Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Cruise from Fira: Hike & Swim

Hike volcanic trails at the summit, then swim into warm mineral waters

You’ll hike Santorini’s active volcano with a local escort who shares stories as you walk its rocky trails, then dive off a traditional boat to swim through mineral-rich hot springs near Palea Kameni. Expect raw landscapes, salty air, laughter with fellow travelers, and memories that stick long after you rinse off the sulfur.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini volcano hike and hot springs

• Board boat at Fira old port
• Arrive at Santorini volcano island
• Pay 5€ entrance fee
• Hike volcanic trails with guide
• Enjoy views from volcano summit
• Return to boat
• Sail to Palea Kameni island
• Swim 30-40 meters to hot springs
• Relax in thermal mineral waters
• Swim back to boat

The experience

I didn’t expect the volcano to smell like eggs before we’d even docked, but there it was. This weird, earthy tang that hit as our old wooden boat bumped against black rocks. Our guide, Maria, grinned at my wrinkled nose and said, “It means the volcano is alive.” She handed us our tickets (5€ for the entrance, bring cash) and warned us about the loose gravel on the path. I’d read about this Santorini volcano tour online but being here, boots crunching over ash and seeing little wisps of steam curling up from cracks… it felt more real than any photo.

The hike wasn’t too tough but I did have to stop a couple times: partly because of the sun (bring water!) and partly just to stare out at that caldera. The Aegean looked impossibly blue down below. Maria pointed out where the last big eruption happened. She even picked up a chunk of pumice and let us feel how light it was. There were people from all over: some chatting in Greek, others just quietly taking it all in. I liked that nobody rushed us at the top. We had time to wander around or just sit on a warm boulder for a bit. I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Afterwards we climbed back onto the boat (I nearly slipped, watch your step if you’re clumsy like me) and set off for Palea Kameni. The water changed color as we got closer: sort of rusty orange near the shore. Maria explained that’s from all the volcanic minerals. To get into the hot springs you have to jump off and swim maybe 30-50 meters. Not gonna lie, I hesitated (the water’s chilly at first), but once you reach those warm patches it’s like someone turned on an underwater heater. The sulfur smell sticks to your skin a bit. I didn’t mind though, felt kind of wild floating there with everyone laughing and splashing around.

We only had about half an hour in the springs before heading back toward Fira Old Port. My swimsuit still has faint yellow stains (Maria did warn us about that), but honestly, every time I see them I remember how raw and different this day felt compared to anything else on Santorini.

What’s included

Your day includes guided hiking on Santorini’s volcano with expert insights from your escort, foam pool noodles for extra support while swimming at Palea Kameni’s hot springs, and all transport by traditional boat from Fira Old Port, plus plenty of time to soak up volcanic views before returning in the afternoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

14:30pmGuide in English or Greek · 14:30Santorini Volcano and cable car tickets are not included. Duration: 3 hours. Places to visit: Santorini Volcano, Palea Kameni

11:00amGuide in English or Greek · 11:00Entry tickets for the Santorini Volcano and cable car are not included. Duration: 3 hours. Places to visit: Santorini Volcano, Palea Kameni

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 14:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Caldera's Boats Santorini Sea Excursions

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How hard is the Santorini volcano hike?

The hike is moderate with loose gravel. Sturdy shoes are recommended and breaks are possible along the way.

Is swimming in Santorini's hot springs safe?

Swimming is safe for confident swimmers who can manage 30-50 meters from boat to shore. Pool noodles are provided for support.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen or a hat for hiking. Wear a dark swimsuit due to sulfur stains in hot springs.

Are entry fees included in this tour?

The 5€ volcano entrance fee is not included. Bring cash for payment upon arrival.

Can non-swimmers join the hot springs part?

The swim is best suited for strong swimmers. Non-swimmers may stay on board during this portion.

How long do we spend at each stop?

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours hiking on the volcano and roughly 30 minutes at Palea Kameni hot springs.

Does this tour include lunch or drinks?

No lunch is included but there is a minibar onboard where you can buy water or snacks.

Where does this cruise start from?

The cruise departs from Fira Old Port. Arrive early if taking the cable car or walking down.