Palea Kameni

Welcome to Palea Kameni, a name that translates appropriately to 'Old Burnt.' Standing in the very heart of the Santorini caldera, this island is one of the two volcanic peaks that emerged from the depths of the Aegean long after…

The primary focus for any visitor to Palea Kameni is the Bay of Ayios Nikolaos. This small, sheltered cove is the site of the island's famous hot springs. …

As you move closer to the vents at the edge of the bay, the chemical processes become even more visible. The rocks along the waterline are coated in thick, crusty deposits of yellow and orange minerals. …

Palea Kameni has a unique human story that adds a layer of poignancy to its rugged landscape. For many years, the island has been home to a single human resident—a man named Sostis, who has lived here in self-imposed isolation. …

While the hot springs are the main draw, the interior of Palea Kameni is a geological wonderland of basaltic formations. As you look up at the ridges that form the backbone of the island, you are seeing the 'skeleton' of the…

Perched on a low rocky outcrop near the hot springs is the tiny Chapel of Ayios Nikolaos. Like its namesake church on the Red Beach, this chapel serves as a spiritual sentinel, marking a place of both natural wonder and potential…

The outer coastline of Palea Kameni, away from the sheltered hot springs, is a place of constant battle between the volcanic rock and the open Aegean. Here, the cliffs are higher and more exposed, showing the full effects of…

As we conclude our journey through Palea Kameni, I hope you have gained a deeper, more analytical understanding of this extraordinary volcanic peak. We have traveled from the therapeutic, orange-stained waters of Ayios Nikolaos…