Santorini Volcano Cruise Review: Hot Springs & Thirasia Guide
If you are visiting Santorini, that dreamy Greek island known for its whitewashed buildings and mind blowing sunsets, you’ll almost certainly hear about the volcano cruise. It’s almost like *the* thing folks tell you that you simply have to experience, so that is why I went on the Santorini Volcano Cruise, that also goes to the Hot Springs and Thirasia, and I wanted to give you the inside scoop. Is it actually worth your time and your money? I mean, I think you want to know if this tour really lives up to all the hype, so I can share everything with you, like what I liked, what I didn’t, and just a couple tips to help you decide if you want to include this in your Santorini plans.
What to Expect on the Santorini Volcano Cruise
So, the volcano cruise in Santorini usually starts from one of the ports, commonly Fira or Athinios. You’ll probably find a handful of different options for boats, from old-school looking sailboats to larger, modern ferries. Whichever boat you decide on, expect crowds. Santorini, and of course especially during peak season, stays fairly full, so you’re likely going to be sharing your cruise with a bunch of other sightseers. As you set off, that caldera views really grab you, that is if you have good weather. That striking cliffs, that is with houses clinging to the top, provide for the most scenic backdrops ever.
That first stop, Nea Kameni, provides for that volcanic island that you get to hike. Keep in mind, the terrain stays rough, so bringing good shoes might be a good idea. Also, that sun kind of beats down on you, and shade is basically non-existent, so packing a hat and sunscreen? Defo good. That hike gets you up to that volcano’s crater, where you can see hissing fumaroles and learn a great deal about the geology of that island. Many tourists do appreciate it, and there’s always somebody yapping about what actually happened thousands of years ago.
The Alluring Hot Springs of Palea Kameni
After visiting that volcano, that next stop generally stays that Palea Kameni Hot Springs. They label it “hot”, yet really, they’re a bit warmer when compared with the regular sea temperature. That water gets that orange-red hue because of those minerals in the rocks, and this remains something folks believe features restorative properties. Boats do not dock exactly by those springs; you’re getting closer, but some distance you need to swim to find them. The moment really does have something for everyone; regardless you take an enjoyment out of a great swim, or you simply appreciate something, you might only just get here that once in your entire lifetime.
I thought it might prove important you understand things which are commonly absent online. Like it feels more of a brown warm bath then that warm- hot feeling folks may have told you of before you took this tour. Also it does stain you! The mineral content stays rather high and if you own blond hair this has an extremely fair chance of ending up turning this a funny colour.
Thirasia: Santorini’s Quieter Neighbor
That last stop usually remains that island in Thirasia, Santorini’s neighbor which is calmer. Some little villages live on Thirasia, like Manolas. Manolas you often notice remains way up that cliffside, needing one winding walk or get a taxi. Going to Thirasia definitely shows to those travellers of an a lot more proper sense of the Greek island life, a long way taken away far from Santorini stays.
Thirasia normally finds people getting a good meal in the harbor, that features that numerous tavernas with a fresh catch everyday. After all that I can very fairly admit after the volcano I got extremely hungry, a brief wander around this island stays delightful yet after this really felt ready, it’s almost like I’d reached “that good point” to refuel up. Lots enjoy a casual time soaking themselves right up to views prior getting back up in the boat in order to make Santorini again.
What I Liked About the Cruise
There are things which were impressive relating to that Santorini volcano boat tour:
- Views: Some spectacular sights stay what really sold me! That caldera views? Insane. You simply shouldn’t get these away from this land, getting into this vessel for your brand new perspective stands brilliant.
- Hot Springs Fun: In comparison with something truly “hot”, I will however declare those hot springs stood a neat adventure. That murky waters look good inside photos also I spotted lots soaking themselves into your time.
- Thirasia Escape: To flee through those mess associated with Santorini to possess peacefulness regarding Thirasia appeared completely delightful. You often might relax a bit then possess those traditional meal lacking lots that men!
What Could Be Better
It remained not really almost all clean cruising however; are a couple aspects might get greater:
- Crowds: Expect an extremely hectic journey, in particularly for that height months. Obtaining the very good area getting photograph shoot plus simply not bumping against any individual might get tough.
- Hot Springs Reality: These hot springs can stay somewhat oversold. Keep one’s expectations quite a bit whenever we mean this water warmth & water’s sanitary aspects, it stays naturally one organic pool at that bottom associated with one volcano
- Time Management: Sometimes this noticed quick. Wishing to research somewhat a lot more inside every put could are good, nevertheless lots boats manage in firmly tested schedules
Tips for Your Santorini Volcano Cruise
If you’re considering getting that volcano sailing while Santorini, listed here remains lots tips
- Book Ahead: Particularly for that maximum trip months. It truly gets the majority trips advertised right out the door ahead of you’re ever thought it absolutely.
- Wear and Bring: Shoes must gets comfy due to uneven volcanic terrain together with swimwear for your hot springs. Bring sunscreen together with that hat because this the weather may have a strong sun.
- Hydrate: Carry any one mineral water in. Keeping filled with water remains usually that major because the climate may have incredibly heating.
- Towel: Get this. I forgot personally and very did regret doing so.
Having that right frame to get, that volcano travels at Santorini might very definitely enrich people travels experiences. Should not await only 5 superstars experiences however you ought make of great views together with getting into hot springs. With careful design people needs making a a bit regarding island getting quite very important things in Santorini travels.