Thirassia: Day Trips and Tours from Santorini

Thirassia was formed by a colossal volcanic eruption that destroyed the larger island of Strogili — present-day Santorini, Asporinsi and Thirassia.

The sleepy volcanic island is just a quick jaunt by boat from the famous honeymoon destination of Santorini.

Thirassia is just as romantic as the famous island with just 300 residents, iconic Grecian architecture and steep winding hills plummeting to vivid blue waters.

While Santorini may feel like heaven, you'll find the region is full of unbelievable islands and undiscovered coves on a Thirassia day trip.

How to get to Thirassia from Santorini?

Thirassia is just one mile away from the west coast of Santorini and sits directly across from the coastal town of Oia.

From Santorini to Thirassia by ferry

The only way to access the island is by boat. It is a 10-30 minute journey to Thirassia by ferry from the port of Ammoudi, near Oia. The ferry runs several times a day and makes stops at both ports in Thirassia — Riva, and Korfos. You can also access the island by ferry from the port of Athinios.

Guided tour to Thirassia from Santorini

Guided tours last between five and 11 hours, although most last around eight. You'll be picked up from your hotel around 9 AM to start your day tour to Thirassia.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Thirassia from Santorini?

There is some variation in Thirassia day trips, however, most follow a similar itinerary. You will usually be picked up from your hotel around 9 AM and head to the port via bus.

The first stop of the day is at the Nea Kameni volcano, followed by a dip in the hot springs at neighboring Palea Kameni.

A tour guide is often present to give you some background on the geological event that changed the landscape dramatically.

Thirassia is likely to be the last stop and many tours include a buffet lunch on the island. Either way, you'll have free time to saunter lazily around its port or bask in the Grecian sunshine, before sailing back to Santorini.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Thirassia?

There is plenty to be discovered on the way to Thirassia from Santorini, and most tours make stops at notable points of interest along the way.

Day tours to Thirassia from Santorini

Day tours start with a pickup from your hotel and travel to the port before boarding your vessel for the day. Firstly, you'll visit the volcano of Nea Kameni and have the opportunity to peek inside its crater. The volcano last erupted over 70 years ago.

Next, you'll travel over to Palea Kameni and feel your body relax as you sink into its thermal springs.

The last spot on your day tour to Thirassia is the island itself, which was originally part of Santorini. With ample free time, you can take advantage of the island's incredible hiking or explore the white-washed buildings of Manola.

If you want to take it easy, simply unwind on the volcanic black beach.

Small group tour to Thirassia from Santorini

Small group tours are limited to 15 individuals and impart on you a better understanding of Thirassia. You'll spend five hours on the island, ambling through vineyards, discovering caves and investigating traditional Greek villages.

You can choose a tour that includes lunch or dinner, which is served in a local church courtyard. There is also the chance to learn about Thirassia wine, which comes with a twist — the winery is run by priests.

Private yacht tour to Thirassia from Santorini

On a private cruise to Thirassia, you'll sail through Santorini's volcanic caldera and experience the vast changes that the eruption has caused to its surroundings.

The first stop is at Santorini's famous Red Beach and lesser-known White Beach for a spot of swimming before continuing on the tour. You'll stop at another of Santorini's volcanic beaches before sailing towards the volcano.

Once you've been awed by Nea Kameni, you'll be able to bathe in the hot springs nearby. Once you reach your destination on Thirassia Island, you'll be served a traditional lunch at a local Greek taverna. You can choose to take this tour during the day or begin late in the afternoon for a sunset cruise.

Sunset tour to Thirassia plus Nea Kameni volcano from Santorini

Sunset tours follow the same route as other day trips to Thirassia Island but the atmosphere is more relaxed and romantic. Tours start at 2 PM and make stops at Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia. On the island, you'll dine on a gourmet buffet meal and wine, before setting sail back to Santorini as the sun sets over the horizon.

How much does a tour to Thirassia from Santorini cost?

Thirassia day trips cost around €48 per person and include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Santorini as well as a guide on the boat. Entrance to the volcano is at your own expense.

Small group tours include hotel pickup and drop off as well as all transportation, a local guide and lunch/dinner. You can expect to pay approximately €85.

Private day tours to Thirassia Island by yacht cost €2000 per person and include round trip transportation from your hotel. You'll also receive a guided tour of the many scenic destinations, a meal on Thirassia and beverages aboard the yacht.

Lastly, towels and snorkeling gear are provided for you. You can choose whether to take a day tour or a sunset tour at no extra cost.

Sunset tours begin in the afternoon and prices start at around €80. Your Thirassia excursion includes hotel pickup and drop off, a local guide, dinner and a complimentary glass of wine.

What will you see and do in Thirassia?

Nea Kameni

The first reports that suggest an eruption of Nea Kameni are from the first century. The volcano may be dormant now, but over the last 300 years it has been especially active, and the last recorded blast happened in 1950.

The island is uninhabited, and the only people that step foot upon it are the tourists that pass through on their way to Thirassia. While the land is barren in appearance, visitors can complete a hike to the 130-meter-high crater.

Once there, you can wander around the rim to envisage what it may have looked like when cataclysmic eruptions were occurring. There is a small volcanic crater that is still active on the island and visible to tourists. As you hike to the top, you'll see smoke and smell volcanic sulfur, all of which adds to the excitement.

Palea Kameni

Palea Kameni is another island inside the caldera and was founded by the Roman scientist Cassius Dio. In the present day, the island has just one inhabitant and a flock of goats.

Tourists don't stop at the small island for the farmyard animals though — visitors are drawn in from neighboring Santorini by the Palea Kameni hot springs.

There are several streams of thermal water on the island that boat-trippers can swim in on their day trip towards Thirassia. The water is green but healthy and pleasant to plunge into, and the temperature increases the later in the day that you visit.

Thirassia

If you want to get an insight into what Santorini was like before it exploded in popularity, Therassia is the place to do so. From its tiny port to its scattered villages and towering hills that provide panoramic views of its sister island Santorini, Therassia maintains its traditional charm.

While on the island, you can climb the 270 steps to the village of Manolas or sink your toes into the volcanic black sand beaches.

Alternatively, you can revel in the natural scenery with a heart-thumping hike and visit the abandoned village of Agrilia. 1,000 residents used to call Therassia home but after the last eruption in 1950, many locals fled the island and never returned.

If you want to extend your day tour to Thirassia, consider renting one of the few rooms available. You'll feel the island breath a sigh of relief as the last tourist boat leaves while you explore the island that's frozen in time alone.

Thirassia day trips give you plenty of opportunities to experience the allure of the island if you choose not to stay overnight.

When is the best time to visit Thirassia?

Thirassia experiences a warm and dry climate between May and October with highs of 26 degrees Celsius during July and August.

While only 1% of Santorini's visitors make the short jaunt to Thirassia, the island can still become busy in the peak of the summer.

For that reason, you should consider visiting in May, June or September when temperatures are balmy and boatloads of tourists are limited.

Travel tips

• Have cash with you if your Thirassia excursion includes a visit to the Nea Kameni volcano. It costs €2 to access the natural wonder.
• It's a steep hike to the crater of Nea Kameni. While you're sure to need flip-flops on your day trip, pack comfortable walking shoes as well.
• Sunset is the perfect time of day to experience sailing on the southern Aegean sea. If it fits into your itinerary, you should arrange an afternoon tour to Thirassia.
• The hot springs of Palea Kameni can become very warm in the afternoon. Dip a toe in before you slide your whole body into the water.