A short boat ride from Fira brings you to a cove off Palea Kameni island where warm, mineral-rich water seeps up from volcanic vents below the seabed -- Santorini's hot springs are strange, memorable, and unlike any swim you've had before.
In this guide
The hot springs sit on the western side of Palea Kameni, the smaller of the two volcanic islands at the centre of the caldera. The water is heated by geothermal activity from the still-active Santorini volcano, maintaining a temperature of around 30-35C year-round. The minerals -- mainly iron and sulphur -- turn the water a murky orange-brown and give it a distinctive smell.
This isn't a luxury spa experience. It's an open-water swim in mineral-stained volcanic water, reached by jumping off a boat. That's exactly what makes it worth doing.
How Do You Get There?
The hot springs are only accessible by boat. You can't walk there.
Option 1: Volcano and Hot Springs Tour (Most Common)
The standard half-day tour combines a visit to Nea Kameni (the volcano hike) with a swim at the hot springs. This is the most popular and affordable option.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours total |
| Price | 20-40 EUR per person |
| Departs from | Fira Old Port or Athinios |
| Includes | Boat transfer, guided volcano hike, hot springs swim |
Option 2: Caldera Cruise
Both day cruises and sunset cruises typically include a hot springs stop as part of the itinerary. You get the springs plus beaches, a meal, and more sailing time.
Option 3: Private Boat
Hire a private boat or join a small-group charter for more flexibility and fewer crowds at the springs.
What Is the Experience Like?
The boat anchors about 50 metres from the shore of Palea Kameni. You jump off the boat and swim to the warm zone. The transition is sudden -- the open Aegean is cool, and then within a few strokes you hit a patch of distinctly warmer water. The colour changes too: from clear blue to murky orange.
The warmest water is near the shore, close to the vents where the geothermal heat rises. Some people find the warmth relaxing; others find the sulphur smell off-putting. Both reactions are valid.
You stay in the water for about 20-30 minutes before swimming back to the boat. The whole experience takes 30-45 minutes including the swim out and back.
| What to expect | Details |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 30-35C at the warm spots (surrounding sea is 20-25C depending on season) |
| Water colour | Murky orange-brown from iron and sulphur |
| Depth | Varies. Shallow near shore, deeper where the boat anchors. |
| Swimming distance | ~50 metres from boat to warm zone |
| Facilities | None. No changing rooms, no showers at the springs. Everything happens from the boat. |
The warm water feels strange at first -- you expect it to be unpleasant because it looks dirty, but it's actually quite comfortable. The iron is supposedly good for your skin. Whether that's true or not, the novelty of swimming in volcanically heated water in the middle of a caldera is worth the experience.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Wear dark or old swimwear. The iron and minerals in the water leave orange-brown stains on fabric. White swimsuits will never be white again. This is not a joke -- it's the most consistent warning in every review.
- The swim from the boat to the warm zone is in cold open water. About 50 metres. If you're not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about life jackets before you jump in.
- Rinse off afterwards. The minerals cling to your skin and hair. Most tour boats have a freshwater rinse. If not, you'll smell of sulphur until your next shower.
- Bring a towel. Not always provided on budget tours.
- Water shoes are helpful if you walk near the shore. The volcanic rock is rough.
- The hot springs are busiest between 11:00 and 14:00 when multiple tour boats arrive at the same time. Morning tours (before 10:00) or late afternoon tours are less crowded.
- The springs are not suitable for very young children -- the swim distance and open-water conditions require some confidence.
- Seasickness note: The boat ride to Palea Kameni is short (10-15 minutes) and the caldera is sheltered, but if you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions.
Can You Visit the Hot Springs Without a Tour?
Not practically. There's no public ferry to Palea Kameni -- you need either an organised tour or a private boat. The organised tours are the simplest and cheapest option.
If you're already doing a caldera cruise (day or sunset), the hot springs are usually included. No need to book a separate hot springs tour.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
May-October -- The sea temperature makes the swim to the springs more pleasant. The contrast between the cool Aegean and the warm springs is most enjoyable when the air temperature is warm.
July-August -- Hottest months, busiest tours. The springs themselves are no warmer (the temperature is constant), but the surrounding sea is at its warmest.
Morning tours in any month have fewer boats and a quieter experience at the springs.
Winter -- The springs are warm year-round, but the cold swim from the boat to the warm zone is much less appealing when the air temperature is 12C. Most tours don't run in winter.
The hot springs are on Palea Kameni island, reached by boat from Fira. Most half-day tours cost 20-40 EUR and combine the springs with the volcano hike. Wear dark swimwear.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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