From Thera: Thirasia Cruise w/ Volcano Hike and Hot Springs

Exploring Santorini by boat offers a unique perspective on this volcanic island’s natural beauty and authentic villages. The Thirasia Cruise with Volcano Hike and Hot Springs is a well-rounded half-day experience that combines scenic sailing, a gentle hike, and relaxing thermal baths. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what you can expect—an engaging, value-packed adventure that balances active exploration with leisure.

What I appreciate most about this tour is the chance to see Nea Kameni’s active volcano up close, thanks to the optional hike that provides a sense of adventure and awe. Coupled with the relaxing dip in Palea Kameni’s hot springs, it’s a perfect way to combine physical activity with a restorative soak. Also, exploring the village of Manolas offers a genuine taste of local life, especially when you take a donkey ride or stroll through its spiral staircases.

One thing to keep in mind is that Thirassia’s port is temporarily closed for restoration, which could alter the itinerary slightly, but the tour compensates with a scenic bay stop for swimming. This change seems minor, but it’s good to be aware of before booking. This cruise offers a well-organized, informative day that balances guided commentary, free time, and optional adventures. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy learning about volcanic activity, picturesque villages, and relaxing natural pools without overloading your day.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Active Volcano Experience: The optional hike at Nea Kameni offers a chance to stand near an active volcano crater with stunning views, making it a highlight for those craving a bit of physical activity.
• Relaxing Hot Springs: The dip in Palea Kameni’s hot springs provides a therapeutic experience that many find both fun and soothing, with foam pool noodles included for added fun.
• Authentic Village Charm: Visiting Manolas gives an authentic glimpse of traditional Greek architecture and way of life, especially when taking a donkey ride or navigating its charming staircases.
• Educational and Scenic: The live commentary enriches your understanding of the region’s volcanic history and landscape, making the journey both fun and informative.
• Convenient and Flexible: Roundtrip transfers, multilingual guides, and the option to reserve and pay later add flexibility and value, with plenty of good reviews emphasizing the well-organized nature of the tour.
• Weather and Safety Considerations: Due to recent seismic activity, the tour has been modified; instead of stopping at Thirassia’s port, you’ll enjoy a scenic bay for swimming, which still offers a lovely experience.

Discovering the Volcanic Heart of Santorini

Starting from Athinios Port, this cruise promises a lively introduction to the island’s volcanic core. From the moment you board, the live commentary enhances the experience, offering insights into Santorini’s fiery past and current activity. It’s quite fascinating to listen to the guides, like Spiros, who are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge—adding a personal touch to what might otherwise be a typical boat trip.

The first stop is Nea Kameni, the island’s uninhabited, bubbling volcano. If you choose the optional hike, you’ll ascend to the crater, which rewards you with panoramic views of the caldera, the surrounding islands, and the Aegean Sea. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes and sunscreen, as the terrain is volcanic and the sun can be intense. Several reviews highlight how worth the effort this hike is, with guests describing it as a “fantastic experience” and “very well organized,” with guides informing about the geology and history along the way.

Next, you’ll visit Palea Kameni, famous for its hot springs. A dip in these warm waters is the perfect way to unwind after your hike. The tour includes foam pool noodles—a small but appreciated detail—making floating even more fun. Many travelers mention how relaxing this stop is, and some reviews remark on how the hot springs are both therapeutic and enjoyable, especially when cooled off with a splash in the Aegean.

The visit to Thirasia, the island’s neighboring gem, is a favorite for many. Although the port is temporarily closed, the tour’s new plan involves stopping in a scenic bay for swimming and relaxing. When accessible, exploring the narrow streets of Manolas offers a glimpse into traditional life, with its whitewashed buildings and winding paths. Some travelers opt for a donkey ride or a walk up spiral staircases—adding an authentic touch to the day. Reviewers like Colette praise the well-organized itinerary and her guide, Spiros, for making the day memorable.

An Itinerary That Balances Adventure and Leisure

The tour lasts around 6 hours and includes roundtrip transportation, making it convenient for visitors staying in Fira or Oia. The timing is generally flexible, starting in the morning or early afternoon, and you’ll be back in Santorini by mid-afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore further or relax.

One of the most praised aspects is the value for money—a packed day with multiple highlights at a reasonable price. For example, the hot springs alone can be a pricey experience on their own, but this tour includes it along with the volcano hike, village visit, and scenic cruise. The guided commentary enhances the experience, making it more than just a boat ride; it’s an educational journey with insights that stick with you.

The tour’s group size seems manageable, and the guides, such as Spiros, are noted for their friendly and helpful attitude. Plus, since the tour is multilingual, you’re likely to find guides speaking English, Italian, French, Spanish, or Greek, catering to diverse travelers.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

Bring comfortable shoes for the volcano hike and walking around the villages. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for protection against the sun on deck and during land excursions. A towel is useful if you plan to swim in the hot springs or the bay, and cash is needed for optional entry fees (like the volcano) or additional drinks.

Since lunch isn’t included, you might want to bring snacks or plan to grab something in town afterward. Drinks are available for purchase onboard, so hydration isn’t a concern. Be aware of the current modifications due to seismic activity—your tour might skip the port stop at Thirasia and instead focus on scenic cruising and swimming, which still makes for a beautiful, relaxing experience.

The pickup from central Thera simplifies logistics, but it’s wise to confirm your details (full names, dates of birth, nationalities) as required by port authorities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a well-rounded day of natural beauty, gentle adventure, and cultural insight without spending an entire day on the water. If you’re interested in volcanoes, hot springs, and authentic Greek villages, this tour delivers. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate good organization and friendly guides, as many reviews mention.

If you’re not keen on long hikes or swimming, the optional activities can be skipped or adjusted. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, plan accordingly.

This trip offers beautiful views, interesting geology, and a taste of local life, all wrapped into a manageable 6-hour package—great for a day in Santorini that balances activity with relaxation.

FAQ

Is the volcano hike mandatory?
No, the hike is optional. You can choose to join the guided walk up Nea Kameni or stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the tour price?
Roundtrip transfers, a local guide, live commentary on the boat, the optional volcano hike, swimming stop at the hot springs, and foam pool noodles are included. Lunch and drinks are extra.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, a €5 cash fee for the volcano entry, and any personal expenses or extra drinks you purchase onboard.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, beachwear, and cash are recommended.

Is the port stop at Thirasia guaranteed?
Not currently. Due to seismic activity, the port is closed, and the boat will instead stop in a bay for swimming, but the scenic and cultural highlights remain.

This cruise offers a fantastic way to explore Santorini’s volcanic features, relax in hot springs, and see a traditional village—all in a neat six-hour package. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a mix of physical activity, natural beauty, and informative guides. If you don’t mind a bit of an adventure and appreciate good value, this day trip is likely to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this volcanic island.