Best Greek Islands to visit for Volcanic Landscapes

The Aegean region is a prime area for seismic activities. This is largely due to the continuous movement of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates beneath the Aegean Ocean. Over the last millions of years, either current volcanoes or craters and remains of them have emerged from volcanic eruptions or surface disruptions.

Four Greek islands stand out for their unique volcanic landscapes: Methana, Santorini, Milos, and Nisyros. These islands belong to the Volcanic Arc of the South Aegean. Their dominant volcanoes provide stunning natural landscapes that captivate travelers.

Methana

Located close to the Southeastern cape of Peloponnese, Methana is one of the hidden treasures of the Aegean. The ancient volcano near Kameni Chora, the hot springs, and unique beaches are the main attractions of the peninsula. The last eruptions occurred in 1700, in the northern region near Methana. Though often referred to as an island, it’s actually a peninsula connected to the mainland by a small 300-meter road.

Tens of kilometers of marked scenic paths make it a great vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. While exploring Methana, you’ll come across medieval churches, remains of ancient stonework, solidified lava flows, the Acropolis of ancient Methana from 430 BC, and remnants of old windmills. The hot spring spas and quaint fishing villages, like Vathy, add to its charm.

Limnionas beach is a popular tourist attraction in Methana. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy ocean views and nature. The crystal-clear water, mountains, and forest create a serene environment. During the summer season, the well-organized beach with sunbeds and a beach bar is a plus. But for those who prefer a more natural setting, there are plenty of spots on the beach to relax under a tree’s shade.

Although Methana is family-oriented, it boasts a vibrant nightlife. In the evenings, the coastal road closes, allowing people to enjoy coffee shops, restaurants, and night bars without traffic, all while soaking in the views. Many believe that in a few years, Methana will become a must-visit near Peloponnese. So, visiting now offers a chance to experience its untouched beauty at reasonable prices.

Santorini

For a romantic getaway combined with unmatched volcanic scenery, Santorini is the destination. Often referred to as the Lost City of Atlantis by Plato, Santorini is one of the most unforgettable islands. It appears to rise from the sea, welcoming friends and couples to admire its wild beauty and breathtaking sunsets from the Caldera. The Minoan eruption in 1613 BC reshaped the island, leading to the formation of the Caldera and the smaller islands of Thirasia and Aspronisi.

Located in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is part of the Cyclades group. Like many Cycladic islands, it’s arid with no significant water sources like rivers or lakes. Rainwater collected in boreholes meets most of its irrigation needs. The fertile soil supports the cultivation of tomatoes, fava beans, and vines, contributing to the island’s unique culinary delights and aromatic wines.

Santorini is cosmopolitan. The whitewashed houses (or cave houses) built into the volcanic rock, with swimming pools overlooking the cliff, offer an unparalleled living experience. But there’s more to Santorini than sunsets and sea views. The island is home to a significant archaeological site, Akrotiri, a well-preserved prehistoric city. Visitors can traverse wooden bridges under a bioclimatic shelter to observe this ancient Mediterranean civilization, which was buried under volcanic ash from the catastrophic eruption.

Nea Kameni, a small island in the center of Santorini’s Caldera, is a popular day trip. Tourists can take a boat from the port of Athinios to Nea Kameni and hike to the island’s summit for panoramic views of the caldera. A small museum on the island provides insights into the volcanic history and the eruption that shaped Santorini’s unique landscape.

Milos

Milos is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rock formations. The island boasts some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches and hiking trails with views of neighboring islands. Sarakiniko beach is especially unique. The white rocks, shaped by years of wave erosion, are a testament to the island’s volcanic origins. These formations are not just visually appealing but also offer adventurous diving spots. Cliff jumping into the clear sea is a memory many cherish. A sail around the island is highly recommended to fully appreciate its grandeur.

Nisyros

Nisyros, at the eastern end of the South Aegean’s volcanic arc, is a lesser-known gem. Part of the Dodecanese group, it’s northwest of the famous Rhodes. Accessible by a 14-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port or a flight to Kos followed by a ferry, Nisyros offers authentic villages, traditional cafes, stone churches, and squares bustling with locals. The island has five volcanoes, but only hydrothermal explosions occur nowadays. The island’s heart houses a 4km-wide caldera that emits sulfur. Stefanos, the world’s largest hydrothermal crater, lies within this caldera. A visit to the crater, with its vivid colors and bubbling holes, feels otherworldly.

Nisyros’s hot springs, with temperatures between 30 to 60 °C, are a product of its volcanic activity. Hikers can explore the island’s trails, passing by dry stone walls, stone farmhouses, chapels, and distilleries. The island’s modern museum in Nikeia offers insights into Greece’s volcanic history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, volcano tourism in Greece provides more than just scenic views. It offers a chance to observe craters, volcanic boulders, hot springs, archaeological sites, and unparalleled sea views. Additionally, it showcases the resilience of locals who’ve coexisted with these volatile landscapes for generations.