Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs
Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs
Let’s take a stroll through the history of this famous Volcano and find out how to visit it up close!”Is there an active Volcano in Santorini?”, is the most common question. Despite being quiescent, the Volcano of Santorini is active and a very interesting site to visit!
Fairly considered one of the most important parts and attractions of Santorini, as the Volcano is responsible for the island’s current shape and morphology. Before the several volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the years, some of which were submarine, Santorini was a much larger, round island, hence its name used to be Strogili (=circular).
As a result of this volcanic activity, the land was detached and five separate islands were created: Santorini, Therasia, an uninhabited island called Aspronisi and the volcanic islands of Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kammeni, which are all close to each other, and therefore easily accessible these days. Not to mention the beautiful beaches, most of them covered in black sand and pebbles made of solidified lava.
However, the most unique outcome of these eruptions is the formation of the Caldera of Santorini, which covers a great part of the island. The impressive enormous cliffs, where beautiful small white houses and hotels are built, form its wild beauty and offer a great sight of the Volcano and the neighboring islands.
How can someone visit the Volcano?
Well, the active volcano lies underwater, but everyone can visit and wander around the two formed black lava islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. You can explore the imposing volcanic scenery and admire its wild beauty, see its crater, stroll around and touch the black lava rocks, and certainly get this unique feeling of hiking on a steaming Volcano.
In addition, at the foothills of Palaia Kameni island, there are the famous Hot Springs, waters full of sulfur that are known for their therapeutic effects. You can enjoy yourself with a different mud bath while gazing at the amazing view of the Caldera that lies opposite.
For those who feel curious and adventurous, there are volcano boat tours that give the opportunity to visit this unique site, starting every day from the Old Port of Fira or Athinios port. During these tours, you get to hike on the Volcano and climb up to its crater, gain the experience of swimming in the beneficial waters of the Hot springs and absorb all the information about it.
