Nea Kameni, meaning "the newly burnt," is an uninhabited volcanic island rising in the middle of Santorini's flooded caldera and counts among the youngest land in the Mediterranean. Built up by repeated lava eruptions since the 16th century, it last erupted in 1950 as a small lava-dome extrusion, and it remains an active volcano monitored by the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano (ISMOSAV) and protected as a National Geological Volcanic Park. An intense earthquake swarm off the island in early 2025 — caused by a magmatic dike intrusion, not an eruption — made headlines, but scientists have confirmed the island is safe for tourism, and boat tours continue to run in summer 2026. Reachable only by sea, it offers Santorini's most distinctive half-day outing: a walk across black lava up to the rim of a still-steaming crater.
The panoramic loop around the summit crater rim (about 130 m), with raw volcanic terrain underfoot and views over the caldera walls
Sulphur fumaroles venting steam and warm ground around the crater — living proof the volcano is still active
Layered lava flows and domes from the 1866–1950 eruptions, a geology lesson written in red-black rock
A 360-degree vantage from the caldera's heart over the cliff towns of Fira and Oia and Thirasia island
The sulphur hot springs off neighboring Palea Kameni, usually included on tours (you swim to them from the boat)
Good to know
SafetyThe climb to the crater is about 30 minutes uphill on loose, slippery volcanic gravel with no shade and no drinking water anywhere on the island. Wear proper trail shoes and a hat, bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
SeasonHigh season is April–October; midday in high summer is brutally hot and exposed. Tours are canceled in strong winds or rough seas, so book popular departures (especially sunset catamarans) ahead and confirm operation on the day.
RulesThe National Geological Volcanic Park entrance fee (about €5, subject to change — verify the latest) is usually NOT included in the boat ticket and is collected on landing. Card readers on the lava are unreliable, so carry euros in cash, and stay on the marked trail.
SafetyAfter the 2025 earthquake swarm, Santorini's main island introduced new restricted zones in April 2026 (including areas above the Old Port of Fira), in force until end of March 2027, with possible temporary closures. Follow on-site signs and check the latest notices before departure.
MannersThis is a protected scientific monitoring site. Do not remove volcanic rock or samples or put your hands into the fumaroles, and carry all litter back with you.
CautionTickets hawked at the dock vary widely in price and what they include. Book online in advance or through a licensed agency, and confirm whether the park entrance fee is bundled so you don't pay twice.
Practical info
There is no land access from the main island; you land only via boat tours departing from the Old Port of Fira (reached by cable car or on foot) or from Athinios Port. Tours generally run in high season (April–October) with morning and afternoon departures, last about three hours, and often combine the Palea Kameni hot springs — always verify exact schedules, prices, and the entrance fee before booking.
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