Top 5 Best Volcanos in Santorini
Table of Contents
1. Nea Kameni Volcano
A: Volcano Information Nea Kameni is the most famous active volcano in the middle of the island. It is known as the New Burnt Island. This volcano is technically live but currently resting. The last eruption took place in nineteen fifty. Today you can walk right up to the smoking craters. The landscape looks like the surface of the moon with dark rocks and yellow sulphur vents. It is a brilliant place to learn about the geological history of the region. The ground is often warm to the touch and you can smell the natural gases in the air. The island itself is quite young in geological terms. It began forming only around four hundred and thirty years ago. Visitors love exploring this area because it feels wild and untouched. You will not find any houses or shops here. It is just pure nature and fascinating earth science.
B: Location Nea Kameni sits right in the centre of the Santorini caldera. It is surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
C: How to get there You must take a boat to reach Nea Kameni. Daily boat tours depart from the old port of Fira and the new port of Athinios.
D: Safety and Things to Carry You need to wear sturdy walking shoes because the volcanic rocks are sharp. Bring plenty of drinking water as there is no shade. You must also pack a sun hat and sunscreen.
2. Palea Kameni Volcano
A: Volcano Information Palea Kameni translates to the Old Burnt Island. It is the older brother of Nea Kameni and is also considered an active volcanic zone. This island started to rise from the sea over two thousand years ago. While it does not have smoking craters like its neighbour it is famous for its natural hot springs. The waters around the island mix with volcanic minerals. This turns the sea into a warm muddy bath full of rich iron and sulphur. Many travellers believe these waters have healing properties for the skin and joints. The island is mostly barren but has a beautiful small church called Agios Nikolaos. Palea Kameni offers a much more relaxed experience compared to the intense rocky trails of Nea Kameni. It is a wonderful spot to swim and feel the natural geothermal heat from the earth below.
B: Location Palea Kameni is located right next to Nea Kameni in the middle of the sea. It rests slightly to the south west of the main island.
C: How to get there The only way to arrive is by joining a sailing tour or hiring a private boat from Fira or Athinios port. Most tours visit both islands on the same trip.
D: Safety and Things to Carry Bring a dark coloured swimming costume because the sulphur mud will permanently stain light colours. You should bring a towel and a waterproof bag for your camera. Do not swim if you are pregnant without asking a doctor first.
3. Mount Columbo Underwater Volcano
A: Volcano Information Mount Columbo is a massive underwater volcano that is completely out of sight. It is a highly active and dangerous submarine volcano. The last time it erupted was in sixteen fifty. That historic event caused huge waves and damaged many local villages. Today scientists watch Mount Columbo very closely using advanced underwater tools. The crater lies about five hundred metres below the surface of the ocean. Deep sea explorers have found strange metal chimneys and completely unique sea creatures living near the boiling vents. The water temperatures down there can reach over two hundred degrees Celsius. You cannot actually walk on this volcano but it is a massive part of the island history. Knowing that a giant active volcano is bubbling just off the coast adds a thrilling sense of mystery to your island holiday.
B: Location This volcano is completely underwater. It is located about eight kilometres to the north east of the main island coast.
C: How to get there You cannot visit this volcano in person because it is deep underwater. However you can visit the local museums in Fira to see exhibitions and learn all about it.
D: Safety and Things to Carry Since you cannot travel there you do not need any special safety gear. When visiting the museum you should bring a notebook to write down all the amazing facts.
4. Akrotiri Volcanic Cone
A: Volcano Information The Akrotiri peninsula is home to some of the oldest volcanic formations in the region. This is an extinct volcanic cone that no longer poses any threat of eruption. Thousands of years of wind and rain have carved away the sides of the volcano. This natural wearing process has exposed incredible bright red and black cliffs. The iron rich magma from ancient eruptions created these stunning colours. This area is most famous for the spectacular Red Beach that sits right at the base of the old crater. The sand is made entirely from crushed volcanic rocks. Exploring this part of the island gives you a completely different view of the fiery past. The Akrotiri volcano played a huge part in shaping the southern coast. It is a beautiful reminder of the powerful forces that created these famous Greek islands.
B: Location The ancient cone is located on the far south western tip of the main island. It is near the famous prehistoric village of Akrotiri.
C: How to get there You can drive or take a public bus directly from Fira to the Akrotiri village. From the village parking area you will need to walk a short rocky path.
D: Safety and Things to Carry The cliffs near the beach can drop rocks so you must not sit directly under them. You should carry comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water. Pack a camera to capture the bright red rocks.
5. Megalo Vouno Volcano
A: Volcano Information Megalo Vouno translates to Big Mountain in Greek. It is one of the oldest and most prominent cinder cones on the island. This extinct volcano has been silent for thousands of years. It was formed during the early days when the island was still taking its current shape. The slopes of Megalo Vouno are covered in dark volcanic ash and loose scoria rocks. Because it is no longer active nature has slowly started to grow back over the dark soil. You will find small wild bushes and beautiful spring flowers growing right out of the old lava flows. Walking around this area provides incredible views of the sea and the surrounding northern villages. It is much quieter than the main tourist spots. It gives visitors a peaceful chance to reflect on the deep geological time that shaped this amazing destination.
B: Location Megalo Vouno is located in the northern part of the main island. It sits just outside the famous village of Oia.
C: How to get there You can reach this area by walking the main hiking trail that connects Fira to Oia. The path goes right past the old volcanic hills.
D: Safety and Things to Carry The hiking trail can be very hot and dusty during the summer months. You must carry at least two litres of water per person. Wear a strong pair of trainers and a hat to protect your head from the strong sun.