Authors
George Papadellis | SG Head
with some good tips from AI
Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea, located near the popular tourist island of Santorini in Greece, within the flooded Santorini caldera. This island is not a typical Greek destination, as it is a natural wonder created by a volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago. Nea Kameni has almost round shape with a radius of 1 kilometer and a surface of 3.5 km2. It is continuously monitored by the scientific team of the Greek Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano (ISMOSAV) and it is a protected site for science. Nea Kameni is visited daily throughout the summer by dozens of tourist boats. Visitors can experience the island's unique geology by hiking to the top of the volcano and witnessing the remarkable views of the surrounding caldera. In this article, we delve deeper into the fascinating history and features of Nea Kameni.
Photo by: Bernard Gagnon, Nea Kameni, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Formation of Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni was formed around 1,700 BC, after a massive volcanic eruption that shook the Aegean region. The eruption lasted for several days and is considered to be one of the largest in recorded history. The ash and lava that spewed from the volcano covered the island of Santorini and created a new island, which was named Nea Kameni, meaning "new burnt" in Greek.
Photo by: Tango7174, Santorini NeaKameni tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0
Geological Features
The island of Nea Kameni is a geological wonderland, with unique features that are not found on other Greek islands. The island is dominated by a large caldera, which is a volcanic crater that was created during the eruption. The caldera is approximately 2 kilometers wide and 130 meters deep, and it is surrounded by steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. Visitors to Nea Kameni can also witness the active volcano, which is still active today. The volcano is constantly emitting sulfur gases, and visitors can see the smoke rising from the volcano's crater. The island is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties due to the minerals and salts in the water.
Photo by: iStock.com | dgero
Hiking to the Top
One of the most popular activities on Nea Kameni is hiking to the top of the volcano. The hike takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level, and is considered to be moderately difficult. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the hike can be strenuous. Once you reach the top of the volcano, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. The crater of the volcano is also an incredible sight, with its rugged terrain and smoky atmosphere. Visitors can then complete a full round of the rim.
To Sum Up ...
Nea Kameni is a remarkable destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Greece. Its unique geology and active volcano make it a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for an adventure, Nea Kameni is the perfect destination for you. So pack your bags and head to this volcanic wonder of Greece for an experience of a lifetime!
Nea Kameni's volcanic landscape offers a unique glimpse into Santorini's geological history, with its active sulfur vents and rugged terrain!
Walking on a volcanic island???? Amazing!!!
Awesome experience!!
I recommend the Schooner ride, which later goes to the hot springs (€25 and entrance to the island costs €5).