Palea Kameni Hot Springs, Santorini - blue body of water near brown concrete building during daytime
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Palea Kameni Hot Springs Santorini

4.4
·309 reviews·Nea Kameni, Greece

Swim in unique, sulfur-rich volcanic hot springs near Palea Kameni, a must-do caldera experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Warmer waters, less wind

CrowdMedium
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Palea Kameni Hot Springs, Santorini - blue body of water near brown concrete building during daytime

Palea Kameni Hot Springs Santorini

Best Time

Summer mornings

Warmer waters, less wind

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Swim in unique, sulfur-rich volcanic hot springs near Palea Kameni, a must-do caldera experience.

4.4
(309 reviews)

"Swim in unique, sulfur-rich volcanic hot springs near Palea Kameni, a must-do caldera experience."

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TIP

Dark Swimsuit is Key

Sulfur in the water can stain white or light-colored swimsuits. Opt for dark colors!

Swim to the Springs

Tours often stop offshore; you'll need to swim about 50-100m to reach the springs .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palea Kameni Hot Springs

Palea Kameni Hot Springs

Near Palea Kameni Island

Swim in unique, sulfur-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties. A truly volcanic spa experience!

Nea Kameni Volcano Hike

Nea Kameni Volcano Hike

Nea Kameni Island

Hike to the crater of an active volcano for breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera.

Caldera Views from the Water

Caldera Views from the Water

Caldera

Experience the stunning Santorini caldera from a unique perspective on a boat tour.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Hot Springs

The Palea Kameni hot springs are often described as lukewarm rather than hot, especially in cooler months. Many visitors recommend visiting during the warmer summer months for a more enjoyable experience. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially if you're on a popular catamaran tour.

What to Wear & Bring

Wear a dark-colored swimsuit as the sulfur-rich waters can stain lighter fabrics.Reddit Bring a towel and a change of clothes, as you'll likely get wet. Comfortable shoes are essential if your tour includes a hike on Nea Kameni volcano.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Warmer waters, less wind
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon boat tours
Why
Potential for sunset views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Santorini tips! #greekisland #santorini #oiasantorini
@thelittlebasketco
36K likes • 979.5K views

Dark Swimsuit is Key

Sulfur in the water can stain white or light-colored swimsuits. Opt for dark colors! InstagramReddit

Swim to the Springs

Tours often stop offshore; you'll need to swim about 50-100m to reach the springs.Reddit

The #heartofsantorini a recent hidden discovery of a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean Sea, the sky, and the volcano | 🌋 It’s also free to visit Save this for your next trip ✈️ | #santorini #hiddengem #hikingadventures #greekislands #greeksummer
@alexandra_madalline
19.5K likes • 476.8K views
🇬🇷 Santorini is not just white & blue houses with amazing pools… when you visit make sure to go on a boat tour to discover (and swim!) in Volcanic 🌋 Orange Hot Springs - near Palea Kameni Island. 📍Save this for your trip to Santorini The healing waters consist of iron and manganese which act against many diseases that older people usually suffer from. Also it should work wonders on your skin! ...
kasiawhotravels
139 likes • 3.9K views

Bring Hiking Shoes

Essential for the rocky terrain if hiking Nea Kameni volcano.Reddit

Hydration is Crucial

Carry plenty of water, especially for the volcano hike in the sun.Reddit

Aguas termales 💦 📍Nea Kameni y Palea Kameni Se encuentran en la costa del volcán 🌋 y cuentan con propiedades curativas por su cantidad de minerales como hierro, manganeso y sulfuro en el agua gracias al volcán . En realidad no son tan calientes (mas bien frías antes de llegar ahi) y necesitas nadar unos 50 metros para llegar hasta ellas pero en mi experiencia vale la pena hacerlo…. Ya estando aquí...
moni.ortegag
0 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dark Swimsuit is Key

Sulfur in the water can stain white or light-colored swimsuits. Opt for dark colors! InstagramReddit

Swim to the Springs

Tours often stop offshore; you'll need to swim about 50-100m to reach the springs.Reddit

Bring Hiking Shoes

Essential for the rocky terrain if hiking Nea Kameni volcano.Reddit

Hydration is Crucial

Carry plenty of water, especially for the volcano hike in the sun.Reddit

Consider a Catamaran Tour

Offers a comfortable way to visit the springs and volcano, often with food and drinks.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(309 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Palea Kameni hot springs to be a unique and worthwhile experience, especially when combined with a caldera boat tour. While the 'hot' aspect is often debated, with many describing the water as lukewarm, the mineral-rich, colorful waters and the volcanic setting are consistently praised. Some find the swim to the springs challenging, and the potential for staining swimsuits is a common caution.

"We did the tour in late Nov, it is too cold to swim there. In theory, the souffre hot spring is 5 degrees more than the normal templerature but it is still cold, especially with the srrong wind. The travel agency recommends to wear dark color swimming suit to prevent souffre stains stay on the swimming suit, but in fact the color is not obvious at all, as long as the swimming suit is not in white, it should be okay."

Isobel Zhang

"We were told that they were hot springs but in reality it isn’t much warmer than the sea in mid Summer. Beautiful though, great experience in the end."

mia delalic

"so cold in April. Yes, the color will be on white swim suite, but if you don’t touch anything, it will not and it could be washed off"

zhan lin

What People Like

Unique volcanic experience
Mineral-rich waters
Scenic caldera views

What People Dislike

Lukewarm, not hot, water
Staining swimsuits
Challenging swim to springs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to visit the Palea Kameni hot springs is by taking a boat tour from the old port of Fira or Amoudi Bay. These tours often include a visit to the Nea Kameni volcano as well.Instagram+1 Some catamaran cruises also stop at the hot springs.Instagram

While there might be local ferry services, booking an organized tour is generally more reliable and convenient for visiting Nea Kameni and the hot springs. Some travelers have found it difficult to find on-the-spot ferry information, especially early in the season.Reddit

No, the hot springs are only accessible by boat. You'll need to join a tour or hire a private boat from one of the island's ports.

Many visitors find renting an ATV or car convenient, but the bus system is also efficient and can be a more budget-friendly option, especially if you stay near a bus station.TikTok+1

This varies by tour operator. Some may offer pick-up services, while others expect you to make your own way to the port. It's best to check with your tour provider in advance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the hot springs themselves is usually included in the price of a boat tour or cruise. You'll pay for the tour, not a separate entrance fee for the springs.Instagram

Prices vary depending on the type of tour (group vs. semi-private, duration, inclusions). Expect to pay anywhere from €30 to €100+ per person for a caldera cruise that includes the hot springs.TikTok

Tours typically run throughout the day, with many offering morning, afternoon, and sunset options. Sunset tours are very popular but can be more crowded.TikTok

While theoretically possible to hire a private boat, most visitors opt for organized tours for convenience and to access the volcano hike as well.

Generally, there are no strict age restrictions, but tours involve swimming and hiking, so participants should be reasonably fit. Young children may need supervision.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors report the springs are more lukewarm than hot, especially in cooler weather or with strong winds. The water temperature can be only slightly warmer than the sea Reddit [^review_1].

The water is rich in sulfur, iron, and manganese, giving it an orange-brown color. It's believed to have therapeutic properties for skin conditions.Instagram+1

It's highly recommended to wear a dark-colored swimsuit as the sulfur can stain white or light-colored swimwear.InstagramReddit

The hike is uphill on rocky, volcanic terrain. It's moderately challenging and requires sturdy footwear. Bring water and sun protection.InstagramReddit

Often, boats stop offshore, and you'll need to swim about 50-100 meters to reach the springs. Good swimming skills are recommended.InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hot springs are located on an uninhabited volcanic island. Food is typically not available directly at the springs. Most boat tours include snacks or a meal, or you can find restaurants in Fira or Amoudi Bay before or after your tour.TikTok

Many catamaran tours offer Greek specialties like souvlaki, Greek salads, and grilled seafood, along with drinks.Instagram

It's best to inquire with the tour operator in advance. Many tours can accommodate dietary restrictions if notified beforehand.

Yes, there are usually small tavernas or kiosks at the port where tours depart or return, offering snacks and drinks.Instagram

Fanari Restaurant in Fira is mentioned for its affordable prices and amazing caldera views, especially during sunset.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique orange-hued water against the volcanic landscape. Photos of people swimming and the boat tours themselves are also popular.Instagram+1

Yes, but be cautious. The sulfurous water can potentially damage electronics. Consider a waterproof case or a dedicated waterproof camera.Instagram

Late afternoon and sunset tours offer dramatic lighting, but can be crowded. Morning tours might offer clearer shots with fewer people.TikTok

The summit of Nea Kameni offers panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding islands, making for spectacular landscape photography.Instagram

Focus on the dramatic cliffs, the blue Aegean Sea, the volcanic islands, and the iconic Santorini coastline from the water.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

A caldera cruise that includes the hot springs and volcano hike can be an exciting adventure for families. The novelty of swimming in mineral-rich waters and exploring a volcano is often a hit with children. However, parents should be aware that the hike on Nea Kameni involves uneven, rocky terrain, and the swim to the hot springs requires decent swimming skills.Reddit Ensure your tour operator can accommodate younger children, and consider if they will be comfortable with the swimming aspect. Bringing extra towels and a change of clothes is essential for keeping kids comfortable afterward.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Santorini can be an expensive destination, visiting the hot springs can be done on a budget by opting for group boat tours rather than private or luxury catamaran cruises.TikTok Look for tours departing from the main ports, and compare prices. Traveling by bus to the departure points is also more economical than taxis or private transfers.TikTok Pack your own snacks and water to save on onboard purchases, and remember that the hot springs themselves don't have an entry fee beyond the tour cost.

❤️ Couples & Honeymooners

A sunset catamaran cruise that includes a stop at the hot springs offers a romantic and unforgettable experience. Imagine swimming in the warm waters as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.TikTokInstagram While the hot springs themselves might not be the height of luxury, the overall setting and the unique volcanic activity provide a memorable backdrop for couples. Opting for a smaller, semi-private tour can enhance the intimacy of the experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Volcanic Experience: Nea Kameni & Palea Kameni

Santorini's volcanic nature is central to its allure, and a visit to the caldera islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni offers a direct encounter with this geological power. Nea Kameni is the younger, active volcano where visitors can hike to the crater's rim. The terrain is rugged and barren, a stark reminder of the island's fiery origins.Instagram The ascent, though not excessively long, is entirely uphill and exposed to the sun, making hydration and appropriate footwear crucial.Reddit The panoramic views from the top are a significant reward, showcasing the vastness of the caldera and the surrounding Aegean Sea.

Adjacent to Nea Kameni lies Palea Kameni, home to the famous hot springs. Unlike the dramatic landscape of its neighbor, Palea Kameni is known for its therapeutic waters. These springs are heated by volcanic activity beneath the sea, infusing the water with sulfur, iron, and manganese.Instagram+1 While often described as lukewarm rather than hot, the unique mineral composition is believed to offer health benefits and a distinctive swimming experience. The color of the water, a result of the minerals, can stain light-colored swimsuits, so wearing darker attire is highly recommended.Reddit

Navigating the Hot Springs: What to Expect

The experience of visiting the Palea Kameni hot springs is often part of a larger caldera boat tour. These tours typically depart from Fira or Amoudi Bay and can range from group excursions to more exclusive catamaran cruises.Instagram+1 A common aspect of these tours is that the boat will anchor offshore, and participants will need to swim a short distance (around 50-100 meters) to reach the actual springs.InstagramReddit This means that while life jackets might be provided, strong swimming abilities are beneficial.Reddit

Upon reaching the springs, visitors will notice the distinct color and smell of the sulfurous water. The temperature can vary, and many find it to be more of a refreshing dip than a hot soak, especially if the sea is already warm or if there's a strong wind [^review_1]. The seabed can be muddy in shallower areas, and the minerals can leave a slight residue on skin and swimwear. Despite these nuances, the overall experience is widely considered unique and memorable, offering a chance to connect with Santorini's volcanic heart in a very tangible way.Instagram

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