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Santorini Caldera: A Volcanic Masterpiece

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Santorini's caldera, a natural wonder shaped by volcanic history and offering unforgettable views.

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The Santorini caldera is a breathtaking, mostly submerged volcanic crater in the Aegean Sea, formed thousands of years ago by a massive eruption. Today, it's surrounded by the iconic villages of Santorini, offering unparalleled views and a glimpse into the island's dramatic history.

A brief summary to Santorini caldera

  • Vothonas, GR

Local tips

  • Hike the Fira to Oia trail for stunning caldera views, passing through picturesque villages.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun, especially during summer.
  • Take a boat tour to explore the caldera from the water and visit the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni.
  • Book accommodations in Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, or Firostefani for breathtaking caldera views from your hotel.
  • Enjoy the iconic Santorini sunset from Oia, Imerovigli, or Fira.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Santorini Airport (JTR), take the KTEL bus to Fira. From Fira bus station, transfer to another bus that serves villages along the caldera rim, such as Oia, Imerovigli or Firostefani. Bus tickets are purchased on board with cash and cost between €2.00 and €2.50 depending on the destination. The bus from the airport to Fira costs €1.80.

  • Taxi

    From Santorini Airport (JTR), a taxi to the caldera can cost €30-€40 and takes approximately 2 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the airport. Ensure the driver uses a meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    If arriving in Fira by cruise ship, the caldera is easily accessible by walking up the main street from the port. Alternatively, you can take the cable car from the port to Fira for €6.00. From Fira, you can walk along the caldera path to Firostefani and Imerovigli. This scenic hike offers stunning views.

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Discover more about Santorini caldera

The Santorini caldera is one of the world's most captivating natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors annually. This large, mostly submerged volcanic crater offers a glimpse into the island's explosive past. The caldera was formed around 3,600 years ago (around 1600 BCE) during the Minoan eruption, a cataclysmic event that reshaped the island's geological profile. Before the eruption, Santorini was a circular island called Strogili. The eruption expelled vast amounts of magma, causing the center of Strogili to collapse into the sea, creating the caldera. The caldera measures approximately 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), with steep cliffs rising up to 300 m (980 ft) on three sides. The depth of the caldera plunges to a tremendous 400m, making it impossible for ships to anchor here. The present-day caldera is composed of overlapping shield volcanoes, cut by at least four partially overlapping calderas. Subsequent eruptions formed Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, two small volcanic islands at the center. Though dormant, Santorini is an active volcano. The last eruption was in 1950. The villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Akrotiri are perched on the caldera's cliffs, offering stunning views. The sunsets are legendary, drawing people from around the world. The caldera is accessible from every corner of Santorini. You can explore the caldera by boat, hike along the rim, or simply relax and enjoy the view from one of the many restaurants and cafes.

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