Santorini by Private Boat to Thirassia, Lunch Ready After the Swim

Fira Santorini Old Port, Thira

Santorini Old Harbor

The Old Port sits under Fira and was the island's main gate until 1960, reachable only by the steps, though there is a cable car now as well. It shows plainly how hard life on Santorini was before it became the destination it is. The cruise ships are based here too, so the area gets crowded, which makes no difference once the boat has left.

Nea Kameni Volcanic Park

On request, the boat stops at the volcanic park of Nea Kameni, where the most recent eruptions of the Santorini volcano are, for a closer look at them.

Costo extra

Nea Kameni

Whether or not you stop at the volcanic park, the skipper explains how the volcanic activity built the caldera, then makes the first swimming stop at the thermal springs. The volcano is still working here. The sea warms up from it, reaching around 100 degrees Fahrenheit in places, and the water is full of minerals, which do the skin good.

Costo extra

Palea Kameni

Palea Kameni is the first lava island to rise from the centre of the crater, after the eruption that made the caldera. The lava flow coming up out of the sea is visible from the boat. On its south side there is a beach with clear water, and the skipper will stop there if you ask and the weather allows it.

Thirassia

Thirassia is the west side of the Santorini volcano, from before it broke into three pieces. The cut through the rock shows how the volcano built itself, one eruption at a time. There is swimming and snorkelling here, in clear water this time, and the place still feels like the Santorini of the nineties, tourism having mostly left it alone. While the guests are in the water, the traditional products are prepared, and they are waiting when everyone comes back aboard.

Oia

Last, and not least, the village of Oia, the white houses running down the cliffs of the caldera like snow, with the blue domes among them. The skipper cruises under the village, past Ammoudi and along the whole length of it.