A 20-minute boat ride from Fira's old port drops you on Nea Kameni, a barren volcanic island at the centre of the caldera, where you can walk to the rim of an active crater that last erupted in 1950 -- still steaming, still smelling of sulphur, still very much alive.
In this guide
Nea Kameni is the youngest piece of land in the eastern Mediterranean. It's been growing since it first broke the surface around 197 BC, with each eruption adding more lava and rock. The most recent activity was in 1950, and while volcanologists monitor it closely, the volcano is currently dormant. Safe to visit, but a reminder that the entire caldera exists because of one of the largest volcanic events in human history.
The hike is usually combined with a swim at the nearby hot springs on Palea Kameni, and many visitors do both as part of a half-day boat tour.
How Do You Get There?
You can't walk to Nea Kameni -- it's an island. You need a boat.
| Option | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guided boat tour | The most common option. Departs from Fira's Old Port (Ormos) or Athinios. Includes boat transfer, guided hike, and usually a hot springs swim. | 25-50 EUR per person |
| Caldera cruise (full day) | Many caldera cruises include a volcano stop as part of a longer itinerary. | From 110 EUR per person |
| Private boat | Rent a boat or join a private tour for flexibility. | 200+ EUR for the group |
Getting to the Old Port from Fira: - Cable car: 6 EUR one way, 2-minute ride. Queues can be long (30-45 minutes in summer). - Walking: 587 steps down a steep zigzag path. Takes about 15-20 minutes going down, 25-30 minutes coming back up. - Donkey: Available but controversial on animal welfare grounds.
Most organised tours include hotel pickup, which bypasses the Old Port issue entirely.
Entrance fee: 5 EUR per person to land on Nea Kameni. This is often not included in tour prices -- check when booking.
What Is the Hike Like?
The boat drops you at a small dock on the western shore of Nea Kameni. From there, a marked trail climbs to the crater rim.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 2.5 km round trip |
| Duration | 60-90 minutes total |
| Elevation gain | About 130 metres |
| Terrain | Rocky, loose volcanic stone. No shade. |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate. Steep in places but short. |
The trail is not technically difficult -- anyone who can walk uphill for 30 minutes can do it. But the surface is uneven volcanic rock, the path is exposed to the sun, and there's no water or shade anywhere on the island.
At the top, you'll stand on the rim of the crater and see sulphur vents (fumaroles) releasing steam and yellow deposits. The ground is warm in places. The smell of sulphur is noticeable but not overwhelming. From the rim, the views across the caldera to Fira and Oia are excellent -- you're looking at the towns from the centre of the volcanic crater that created them.
Standing on the crater rim, looking up at the cliff-face towns, it clicks: everything you see -- the caldera, the cliffs, the shape of the island -- is the result of a single volcanic event. It makes the hot springs and the steam vents feel less like a tourist attraction and more like a geological process that isn't finished yet.
What About the Hot Springs?
After the volcano hike, most tours continue to Palea Kameni (the older volcanic island) for a swim in the hot springs. The boat anchors offshore and you swim about 50 metres to a cove where warm, sulphur-rich water seeps up from the seabed.
The water is a murky orange-brown from the minerals. It's genuinely warm -- noticeably warmer than the surrounding sea, especially near the vents. The sulphur will stain light-coloured swimwear, so wear something dark that you don't mind discolouring.
Tips for the hot springs: - The swim from the boat to the warm zone is in cold open water. Be prepared for the temperature contrast. - The seabed near the springs is rocky and uneven. Water shoes help. - If you're not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about life jackets. The distance isn't far but the current can be tricky. - Rinse off after the swim. The sulphur clings to skin and swimwear.
How Should You Plan the Visit?
A typical volcano + hot springs tour runs like this:
- 09:00-09:30 -- Pickup from hotel or meeting point
- 10:00 -- Boat departs from the Old Port
- 10:20 -- Arrive at Nea Kameni, begin hike
- 11:30 -- Return to boat, sail to hot springs
- 12:00 -- Swim at hot springs (20-30 minutes)
- 12:30 -- Return to port
- 13:00 -- Back in Fira
You'll be back by early afternoon with the rest of the day free. Alternatively, a caldera cruise combines the volcano and hot springs with additional stops (Red Beach, Thirassia, sunset) over a full day.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Wear proper shoes. Closed-toe trainers or hiking shoes. The volcanic rock is sharp and loose. Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea.
- Bring at least 1 litre of water. There's nothing to buy on Nea Kameni. The island is bare rock with no facilities.
- Sunscreen and a hat. Zero shade for the entire hike.
- The entrance fee (5 EUR) may not be included in your tour price. Bring cash just in case.
- Don't wander off the marked path. The ground near some fumaroles is unstable and hot. Stay on the trail.
- This is not a strenuous hike. But it is hot, exposed, and on uneven ground. People with heart conditions or mobility issues should assess carefully.
- Dark swimwear for the hot springs. The sulphur stains are real and permanent on white or light fabric.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
May-June and September-October -- Comfortable temperatures for the hike, warm enough for the hot springs swim.
July-August -- Very hot on the exposed volcanic rock. Go as early as possible (first boat of the day). Bring extra water.
April and November -- Cooler and less crowded. The hot springs are less appealing if the air temperature is low, but the hike itself is more comfortable.
Winter -- Some tours still run, but services are limited and weather-dependent.
The volcano hike is about 2.5 km round trip on Nea Kameni, taking 60-90 minutes. Entry fee is 5 EUR. Most tours combine it with the hot springs and cost 25-50 EUR per person.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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