The Santorini caldera, formed by the Minoan eruption around 1600 BC, stretches 11 kilometres wide and 400 metres deep — a flooded volcanic crater that reshaped the Aegean. On its western side, near the dark islet of Palea Kameni, warm mineral-rich water seeps through underwater vents, creating a natural hot spring that families can swim in. The water hovers around 30–35°C, noticeably warmer than the surrounding sea, but the real draw is the novelty: you float inside a caldera above an active volcano, watching your kids paddle through orange-brown water that smells faintly of sulphur.
Yes, if you go in knowing what it is and what it is not. The water is warm but not hot-tub warm, the swim from the boat requires some confidence, and there are zero facilities on Palea Kameni. What you get instead is a genuine geological experience that most visitors to Santorini assume is a tourist trap and skip. For families with swimmers aged 7 and up, it is one of the more memorable things you can do from the island.
A Hot Spring, Not a Spa
The first thing to understand is that Santorini’s hot springs are not a developed bathing area. They are a shallow bay on Palea Kameni where hydrothermal activity warms the seawater through iron-rich volcanic vents. The water has a distinct yellow-orange tint and a sulphur smell that some people find off-putting. It also stains swimwear — the iron content leaves orange-brown marks that do not wash out.
The bay is entirely natural. No changing rooms, no showers, no concession stand. You swim from the boat, stay in the warm zone for 20–30 minutes, and swim back. The whole experience is raw and unpolished, which is precisely why it works for families who want something real rather than a packaged attraction.
There are no lifeguards, no marked swimming areas, and the bottom is rough volcanic rock. Water shoes are useful, and goggles help since the water is murky near the vents. The payoff is swimming in a place that feels genuinely otherworldly — a geothermally active bay inside a volcanic caldera, something you cannot do almost anywhere else on the planet.
Only by Boat
There is no public ferry to Palea Kameni. The only way to reach the hot springs is on a boat tour that stops there, and most tours depart from Fira Old Port or Athinios Port. The boat anchors about 50 metres from shore, and swimmers jump into cold open water and swim to the warm zone. The transition is sudden — one moment you are in standard Aegean temperature, the next the water turns noticeably warmer.
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Most tours combine the hot springs with a hike on Nea Kameni, where you can walk to the crater of the still-active volcano. The hike takes 20–30 minutes on loose volcanic rock — closed-toe shoes with grip are essential. You can also look into half-day tours that cover both the volcano and the hot springs, which is the most efficient way to fit both into a single morning or afternoon. For families who prefer a longer day on the water, catamaran cruises include the hot springs stop plus lunch, snorkelling, and sunset views. There are also options for private sightseeing tours if you want full control over the schedule.
| Tour Type | Duration | Price Range (per person) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Volcano + Hot Springs | 3–5 hours | €25–45 | Families wanting a short, focused outing | Includes Nea Kameni crater hike; most popular option |
| Catamaran Sunset Cruise | 5–8 hours | €100–200 | Families with older kids who enjoy sailing | BBQ dinner, open bar, sunset views; hot springs stop is one of several |
| Private Boat Charter | Half or full day | €500–2,000 | Groups of 6+ or families with very young children | Fully customisable; you decide how long to stay at the springs |
The table gives you a quick comparison, but one constraint it does not capture is the seasonal reality: most tours run only from April through October, and July and August sell out fast. Morning departures generally have calmer seas and fewer boats at the springs, while afternoon tours often face stronger winds and larger crowds. Book ahead if you are travelling in peak season, and check cancellation policies in case of rough weather.
Swimming with the Family
The swim from the boat to the warm zone is about 50 metres in open water, and the first half is cold. That rules out very young children and anyone who is not a confident swimmer. For kids who can manage it, though, the experience is a highlight — the water suddenly warms, the colour shifts, and the whole thing feels like a secret. Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes on the boat, because there is nowhere to dry off once you are back on board.
At Palea Kameni, wear an old dark-coloured swimsuit that you are willing to throw away afterward. The iron stains are permanent. Goggles are also worth bringing — the water near the hydrothermal vents is murky, but being able to see the bubbles rising from the volcanic floor adds another layer of wonder for kids.
Seasickness is a real consideration. The boat ride to Palea Kameni crosses open caldera water, and some children (and adults) feel queasy on standard tour boats. Morning tours tend to have calmer conditions. If your family is prone to motion sickness, consider a catamaran — the ride is smoother and the pace is more relaxed.
When to Go and What to Pack
The best months for a family trip to the hot springs are May, June, and September. July and August are peak season — more boats, hotter hiking conditions on Nea Kameni, and higher prices. May and June offer full tour availability with fewer crowds, and September has warm sea temperatures with calmer winds. Winter tours are limited and weather-dependent.
Peak season
Recommended
Off-season
The hike on Nea Kameni has almost no shade, and the dark lava rock reflects intense heat in July and August. Kids under 7 may struggle with the 20–30 minute uphill climb on loose volcanic gravel. Bring at least one litre of water per person, SPF 50, and a hat. If your child is not steady on uneven terrain, skip the crater hike and stay on the boat during that stop.
Packing for a family trip to the hot springs requires a small kit: old dark swimsuits, water shoes, goggles, a towel per person, a dry bag for electronics, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the boat ride back. If you are doing the Nea Kameni hike, closed-toe shoes with grip are non-negotiable — sandals on loose lava rock are a recipe for scraped knees.
Are the hot springs actually hot?
Not in the way a bathtub is hot. The water stays between 30°C and 35°C, which is warmer than the Aegean but not what most people imagine when they hear “hot springs.” It feels pleasant on a cool day and less noticeable on a scorching July afternoon.
You can read more about the temperature and mineral content of the Palea Kameni springs to set your expectations before you go.
Can we visit the hot springs without a tour?
Not practically. There is no public ferry to Palea Kameni, and independent boat hire is expensive and requires advance booking. The easiest way is to join a half-day tour that includes the hot springs as a stop.
If you are already on a caldera cruise, check whether the hot springs are included — many cruises list it as a standard stop.
Is the hot springs swim safe for young children?
The swim from the boat to the warm zone is about 50 metres in open water, and the first section is cold. Children who are not confident swimmers will find it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. For kids aged 7 and up who swim well, it is manageable with a parent alongside.
There are no lifeguards or marked swimming areas, so you are responsible for your child’s safety in the water.
Will the water stain our swimsuits?
Yes. The iron and sulphur content in the water leaves orange-brown stains that do not wash out. Wear old dark-coloured swimsuits that you are prepared to discard afterward. The same applies to jewellery — leave it on the boat.
This is a straightforward limitation that many tour operators mention in their pre-trip information.
What is the best time of day to go with kids?
Morning tours, departing between 8:00 and 10:00, are the best choice. The sea is calmer, the sun is less intense for the Nea Kameni hike, and there are fewer boats at the hot springs. Afternoon tours can be windy and crowded.
If you are visiting in July or August, a morning departure also means you avoid the peak heat of the day on the volcano trail.
The hot springs at Palea Kameni are not a luxury spa, and they are not for every family. But the experience of swimming in a geothermally active bay inside a volcanic caldera, with your kids floating beside you and the caldera cliffs rising 300 metres overhead, is the kind of thing that shifts how you see a place. For more practical advice on visiting Santorini with children, our full Santorini destination guide covers everything from family-friendly accommodation to the best beaches and restaurants.
Sources and further reading
Santorini Hot Springs: A Complete Guide. Day Trips from Santorini, 2026.
Santorini Volcano and Caldera Guide. Discover Cyclades.
Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Guide. Nomado Travel.
What to Know Before Visiting Santorini’s Hot Springs. Shore Excursions Group.
