The geological story of the island goes back some thousands of years ago, when a volcanic eruption caused the center of Santorini to sink, leaving a crater, or caldera, with towering cliffs. Today the iconic caldera is a giant circular lagoon, upon whose perimeter Santorini’s group of islands are situated: the inhabited Thira and Thirassia and the uninhabited islets of Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. Picturesque villages of stunning Cycladic architecture literally hang on the edge of the caldera cliffs, offering breathtaking views to the Aegean and the island’s famed open skies. One can visit the volcanic site at the islet of Nea Kameni to discover the volcano’s crater and hot springs. The oldest volcanic site, Palea Kameni, has hot springs as well.
