exploring a barren, alien-like landscape, complete with the opportunity to climb to the volcano's crater on your own
  • Enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the curative natural hot springs, nestled amidst spectacular lava rock formations after your adventurous volcano visit
  • Discover the quaint charm of Thirassia Island, a preserved gem of the past, with its serene atmosphere and whitewashed architecture
  • Get the best price and guaranteed return-to-ship with our trusted excursion service
Price: $72.00
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Standard
Shore Excursion Type Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are suggested. Guests wishing to swim in the hot springs should bring a bathing suit and towel.
Restrictions To reach the main village, guests must either walk 140 steps, or take a donkey ride up. For those wishing to enter the volcano, there is a supplemental fee of 4 EUR per person to be paid at the site. These tours involve hiking, and are not suitable for strollers, guests in wheelchairs, or those who have difficulty walking. Children of all ages may attend the tour.

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.

4 Ratings
4.5out of 5 stars
4 Reviews
Rated 4 out of 5
Sep 8, 2019
Santorini Trio
The boat trip was fine--not too crowded. Do try to get on early to get a seat outside, preferably in the front, for the best views. The volcano island hike was quite strenuous and quite hot, even in May. Some terrific views, even though we didn't make it to the top. Swimming in the "hot" springs was quite a challenge because we had to swim through some very cold water and even the "hot" springs were just warm. Note also that the water contains large amounts of dissolved iron so clothing can be stained. The stop at Thirassia was not exciting. I'd have preferred more time sailing (but then the company wouldn't get a cut from the restaurant and souvenir stores).
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 2, 2017
Beautiful Day
We visited Santorini on May 25 on a beautiful sunny day. The port of Fira is small so it was easy to find the Santo Star Caldera Boats sign. We got on a boat which took us out to the volcano. Our guide walked us up the volcano, giving interesting information along the way. It was not a difficult climb, only a couple kms? The view from the top was worth it. We walked back down and boarded another boat and sailed around the volcano to a small cove where we can swim in the hot springs. I wish we could have had more time to swim in the hot springs, probably only had 20-25 mins. You do have to rinse off afterward from the red soil in the water. We sailed to Thirassia where we had a delicious Greek meal. At Thirassia there are a bunch of restaurants at the port and we did not climb up the cliff to explore above. We got back on the boat and dropped some people off at Oia before returning to Santorini. A memorable experience and well worth it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 4, 2017
Fun Tour, Great Guide
Had a great time in each part of this tour. The Santorini volcano visit was awesome. The hot springs was not what was expected as it took a rather taxing swim to get to them and back but was really worth it. Lunch at Thirassia was fabulous!! What a view!! This tour would have already been great but the guide was an awesome young women who whet over and above to provide information and all kinds of extra kindnesses that made it a really special day!!
Rated 4 out of 5
Jun 7, 2016
Great volcano experience
I would recommend this as long a you don't mind walking about 1-1.5miles uphill