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Nea Kameni Geological National Park

Nea Kameni is the active volcano inside the Santorini caldera. It replaced the volcano that destroyed the civilization in 1630. Six volcanic events took place over 430 years and created this islet. Depending on the day, you may get to see volcanic smoke coming out of the caldera!

How was Nea Kameni Created?

After the destructive eruption of 1630 BC, the crater was underwater. The magma that was left started to ooze out of the huge caldera that was formed during that eruption. It poured out at regular intervals, filling the huge hole until it started to come out of the ocean. Six major volcanic eruptions took place to create the Nea Kameni that we see today. All of the eruptions that created the islet were mild and did not cause serious problems for any of the nearby inhabitants of the neighboring island of Santorini.

The first eruption by Mikri Kameni volcano took place between 1570-1573, This is the first dome you will see during your hike on the islet. In 1707-1711 Nea Kameni erupted and created a large part of the islet. The Georgios eruptions lasted the longest, they took place between 1866-1870. The great Daphni crater was formed during the eruptions between 1925-1926. The central twin crater of the islet, Fouque and Reck Lava domes were created during the volcanic events between 1939-1941. January 1950 the smallest of all the eruptions.

THE VOLCANO TODAY

Nea Kameni has been dormant since the eruption of 1950. It is impossible to predict when the next eruption will take place. The Santorini Volcano Observatory monitors the closely and no drastic change has ever been reported, suggesting the volcano is still dormant. It’s perfectly safe to visit. The minute the volcano wakes up the observatory will know.

How To Get Nea Kameni

You will need to book a tour boat to get to Nea Kameni. Some will take you there and back but it’s really worth paying a little more to go on the sunset tour. They will take you to the islet, you will be given about an hour and a half for the hike. Afterwards they will take you to the hot springs so that you can go for a swim. After your swim, they will serve a delicious Greek buffet with unlimited wine. After dinner you will get to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world with the best seat possible.

Nea Kameni is open year round. Be sure to bring lots of water, ther is no shade whatsoever on the islet. A hydration pack is the best way to make sure that you won’t run out of water. Wear comfortable walking shoes, the trails are all natural terrain. Bring sunglasses, sunhat and wear sunscreen! Don’t forget your camera, the views of Santorini from here are amazing.

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