Photo: Norbert Nagel · CC BY-SA 3.0 Nea Kameni sits in the middle of Santorini’s flooded caldera, about 2 km off Fira. There is no road or ferry service of its own: every visit is by boat, usually as part of a tour that also stops at the hot springs of Palea Kameni.
Where the boats leave from
| Port | How to get there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fira Old Port (Skala) | Cable car, donkey path or ~580 steps from Fira | Classic volcano tours, shortest crossing |
| Athinios | Main ferry port; tours often include hotel transfer | Catamarans and full-day trips |
| Ammoudi Bay (Oia) | Steps or road down from Oia | Trips that finish with sunset at Oia |
| Vlychada | South coast marina | Catamarans and private boats |
What happens on a typical tour
- Crossing to Nea Kameni — about 15 minutes from Fira’s Old Port.
- Crater hike — a guided walk of roughly 30–40 minutes uphill on lava gravel to the main crater, with views back to Fira and Oia.
- Free time at the summit — look for the warm ground and sulphur vents near the crater rim.
- Hot springs at Palea Kameni — the boat anchors in a small cove and you swim to warm, orange, iron-rich water.
- Optional extras — longer tours add lunch on Thirassia and sunset off Oia.
Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks
- Free cancellation
- Booked 12 times yesterday
From €60 per person
Bestseller Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
- Free cancellation
- Booked 4 times yesterday
From €30 per person
Entrance fee and costs
A small entrance fee is charged on Nea Kameni to maintain the trails. It is often not included in the tour price, so bring cash. Basic volcano and hot-spring boats are the cheapest option; catamarans with meals and private boats cost more but are less crowded.
What to bring
- Closed shoes with grip — the lava gravel is sharp and slippery
- At least 1 litre of water per person; there is little to buy on the island
- Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Dark swimwear — the iron-rich hot spring water can stain light fabrics
- A small amount of cash for the entrance fee
Accessibility
The crater trail is uneven, steep in places and has no shade, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility. Many travellers who skip the hike still enjoy a catamaran or private boat, which can stay at the hot springs or sail along the caldera instead.
Tips from experience
- Pick a morning departure in summer: the black rock heats up fast.
- On windy days (the summer meltemi), the swim to the hot springs can be choppy — strong swimmers only.
- If you want sunset, book the Oia sunset option early; it is the first to sell out.
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