Moment · Santorini
Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs
Explore the natural beauty and wild scenery of the Santorini caldera.
One of Santorini’s definitive landmarks is the active volcano and caldera dominating the island’s geography. This geological wonder shaped Santorini’s emergence while bestowing unique characteristics. Exploring the volcano and hot springs grants visitors insight into the powerful natural forces that created Santorini.
How was the Santorini caldera formed?
Santorini was originally a single landmass before massive eruptions around 1600 BCE caused the centre to collapse and the sea to rush in. This cataclysmic event formed the flooded caldera, gave rise to the current crescent-shaped Santorini, and spread volcanic matter that shapes the islands’ rock and soil.
In the caldera sea, Nea Kameni is Santorini’s present day active volcano formed by continued lava flow after the Minoan eruption. Boats offer close-up access to see smoke rising and feel the heat. Hiking the rugged landscape reveals petrified magma and sulfuric hot springs. Nearby Palea Kameni, the caldera’s oldest lava island, also provides boat or hiking access to volcanic features like hot springs.
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Inland at Santorini’s southern tip, ancient eruptions formed the breathtaking rock formations of Cape Exomitis. Hike among wind-carved lava statues, jagged cliffs, and sea-filled craters at this wild headland shaped by the volcano’s activity.
What thermal springs are at the caldera?
Thermal springs enriched by the complex volcano system exist around Santorini, offering visitors the chance to soak in these mineral-rich waters. On Palea Kameni, sink into the warm sea at the natural hot springs where the ocean mixes with underground heat.
Nea Kameni sits in the heart of the caldera, and features warm and therapeutic waters. These consist of sulphur, iron, and manganese, which have been known to be beneficial to the body.
The popular beach town of Kamari houses the inviting Ancient Thera Hot Springs. Relax in a series of open-air pools facing the sea. The natural spring water provides relaxation as well as purported therapeutic benefits.
Near picturesque Perissa Beach, excavated ruins mark ancient thermal baths at Gialos Baths dating from the 5th century BC. Though no longer functioning, you can visit this historic bathing complex.
The island also produces thermal sea mud containing minerals and microalgae from the volcano thought to nourish skin. Many hotels and spas incorporate this unique mud into health and beauty treatments.
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Request a quote →Is Santorini volcano worth it?
We think the Santorini volcano is definitely a must-see when travelling to Santorini – it’s one of the wonders of the Aegean Sea. Exploring these fascinating volcanic remnants offers insight into the powerful natural genesis of Santorini.
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You will deal with one named member of our team throughout your interactions with us, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.
More Moments in Santorini
Sailing Santorini’s Caldera at Golden Hour on a Private Charter
Santorini's crescent is what was left when a vast eruption around 1600 BC, one of the largest in recorded history, caused the heart of the island to collapse into the sea. Today a ring of sheer cliffs, up to 300 metres high and banded with ash and pumice, surrounds a flooded caldera where the volcano is still active.
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Walking to Skaros Rock from Imerovigli, Santorini
You set out from Imerovigli down a stretch of concrete stairs; soon the way becomes a narrow earth path as the caldera falls away on both sides. In front of you rises Skaros Rock, a volcanic promontory thrust out over the sea. Santorini's capital once stood here; today it makes one of the best short walks on the island. Its position was no accident.
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Akrotiri
On the southwestern tip of the Greek island of Santorini lies one of the Aegean’s most significant archaeological sites: the ancient city of Akrotiri. This remarkably well-preserved Minoan town was buried under volcanic ash when the island’s famous volcano erupted around 1600 BCE. Today, Akrotiri provides a fascinating window into Bronze Age life in the Cyclades. When was Akrotiri discovered? Excavations began at Akrotiri in 1967, spearheaded by Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos.
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For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
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Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
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Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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