Posted by Origins, Famous Craters & Tips for Visitors
Greece is not only known for sun, beaches, and ancient temples – the country also lies in one of the most geologically active regions of Europe. More than 100 volcanoes shape the Aegean Sea and the Greek mainland. Some are still active today, others long extinct, but their traces define the landscape, soil, and even tourism in many places.
Visitors to Greece can experience volcanoes up close: while hiking on Santorini, in the sulfur fumarole on Nisyros, in the hot springs of Methana, or on the bizarre rocky coasts of Milos.
Formation of Greek Volcanoes
The Greek volcanoes belong to the so-called Aegean Volcanic Zone, which stretches from southwest to northeast across the islands of Milos, Santorini, and Nisyros to the Turkish coast near Kos.
It was formed by the collision of two tectonic plates:
The African Plate is slowly subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate. The enormous pressure melts rock deep underground, which then rises as magma – this is how volcanoes are formed over millions of years.
This zone remains active to this day. Earthquakes are therefore not uncommon in Greece, but powerful volcanic eruptions are rare. The last major eruption occurred in 1950 on Santorini.
An overview of Greece’s most important volcanoes:
1. Santorini – the most famous volcano in the Aegean
Santorini (Thira) is the most famous volcano in Greece – and one of the most spectacular in the world.
Around 3,600 years ago, a massive volcano exploded here in one of the largest eruptions in Earth’s history. This created the striking caldera, a ring-shaped group of islands with steep cliffs.
Today, you can easily explore the crater as a visitor: Boat trips depart from Fira or Oia to the small islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. There you can hike across cooled lava fields, see the steaming fumaroles, and bathe in the warm sulfur springs.
Last eruption: 1950 (minor eruption)
Activity: slightly active, constantly monitored
Sights: Caldera hike Fira–Oia, Nea Kameni volcanic island, sulfur springs
👉 Tip: The best views of the crater are from Fira, Imerovigli, or Oia – especially at sunset.
2. Nisyros – the active crater in the Dodecanese
The small island of Nisyros, south of Kos, is a hidden gem for volcano enthusiasts.
Here lies one of the few active craters in Europe, the Stefanos crater, which you can enter.
Inside, steam rises and hisses, the air is thick with the smell of sulfur, and the ground reaches temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius in some places.
Nisyros is part of the same volcanic system as Santorini, but significantly smaller. The island was formed about 150,000 years ago by several explosions. Today, around 1,000 people live on Nisyros, benefiting from the fertile volcanic soil.
Last eruption: ca. 1888 (small phreatic explosion)
Activity: active, but quiet
Sights: Stefanos crater, the small craters “Polyvotis” and “Mikros Polyvotis,” the village of Nikia with its panoramic views
👉 Tip: Ferries depart daily from Kos to Nisyros – perfect for a day trip.
3. Methana – the volcano in the Peloponnese
The Methana peninsula lies in the northeast of the Peloponnese and is actually an ancient volcano.
Around 30 cones and lava domes bear witness to past eruptions.
The most recent known eruption occurred around 230 BC, was described by ancient authors such as Strabo, and formed the present-day Methana crater.
Today, the area is a popular destination for hikers and geologists. The climb to the lava dome at Kameni Chora is particularly impressive, where you walk directly on solidified lava. The Methana hot springs near the port are another reminder of the volcanic activity.
Last eruption: 230 BC
Activity: Dormant, but thermally active
Points of interest: Kameni Chora lava dome, sulfur springs, hiking trails across lava rock
4. Milos – Island of Colors and Shapes
Milos is one of the most beautiful volcanic islands in Greece.
Although volcanism here has been extinct for millennia, it has left behind a unique landscape: bizarre rock formations, colorful cliffs, and hot springs.
The soil of Milos is rich in minerals – sulfur, kaolin, pumice, and obsidian have been mined here since antiquity.
Beaches like Sarakiniko (with its white tuff cliffs) or Firiplaka impressively demonstrate the diversity of volcanic rock.
Last eruption: over 90,000 years ago
Activity: extinct
Sights: Sarakiniko, sulfur mines, Volcanic Rock Museum in Adamas
👉 Tip: Milos is also perfect for beachgoers – nature and the sea are right next to each other.
5. Kos & Kalymnos – Recent Volcanic Traces
On the neighboring islands of Nisyros, such as Kos and Kalymnos, you’ll find smaller volcanic features: hot springs, gas bubbles in the water, or sulfurous vapors.
The hot springs near Therma (Kos) originate from the same geological zone as Nisyros – an indication of deep-lying volcanic activity.
6. Sousaki – The Unknown Volcano on the Mainland
Only about 60 km from Athens, near the city of Corinth, lies the small volcano Sousaki.
It is considered extinct, but sulfurous gases still escape from fissures.
The volcano is largely undeveloped for tourism, but geologically interesting.
A hike through the Sousaki Gorge impressively demonstrates how active the Greek subsurface still is.
Other Volcanic Areas in Greece
Besides these well-known sites, there are numerous smaller volcanoes and geothermal zones:
Psathoura (Northern Sporades): Submarine volcano, part of an ancient crater system
Gyali (near Nisyros): Small glass island with pumice quarries
Antimilos: Uninhabited neighboring island of Milos, entirely of volcanic origin
Lesbos – Hot springs near Eftalou and Polichnitos
Limnos: Ancient volcanic rocks characterize the landscape
Aegina & Poros: Small lava domes in the Saronic Gulf
Active vs. extinct volcanoes
| Type | Examples | Activity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active volcanoes | Santorini, Nisyros | monitored, occasional gas activity | Sulfur fumes, hot springs, seismically active |
| Dormant volcanoes | Methana, Sousaki | No eruptions, but heat and steam. | Hot springs, volcanic rock |
| Extinct volcanoes | Milos, Limnos | no more activity | colorful rocks, mineral wealth |
Volcanoes and Tourism
Many Greek volcanoes are now major tourist attractions.
They shape not only the landscape but also the culture and economy:
Volcano wine: On Santorini, vines grow in volcanic ash – wines like Assyrtiko are considered particularly mineral-rich.
Thermal springs: Hot springs bubble up in Methana, Lesbos, and Kos – popular for spa treatments and wellness.
Hiking & Nature: Crater hikes, viewpoints, and geothermal areas are perfect destinations for nature lovers.
Geotourism: More and more visitors are interested in geology, volcanoes, and sustainable tourism – a growing trend.
Danger from volcanoes in Greece
Although Greece has many volcanoes, there is little danger for travelers.
The most active areas (Santorini, Nisyros) are constantly monitored by Greek and international geologists.
Warning systems are in operation, and activity is measured regularly.
Eruptions are rare and usually small. The last major eruption on Santorini in 2011–2012 resulted only in minor seismic activity, without causing any damage.
Volcanoes as Part of Greek Mythology
Volcanoes also played a significant role in Greek mythology.
It was believed that the blacksmith god Hephaestus had his workshop inside a volcano—Most often Mount Etna, sometimes the volcano beneath the Aegean Sea.
The fires, fumes, and tremors were interpreted as signs of his wrath.
To this day, places like Kameni Chora (“the burned village”) or Nea Kameni (“the new burned one”) bear this memory in their names.
Conclusion: Volcanoes Shape the Face of Greece
Volcanoes are an important part of Greek nature.
They have created landscapes, formed islands, and made the soil fertile.
Whether on Santorini, Nisyros, or Milos—you see the traces of fire everywhere.
For travelers, they offer a fascinating blend of nature, history, and geology.
And the best part: Many of these volcanic areas are easy to visit – on foot, by boat, or as a day trip from the popular islands.