Volcanic islands in Santorini, in just a few hours. I like this trip because it mixes a Nea Kameni crater walk with a real chance to swim in the thermal waters near Palea Kameni. You get an active, outdoor Santorini day without needing a full itinerary.

My favorite part is the pacing: a short boat ride, then time on the volcano itself, then a brief hot-spring stop before returning to Fira’s Old Port. The main thing to watch is cost creep. Your ticket price is $35, but you should budget for the volcano entrance fee, optional cable car rides, and a towel you’ll need on your own.

Key things to know before you go

• Nea Kameni crater time (about 1.5 hours): you’ll have the option to hike toward the top for close-up views.
• Palea Kameni hot springs swim (about 30 minutes): water temperature varies by season and may be warm rather than spa-hot.
• A strong-swimmer requirement: the shore swim distance can be longer than it sounds.
• Old Port access is real: cable car is optional, but 587 steps are the alternate route.
• Extra fees can change the real price: the volcano entrance fee is not included, and towels are not provided.

Getting to the Old Port (Gialos): the steps vs the €10 cable car

The tour starts at the Old Port of Fira (Gialos), which sits below the main town of Fira. Getting down is the first decision you’ll make: take the cable car for €10 each way (about 3 minutes) or walk down 587 steps.

If you want to keep things simple, use the cable car to avoid a leg-burning start. If you’re fine with stairs and want the most time for the experience itself, walking can be quicker than waiting around for cable cars. Either way, I’d plan to arrive a bit early so you can find the right counter without stress.

At the port, look for the Santo Star travel office directly at the dock area. That’s where you’ll collect your ticket and get final instructions before boarding.

The 3-hour format: 11:00 or 14:15 and how the time gets used

This excursion runs daily with departures at 11:00 and 14:15, and the total experience time is about 3 hours. The schedule is tight, but not frantic—most of the time is spent where it matters: volcano and swim.

A typical flow goes like this:

• A short boat ride (about 15 minutes) from Fira’s Old Port to the volcano bay
• About 1 hour 30 minutes at Nea Kameni for crater views and hiking
• Then a stop at Palea Kameni for hot-spring swimming around 30 minutes
• Back to the Old Port of Fira afterward

Why that matters: you’re not stuck on the water all afternoon. You get just enough boat time to enjoy the caldera area from the sea, then you move your body and use your time on the islands.

Nea Kameni crater hike: close-up volcanic views and the reality of the €5 entrance fee

Nea Kameni is the main event on the volcano side. After you arrive at the volcano bay, you’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the area and follow the trail toward the top if you want the closest views of the active craters.

This is where you’ll feel you’re really on a volcanic island rather than just taking scenic photos. The trail is the difference between simply seeing the volcano from a boat and actually looking into it from within walking distance.

One important detail: the volcano entrance fee (€5) is not included. You’ll want to have a little extra money ready so this doesn’t feel like a surprise during your day.

What I like about this part of the tour is the option. If you want more hiking, you can push upward for those up-close crater views. If you’d rather go slower, you can still enjoy the volcanic surroundings without trying to race to the top.

Palea Kameni hot springs and mud baths: warm water that depends on the month

After the crater time, you head to Palea Kameni, known for its hot springs and famous mud baths formed over years of volcanic activity. Your stop is about 30 minutes in the small bay of Agios Nikolaos.

Here’s the honest expectation to set: the water temperature changes with the season. It’s generally warmer than the surrounding sea, but it may not feel like a constant steam-bath, especially in cooler months.

That leads to two practical points. First, if your idea of hot springs is bath-like heat, come in flexible. Second, pay attention to the swim guidance—this is not a wade-in-by-the-liners situation.

There’s also an added reality check for swimming: customers who decide to swim must be strong and skilled swimmers, since they may need to swim a longer distance to reach the shore. That matters for comfort and safety, and it’s the kind of detail that can make or break the experience if you don’t take it seriously.

If you don’t want to swim, you’ll still be on the boat near the hot-spring area, but your main personal payoff will come from whether you’re willing to handle that swim requirement.

The scenic stop and Thirassia village time: short, varied, and good for photos

Between the volcano bay and the hot springs, the itinerary includes about 1.5 hours of time described as a photo stop plus visit, hiking, and scenic views along the way. In the broader tour description, this is where Thirassia village comes into the mix.

This section is valuable because it breaks up the day. Nea Kameni gets you moving on volcanic ground, and the hot springs get you in the water. Thirassia adds a human side—village scenery and a different kind of walking than crater trails.

If you like mixing effort with variety, you’ll appreciate this section. It also gives you a chance to reset your pace after the climb and before the water stop.

The trade-off is that it’s not a long stay. Expect a taste, not a full-on village day. Still, it’s enough time to get a feel for the area and collect some viewpoints that look great later when you’re sorting photos.

Price and logistics: why the real total can be higher than $35

On paper, the price is listed as $35 per person for a 3-hour tour. In practice, your final cost can rise quickly once you add the items you’re responsible for.

Based on what you’re told upfront:

• Volcano entrance fee: €5 (not included)
• Cable car: €10 each way if you choose it to reach Old Port (not included)
• Towels: not included

The cable car decision is the biggest swing factor because it can double your “access” cost compared to walking the stairs. If you plan to use the cable car both ways, it can add a chunk to your budget for a tour that is already time-limited.

This is why I suggest you do a quick “math check” before you book. Decide whether you’re comfortable walking the 587 steps up and down. If not, budget for cable car use. Once you do that, the tour price feels more transparent and easier to judge.

The value is strongest if you want both active volcano time and a hot-spring swim in one compact trip. If you only care about views from the boat, you might question whether the extra steps and fees are worth it for you.

What to bring (and what to skip) so the trip feels easy

The tour’s simple, but it doesn’t hold your hand.

Bring:

• A towel (explicitly required for the hot-spring/swim stop)

For everything else, you’ll have to use common sense based on the day: water-friendly comfort for the swim option and shoes that work on uneven ground for hiking. The volcano stop includes trail walking, and it’s not designed for slippery soles.

Also note what’s not allowed: pets are not permitted.

Who this tour suits best (and who should consider another plan)

This trip is a strong fit if you want a short, active Santorini experience. You get crater hiking time, plus a thermal-water swim option, plus scenery around Thirassia.

You should think twice if you’re not comfortable with a longer swim requirement. Even though the hot-spring stop is about 30 minutes, the swim distance to reach shore can be longer for some people, and the guidance is clear that only strong swimmers should go for it.

It’s also a good match if you like structured timing. You’ll be back at the Old Port of Fira after the tour block, without having to manage transfers to another island on your own.

Should you book? My practical take

Book this tour if you want your Santorini day to include three real components: volcano craters, thermal waters, and Thirassia village scenery—all within a tight 3-hour format. I think it’s good value once you’ve accounted for the extra costs you’re responsible for, especially the €5 entrance fee and whether you’ll use the cable car instead of the 587 steps.

Skip it or consider an alternative if you’re hoping for a purely relaxing, no-effort outing. Nea Kameni involves hiking, and the swim option has real requirements. If you can’t (or don’t want to) meet those, you may still enjoy the scenery, but your main highlights won’t land the way you’d hope.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Old Port of Fira (Gialos). You’ll meet there and collect your ticket at the Santo Star travel office directly at the port.

What time do departures run each day?

The tour departs daily at 11:00 and again at 14:15.

How long is the tour?

The total experience is about 3 hours.

How long is the volcano stop at Nea Kameni?

You’ll stay at the volcano bay for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How much time do you spend at the hot springs?

The Palea Kameni hot-springs swim stop is about 30 minutes.

Is the volcano entrance fee included?

No. The volcano entrance fee is €5 and is not included.

What does the cable car cost, and is it optional?

The cable car costs €10 per person each way and is optional. It’s not included in the tour price.

Do they provide towels?

No, towels are not included. You should bring one.

Is the guide provided in English?

Yes, the tour includes a live guide in English.

Are pets allowed on this tour?

No, pets are not allowed.