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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 May, 2022
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

Cruising the island’s half-submerged, cliff-rimmed volcanic crater is like floating in an open-air geological museum.

A full-day boat trip takes in three equally extraordinary attractions: climbing the charred, hissing crater of Palia Kameni, wallowing in the sulphurous hot springs of Nea Kameni, then shinning up the steep islet of Thirassia, a charming time warp miraculously overlooked by mass tourism.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 6 hours

Getting there & doing it

It’s possible to charter a private boat, but this excursion is most easily done through one of the organised group tours. Boat trips depart mostly from Skala port below Fira (accessible only by cable car) or sometimes the main port of Fira Athinios. Some tour operators offer hotel pick up for an additional charge.

Be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and take a pair of sensible shoes – flip-flops aren’t suitable for scaling a smoking crater.

When to do it

Tours run daily from April to October.

Every attraction on Santorini is overcrowded during July and August – best avoided if possible. The volcano is naturally baking hot and can reach ferocious temperatures during the midday heat.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour

Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour

Santorini

The tour departs daily from the old port of Fira, at 11:00 in the morning or at 14:30. After only 15 minutes by boat, we'll be arriving at t...

€25 | Rating 4.08 / 5 [459 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Caldera Half Day Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)

Caldera Half Day Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)

Santorini

Sail across Santorini’s beautiful ‘caldera’ (flooded crater) and visit the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia on this 6-hour cruise. Board a...

€30 | Rating 4.25 / 5 [304 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Caldera Private Cruise & Volcano Hike

Caldera Private Cruise & Volcano Hike

Santorini

"The best value-for-money excursion cruise in Santorini" Set sail from Ammoudi Port cruising along the coastline and visit the tw...

€200 | Rating 4.63 / 5 [11 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Majestic Hotel Santorini

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[3.4 miles]

A perfectly-located, luxury hotel for drivers who don’t want to get clogged within the permanent traffic jam of Fira, yet still a hop skip and jump from Santorini’s effervescent capital.

Official star rating:

Grace Hotel Santorini

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[3.9 miles]

A stunningly romantic design hotel, in the quintessential white village setting, with food and service to match the mindblowing views. 

Official star rating:

Kapari Natural Resort

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[4 miles]

An intimate retreat run by a local couple, in the traditional yposkafo (cave dwelling) style, with jaw-dropping views of the caldera.

Official star rating:

Avaton Resort and Spa

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[4.4 miles]

The adults-only Avaton Resort boasts an excellent spa and caldera views, and is one of the island’s more ‘affordable’ luxury hotels.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Santorini

Greek Islands, Greece

Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hike along Santorini’s caldera

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[3.3 miles]

Arguably the most memorable hike in the Aegean, this easy 6-mile trek on the rim of the Santorini caldera offers precipitous views and mesmerising landscapes.

Best for ages: 16+ | Free | 4-5 hours

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Sunset at Oia

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[6.8 miles]

Watch the sunset at Oia and marvel at the changing colours of the rocky cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A wooden walkway with railings between ancient ruined foundations
Experience

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[3.4 miles]

A small archaeological museum stuffed with frescoes and figurines from Bronze Age Akrotiri. Furniture and figurines, tools and weapons, seals and ceramic vessels all reveal aspects of how the inhabitants lived thousands of years ago.

Best for ages: 18+ | £3

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A white chapel near a cliff edge, with a bright blue sea behind it
Experience

Sunset at the Chapel of Theoskepasti

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[4.3 miles]

The Chapel of Theoskepasti, suspended between sea and sky in a nook on Skaros rock, is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Enjoy with a bottle of chilled Assyrtiko.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Entrance alley of red and white Wine museum and vinery buildings
Experience

Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.6 miles]

This small but interesting museum outside Kamari offers great insights regarding Santorini’s unique viniculture: and 400 years if wine-making history. You can sample the winery’s offerings, too. Here the vines are twisted into crown-shaped baskets so the grapes are protected from harsh winter winds.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

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Overview >
Ruins of an ancient village, with earthenware pots. People stand behind railings and look at the ruins.
Experience

Ancient Akrotiri

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.7 miles]

A perfectly preserved ancient Minoan settlement, buried beneath volcanic ash 3,500 years ago. It offers a unique insight into an ancient civilisation, which some speculate could be the lost city of Atlantis.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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Overview >