Santorini Volcano Cruise: Hot Springs, Palea Kameni & Thirasia

Volcanic islands, warm springs and a village reached by donkey stairs

A 6-hour guided boat tour of Santorini's caldera that sails to Palea Kameni for swimming in warm sulfur springs, then to Thirasia to explore the village of Manolas and have lunch at leisure. The boat departs from Athinios port with a live guide speaking English, Spanish, Italian or French, and an optional upgrade adds a sunset stop in Oia. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Volcano Cruise and Island Visits

• Board sightseeing boat at Athinios port
• Sail across Santorini’s caldera
• Visit Nea Kameni volcanic crater
• Walk around volcanic crater
• Swim in Palea Kameni hot springs
• Experience bathing in warm therapeutic mud
• Cruise to Thirasia island
• Visit Manolas village by stairs or donkey
• Enjoy free time and lunch at Thirasia
• Cruise back to Santorini

The Experience

The boat leaves Athinios port and heads into the caldera, the flooded crater that gives Santorini its shape. You'll sail past the island's famous cliffs and white towns as the guide explains what you're seeing. The first stop is Palea Kameni, a lava islet where you can swim in the warm sulfur springs — the water stays heated by geothermal activity below, and many people bathe in the green therapeutic mud as well. Time in the water is free, so you move at your own pace.

From there the boat crosses to Thirasia, a quieter island where the village of Manolas sits above the port. You reach it by climbing winding stairs or, if you prefer, riding a donkey up. Once in the village, the afternoon is yours — explore at leisure, eat lunch at a local taverna, or simply sit and watch the caldera. The boat waits and then returns you to Athinios as the day ends. An optional upgrade lets you stop in Oia on the way back to catch the sunset over the water from one of the Cyclades' most famous viewpoints.

What’s included

• Guided boat tour with a live guide.
• cruise across the caldera to Palea Kameni and Thirasia.
• free time to swim in the warm sulfur springs and bathe in therapeutic mud.
• free time to explore Manolas village and have lunch at leisure on Thirasia.
• air-conditioned boat.
• return cruise to Athinios port.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by MTM Experiences

Is this one for you?The tour runs 6 hours with swimming in warm springs and a walk or donkey ride up to Manolas village, so it suits anyone comfortable with water entry and moderate movement; the pace is set by the boat schedule and your own choices during the free time on each island.

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Top questions

What exactly happens at Palea Kameni during the boat tour?

Palea Kameni is a volcanic lava islet where you swim in naturally heated sulfur springs warmed by geothermal activity; many visitors also bathe in the green therapeutic mud found there before the boat moves on to Thirasia.

How do I get up to the village of Manolas on Thirasia?

Manolas sits above the port and is reached by climbing winding stairs on foot or by riding a donkey up if you prefer not to walk.

Is lunch included, or do I pay separately on Thirasia?

Lunch is not included in the tour price; you have free time on Thirasia to eat at a local taverna at your own cost.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French during the tour.

Can I add a stop in Oia to see the sunset?

Yes, an optional upgrade lets you stop in Oia on the return journey to watch the sunset over the caldera from the town's famous viewpoint.

Where does the boat depart from, and do I need to arrange my own transport there?

The boat departs from Athinios port; pickup is included from selected meeting points around the island, though hotel pickup and drop-off are not covered.