The volcano of Santorini is the most famous among the volcanoes forming the Aegean volcanic arc.

It is one of the largest underwater volcanoes, it is still active and its famous caldera is the only inhabited one in the whole world.

The biggest recorded eruption of the volcano was in 1600 BC. This eruption is also known as the Minoan eruption, not only because the people of Crete were affected too, but mainly because --according to some-- it contributed greatly to the final devastation of the Minoan civilization.

The circular island that was once there (Strogyli) was almost destroyed by the eruption. Its central piece sank, while its remains now include Santorini, Thirassia, Palia and Nea Kameni. Due to the volcano, a great mass of pumice stones ejected in the air and were later found even in remote areas such as Paros, Lemnos, Samothrace, Crete and Egypt. Also, a large tsunami was created, perhaps the largest in the Mediterranean.

Now 8 volcanic craters can be found in total, seven in Old Kameni and one in Nea Kameni, which is the youngest island in the Mediterranean. One more underwater crater, the Koloubos, is located in the northwestern part of the island, near Oia. Although the volcano today is calm, you can see gases and fumes being released.

You can visit the volcanoes by boat from Gialos in Fira or Athinio and Ammoudi in Oia. The small boats will take you to Palia and Nea Kameni.