Santorini is a bucket list destination for so many people around the globe, and understandably so as images of dreamy sunsets and one-of-a-kind villages like Oia, Fira and Imerovigli light up the Instaverse. To that, you can add vineyard tours, visits to traditional villages and – perhaps the highlight – caldera views from right across the island, which is why a boat tour to Santorini’s caldera islands is up there among the unmissable things to do on Greece’s star island.
They all have an incredible story that adds to the allure of Santorini, having been born out of volcanic eruptions as long as 3,600 years ago. The most famous was in 1613 BC (one of the biggest on record and called the Minoan Eruption as it is said to have been responsible for wiping out Crete’s Minoan civilisation), which sank much of the great island of Strongili and created the caldera we marvel at today. Santorini was part of Strongili, as were Thirasia and Aspronisi islands on the other side of the caldera.
Subsequent eruptions all the way up to the mid-20th century caused another two islands to rise from within the caldera. Named Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, they are formed out of pumice and other volcanic rock and are now Natura 2000-protected environments.
A volcano cruise from Santorini allows you to walk around one-of-a-kind moonscapes and craters and even swim in seawater warmed by thermal springs. Bareboat rental often can include Thirasia (a throwback to a simpler age), where you’ll experience views of Santorini from the other side of the caldera. And if you choose an evening boat rental, you’ll experience yet another angle to Santorini’s world-famous sunset and more memories that last a lifetime.