Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
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Imagine travelling back in time, to when Santorini was still a diamond in the rough to be discovered. This is exactly what Thirasia (or Therasia), a small island located in the north-west of Santorini, right opposite the famous village of Oia, offers. Thirasia is considered one of the most authentic islands in Greece, where time seems to stand still, far from the mass tourism that characterises its more famous neighbour.
Before the devastating volcanic eruption of 1628 BC, Thirasia was part of the ancient island of Strongyli (later Santorini). Only after that catastrophic explosion, which caused the caldera to collapse, did the island separate to form this peaceful little paradise where life still flows slowly according to the rhythms of nature. With an area of only 9 km² and some 250-300 permanent residents, Thirasia offers a unique and authentic experience of island Greece.
To visit Thirasia is to take a trip to the Greece of yesteryear, discovering ancestral traditions and unspoilt volcanic landscapes, while admiring the famous Santorini caldera from a completely different perspective. And for those seeking tranquillity, the sunset seen from the island’s northern spur is considered the best in the entire archipelago!
Reaching this small island is quite easy, and there are several options available.
From the port of Ammoudi (Oia): this is the quickest connection, with small boats leaving daily and taking only 10-15 minutes to cross the arm of the sea. From the port of Athinios: larger ferries that take about 40-45 minutes for the crossing. These are the only ones that can also carry vehicles.
The most popular option is to join one of the many boat tours that include Thirasia together with a visit to the volcano (Nea Kameni) and the hot springs (Palea Kameni). These excursions depart from all the main ports of Santorini and can take half or full days.
The island’s main settlement is Manolas, the picturesque capital located on top of the caldera, which offers spectacular views of Santorini and the Aegean Sea. This small village characterised by typically Cycladic white houses and narrow streets is reached by climbing 270 stone steps from the port of Korfos.
Despite its small size, Manolas is home to some traditional cafes and tavernas where you can enjoy typical dishes prepared with local ingredients at much more affordable prices than in Santorini. The church of Agios Konstantinos, with its 19th century blue dome, stands majestically at the top of the village.
About 1 km inland from Manolas is Potamos, a small village built into a ravine (hence the name, meaning ‘river’ in Greek). Here you can admire some beautiful stone houses with courtyards and two churches in the centre: Agios Dimitrios and the colourful Panagia Yatrissa.
Korfos is a small marina on the east coast where the boats that take tourists around the caldera dock. It is connected to Manolas by a steep flight of 270 steps. Many visitors stop here to have lunch in one of the taverns overlooking the caldera without going up to the main village.
Riva, also called Agia Irini, is the main port at the northern end of the island. It is named after the nearby church that supposedly gave its name to the entire island of Santorini (Santa Irini). Larger ferries from mainland Greece and Santorini arrive here.
Agrilia is the oldest settlement on the island, now abandoned. Here you can explore the remains of traditional ‘cave houses’ and the Church of Eisodia Theotokou, considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Aegean. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from this vantage point.
The island is a paradise for hikers. Here are some recommended routes:
Although Thirasia is not famous for its beaches, there are a few places to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean:
Accommodation on Thirasia is limited but offers an authentic and genuine experience. On the island you will mainly find small family-run hotels, cosy rooms for rent and some private villas with panoramic views of the caldera. The atmosphere is intimate and personal, very different from the tourist resorts of Santorini. Due to limited availability, we recommend booking well in advance, especially if you plan to visit the island during the summer months when demand is highest.
We offer a selection of hotels at Thirasia to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Thirasia, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Thirasia. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Thirasia are in high demand.
Thirasia is a very small island and the best way to explore it is on foot. There is no public transport, so the alternatives are:
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