Volcanic Hot Springs
The warm, iron-and-sulfur-tinted thermal waters in a cove off Palea Kameni, reached only by swimming from a boat in the caldera.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Volcanic Hot Springs worth it?
Volcanic Hot Springs is a specialist choice, not a default stop. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A novelty more than a spa: the water is warmer than the sea and the rust-red minerals supposedly do your skin good, and it's fun to swim into a volcanic cove.
- 02
The catch is that it's often only a couple of degrees warm, murky, and can stain swimwear orange.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Volcanic Hot Springs is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Volcanic Hot Springs is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Volcanic Hot Springs is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Volcanic Hot Springs can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Volcanic Hot Springs only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You want time outdoors
Volcanic Hot Springs offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You want the trip to feel easy
Volcanic Hot Springs offers some relaxation, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Included in boat trips
- Timing
- As part of a daytime caldera boat trip.
- Allow
- 30–45 min (within a trip)
- Accessibility
- Requires swimming from the boat; not for non-swimmers or limited mobility.
- Getting there
- Reached only by swimming from a boat in the Palea Kameni cove.