Bucket list experience:
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
€25 | Rating 4.08 / 5 [459 ratings]
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Santorini
€30 | Rating 4.25 / 5 [304 ratings]
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Santorini
€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
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.
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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 mind–blowing views.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Greek Islands, Greece
Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
