4 unique experiences to discover the Santorini volcano

Are you heading to the Cyclades for the vacations and looking for ways to visit the Santorini volcano? Check out these 4 off-the-beaten-track excursions to the Santorini volcano.

Off the coast of Greece, in the Aegean Sea, the Santorini archipelago isone of the most beautiful calderas in the world. An immense crater, submerged by water and surrounded by cliffs, forms the bay. On the heights of the islands, you can see small traditional villages with white and blue houses.

The active part is located on the island of Nea Kameni, in the center of the bay, and is one of the destination’s must-sees. How to visit the Santorini volcano? Discover 4 original ways to explore Santorini’s caldera.

Visit Santorini’s volcano and relax in the hot springs

Photo credit: Get Your Guide

Set course for the islands of Thirassia and Nea Kameni for a relaxing day around the Santorini volcano. Discover two lava islands with breathtaking scenery! During this guided cruise in the Santorini archipelago, visit a volcano that is still active. Wondering if the volcano is about to erupt? Rest assured, even if the volcano’s activity is palpable, it’s still asleep 😉

For this Santorini cruise, bathing suits are a must, as you’ll be swimming close to the volcano. The yacht stops off the cove of Palea Kameni to splash and relax in thevolcano’s warm, sulfurous water. From the yacht, take a refreshing plunge, then swim closer. The scenery is unreal! The water is a striking shade of orange and hovers around 34 degrees, thanks tounderwater volcanic activity. A word of advice: leave your best swimsuit in the closet and opt for one that doesn’t suck. Sulfuric water is odorous and can stain!

For a change of scenery, let’s head for the island of Thirassia. Spend your two hours of free time as you please. The curious can visit the village, typical of Santorini, with its winding lanes, steep steps and traditional white and blue houses. Sunbathers will prefer to laze on Manolas beach. Epicureans will choose a gargote to enjoy local delicacies by the sea.

An underwater adventure at Santorini volcano

Photo credit: Manawa

Are you a scuba diving enthusiast? Stop it! We suggest you spend the day exploring the seabed of the Santorini Caldera, a volcano crater submerged in the Mediterranean Sea.

Among geological formations unique in the world, dive into the bowels of this still active volcano, between reefs, wrecks, caves and crater rims… Discover an area full of mystery, where local myths and legends come to life.

Swim among the many fish, between massive coral reefs, in a colorful setting. Astonishing rock formations will surprise you. In the heart of the caldera reef, observe the rich and colorful underwater flora and fauna.

Choose from three of Santorini’s must-see diving spots.

• Hot Springs Epave: a shallow area down to 13 meters to discover a World War II underwater wreck and a magnificent reef.
• Volcano: from 7 to 25 metres, this diving area around the Santorini volcano is bursting with life! You’ll be amazed!
• Adivatous reef: from 10 to 30 meters, this exploration takes you to the edge of the caldera, one of Santorini’s most beautiful reefs. Locals particularly appreciate the diversity of fauna on this site.

Hiking on the volcano of Santorini, a lunar paradise

Photo credit: Viator

In a small group, climb aboard a small motorboat privatized just for you. The crew will take you to the island of Nea Kameni for a guided hike to the summit of Santorini’s volcano.

In the heart of the caldera, discover this little volcanic jewel. As you approach the island, you can make out the multicolored geological layers that make up the island. Walk through the basalt rocks to reach the crater at the top of the volcano and its 360° view over the archipelago. With the Aegean Sea as a backdrop, the landscape is awe-inspiring, oscillating between apocalypse and paradise on earth. We don’t know about you, but it leaves us speechless!

Awaken all your senses! Feel the black rocks crunch beneath your feet! Observe the sulfur-scented fumaroles escaping from the crater! Touch the still-warm rocks! There’s no doubt about it… The volcano is still asleep, but it’s definitely active! How do you say « active »? Beware of sleeping water…

A word of advice to make the most of the experience: good shoes are preferable for this hike among volcanic rocks.

Enjoy a romantic dinner on the waves in Santorini’s Caldera

Photo credit: Get Your Guide

Looking for a romantic holiday in the Cyclades? Embark on a sunset dinner cruise around the Santorini volcano. At golden hour, visit the Santorini Caldera, between the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirassia. Here, too, you can bathe in the sulfurous waters of Palea Kameni.

The highlight of the experience? The dinner cruise, of course! The boat drops anchor off the island of Thirassia, where you can enjoy a local dinner with a panoramic view of Santorini’s legendary sunset. In short, la dolce vita à la grecque!

The menu features a simple buffet dinner of local dishes: Greek salad, tzatziki, pork and chicken rolls, rice and baked potatoes, all accompanied by a delicious Santorini wine. After dinner, the boat sets sail to enjoy the golden sunset over the islands of the Santorini archipelago.

Diving, dinner cruises, sightseeing, sunsets, swimming, lounging or hiking… Santorini has something for everyone! In this volcanic paradise, get off the beaten track to discover the must-sees and hidden treasures of the Pearl of the Cyclades. One last tip before you go: for many activities, you can be picked up from your hotel. So find out for yourself. And what’s the best way to visit Santorini’s volcano? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️