Néa Kaméni: the’volcanic island of Santorini
Close to the main island of Santorini, in the heart of the caldera, is located Nea Kameni. This volcanic island gave birth to the archipelago of Santorini. On the spot, you will find a crater attracting millions of tourists every year.
The latter is 150 meters high.
history of the island’volcanic island of Néa Kaméni
Did you know that in the year 1600 B.C. J.-C. A powerful volcanic eruption destroyed the center of what is now the island of Santorini ? And over the centuries, the molten rock spewed out by the underwater volcano has risen to the center of the caldera. This is how the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni came into being. The island of Nea Kameni is very recent.
It emerged from the sea between 1570 and 1573.
At that time, it was called Mikri Kaméni and was only a small islet. From 1707 to 1710, a second larger island called Nea Kameni appeared to the west of the first islet. Between 1866 and 1870, new lands appeared in the south of Nea Kameni tripling its surface. From 1925 to 1928, eruptions created in the northeast of the caldera. This phenomenon led to the fusion of Mikri Kameni and Nea Kameni.
Between 1939 and 1941, new rocks have clumped around the island currently known as Néa Kaméni. In 1950, an eruption occurred in the area of the island. However, the latter has not affected its surface area.
How to get to Néa Kaméni ?
During your stay in Santorini, do not miss to visit the island of Nea Kameni. Its unique and changing scenery is well worth the detour. While walking there, you will cross rocky fields tinted with beige, red, ochre and black.
To reach the island, you will have to register with a tourist agency for an excursion from Santorini to Nea Kameni. You can get there by fast shuttle or opt for a trip to discover the other islands around Santorini, in addition to this destination. To reach your destination, you will take a boat leaving from one of the ports of the caldera.
The shortest way from Santorini to Nea Kameni is from Firostefani.
However, most of the excursions to the island leave from the port of Fira. You will have the possibility to go alone or to come with a group. However, be aware that the island is a protected reserve. You will have to follow an obligatory path.
Moreover, you will not be able to bring back souvenirs from the place. For an excursion to Néa Kaméni, you will have to prepare yourself. You will think in particular to take water and food, because there is no store on the island.
You should also bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Finally, it is strongly recommended to wear closed shoes.
